Subject Verb Agreement Editing

As a copy editor, one of the most critical aspects of editing is ensuring that the subject and verb in a sentence agree. Subject-verb agreement refers to the correct matching of a subject with a verb in terms of number. In simpler terms, it means that if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.

Subject-verb agreement errors can significantly affect the clarity and readability of a sentence. These mistakes can weaken the intended meaning of the sentence, making it difficult for the reader to understand the intended message.

Here are some common subject-verb agreement errors:

1. Singular or plural subjects

One of the most common errors is using a singular verb with plural subjects or vice versa. This error typically occurs when the writer is unclear about the number of the subject. For example:

Incorrect: The team are playing well.

Correct: The team is playing well.

Incorrect: A group of athletes were arriving at the stadium.

Correct: A group of athletes was arriving at the stadium.

2. Indefinite pronouns

Indefinite pronouns like anybody, everybody, nobody, someone, and everyone can create confusion when determining verb agreement. These pronouns are typically treated as singular subjects, and the verb that follows them should be singular. For example:

Incorrect: Everybody are invited to the party.

Correct: Everybody is invited to the party.

3. Compound subjects

When two or more subjects join together with a conjunction, the verb that follows should match the number of the plural subject. For example:

Incorrect: The dog and the cat chases the squirrel.

Correct: The dog and the cat chase the squirrel.

Subject-verb agreement errors can be challenging to catch, but they detract from the quality of the writing. As an editor, it is essential to keep these common errors in mind while proofreading and editing to ensure that the writing is grammatically correct and clear. The use of appropriate grammar and spelling can significantly improve the readability of any document, making it easy for the reader to comprehend the writer`s message. Remember that proofreading is a crucial step in ensuring that your work is polished and professional, and as a copy editor, you can make a significant impact by identifying subject-verb agreement issues and correcting them.