Writing is an essential form of communication, and it’s crucial to ensure that we use proper grammar and syntax in our writing. One critical aspect of writing is subject-verb agreement, which refers to the grammatical match between the subject and verb in a sentence. As a professional, I highly recommend paying close attention to subject-verb agreement to ensure the clarity and correctness of your writing.

Here are some tips to help you improve your subject-verb agreement in your notebook:

1. Identify the subject and verb in a sentence.

The first step in ensuring proper subject-verb agreement is identifying the subject and verb in a sentence. The subject is typically the noun or pronoun that performs the action in the sentence, while the verb is the action that the subject performs. For example, in the sentence “The cat sleeps on the couch,” “cat” is the subject, and “sleeps” is the verb.

2. Use singular verbs with singular subjects and plural verbs with plural subjects.

Once you’ve identified the subject and verb in a sentence, it`s essential to make sure that they agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb should be plural. For example, “He runs every day” and “They run every day.”

3. Be careful with collective nouns.

Collective nouns, such as “team,” “family,” and “audience,” refer to a group of people or things as a single unit. When using collective nouns as the subject of a sentence, it’s important to consider whether the group is acting as a unit or as individuals. If the collective noun is acting as a unit, use a singular verb. If the individuals in the group are acting separately, use a plural verb. For example, “The audience is applauding” and “The team are practicing their skills.”

4. Pay attention to indefinite pronouns.

Indefinite pronouns, such as “everyone,” “someone,” and “anybody,” refer to someone or something that is not specifically known or identified. When using indefinite pronouns as the subject of a sentence, always use a singular verb. For example, “Everyone is invited to the party” and “Someone is knocking at the door.”

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of writing that should not be overlooked. By ensuring that your subjects and verbs agree in number, you can improve the clarity and correctness of your writing, making it easier for your readers to understand your message. So, next time you are writing in your notebook, pay close attention to subject-verb agreement, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a better writer.