Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar. It refers to the proper matching of the subject and verb in a sentence. It makes a sentence grammatically correct and easy to read.
One of the common mistakes in subject-verb agreement is the use of an incorrect form of the verb with the subject. This error happens when the subject and the verb do not agree in number. To avoid this mistake, one should practice subject-verb agreement exercises.
One exercise that can help improve subject-verb agreement skills involves using the correct verb tense with a subject. For example, when the subject is singular, the verb should also be in the singular form. Likewise, when the subject is plural, the verb should match and be in the plural form.
Let’s take the word “violet” as our subject. In the singular form, we say “a violet,” and in the plural form, we say “violets”. Here are some examples of subject-verb agreement exercises with the word “violet”.
1. A violet (grow, grows) in my garden every summer.
Answer: grows
Explanation: The subject is “a violet,” which is singular and requires a singular verb form. Therefore, the correct verb is “grows.”
2. These violets (smells, smell) so sweet.
Answer: smell
Explanation: The subject is “these violets,” which is plural and requires a plural verb form. Therefore, the correct verb is “smell.”
3. Every year, I (plant, plants) violet in my garden.
Answer: plant
Explanation: The subject is “I,” which is singular and requires a singular verb form. Therefore, the correct verb is “plant.”
4. The violet (is, are) the state flower of Illinois.
Answer: is
Explanation: The subject is “the violet,” which is singular and requires a singular verb form. Therefore, the correct verb is “is.”
5. All of the violets (needs, need) to be watered twice a week.
Answer: need
Explanation: The subject is “all of the violets,” which is plural and requires a plural verb form. Therefore, the correct verb is “need.”
Practicing subject-verb agreement exercises like the ones above can help improve writing skills and make your writing more effective. By mastering this basic grammar rule, anyone can create clear and understandable sentences that communicate their intended meaning accurately.