Subject-verb disagreement is a common mistake that writers make in their compositions. This mistake occurs when the verb in a sentence does not match the subject in terms of number and person. When subject-verb disagreement occurs, it can make your writing sound unprofessional and confusing to the reader.
In this article, we will take a look at three examples of subject-verb disagreement and how to correct them.
Example 1: The group of teenagers were dancing in the street.
In this sentence, the subject “group” is singular, and the verb “were” is plural. To correct this sentence, we need to make sure that the verb matches the singular subject. The corrected sentence should read:
The group of teenagers was dancing in the street.
Example 2: The book on the shelf are my favorite.
In this sentence, the subject “book” is singular, but the verb “are” is plural. To correct this sentence, we need to make sure that the verb matches the singular subject. The corrected sentence should read:
The book on the shelf is my favorite.
Example 3: Neither the teacher nor the students were interested in the lecture.
In this sentence, the subject “neither” is singular, but the verb “were” is plural. To correct this sentence, we need to make sure that the verb matches the singular subject. The corrected sentence should read:
Neither the teacher nor the students was interested in the lecture.
In conclusion, subject-verb disagreement is a common mistake that can be easily avoided by ensuring that the verb matches the subject. The examples provided in this article highlight the importance of correct subject-verb agreement and the potential confusion it can cause if not corrected. By paying attention to this rule, your writing will sound more professional and polished.