As a copy editor, one of the most common errors I come across is subject-verb agreement errors. These errors can occur when the subject and verb in a sentence do not match in number, causing confusion for readers and affecting the overall clarity of the text. In this article, we will explore what a subject-verb agreement error is and how to avoid it.

A subject-verb agreement error occurs when the subject and verb in a sentence do not agree in number. In simpler terms, this means that if the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular. Conversely, if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural. For example, in the sentence “The cat chases the mouse,” the subject “cat” is singular, so the verb “chases” is also singular. However, in the sentence “The cats chase the mouse,” the subject “cats” is plural, so the verb “chase” needs to be plural as well.

Let`s take a look at some common examples of subject-verb agreement errors:

1. Incorrect: The group of teenagers was playing soccer.

Correct: The group of teenagers were playing soccer.

In this example, the subject “group” is singular, but the verb “were” is plural. To correct the error, we need to make the verb singular: “The group of teenagers was playing soccer.”

2. Incorrect: The dogs barks all night.

Correct: The dogs bark all night.

In this example, the subject “dogs” is plural, but the verb “barks” is singular. To correct the error, we need to make the verb plural: “The dogs bark all night.”

Subject-verb agreement errors can also occur in more complex sentences. For example:

Incorrect: The book, along with the pens and pencils, is on the table.

Correct: The book, along with the pens and pencils, are on the table.

In this example, the subject is technically “the book,” which is singular. However, the sentence also includes “pens and pencils,” which are plural. To correct the error, we need to make the verb plural: “The book, along with the pens and pencils, are on the table.”

To avoid subject-verb agreement errors, it is important to make sure that the subject and verb match in number. When editing your work, make sure to read carefully and check for any of these errors. If you are uncertain about whether a subject and verb match in number, it is always a good idea to double-check with a grammar resource or a colleague.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement errors can be detrimental to the clarity of your writing. By understanding the basic rules of subject-verb agreement and being diligent in checking for errors, you can avoid these common mistakes and produce writing that is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.