CONCORD - 1

Summary

In this educational video, Kak Sofi from Rahil Education explains the concept of 'concord' or 'agreement' in English grammar, focusing on subject-verb agreement. She covers the importance of matching the subject with the correct verb form based on singular and plural distinctions, tense (past, present, future), and pronouns (he, she, they, etc.). Through examples, Sofi emphasizes the need to adjust verbs for subject-verb harmony, demonstrating common errors and how to avoid them. This lesson is essential for learners looking to strengthen their understanding of English sentence structure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Concord refers to the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence, based on number (singular or plural) and tense.
• 😀 Subject-verb agreement is essential in English grammar, and it requires the verb to match the subject in both number and tense.
• 😀 Singular subjects like 'he', 'she', 'it', and names are followed by verbs with an 's' or 'es' ending.
• 😀 Example: 'She knows my name' – 'She' is singular, so the verb 'knows' is conjugated with 's'.
• 😀 Plural subjects like 'they', 'we', 'I', and 'you' are followed by verbs without 's' or 'es'.
• 😀 Example: 'They know my name' – 'They' is plural, so the verb 'know' remains in its base form.
• 😀 Concord also involves ensuring verb tense matches the time frame of the action, such as present, past, or future.
• 😀 Example: 'He is writing' (present continuous), 'She has submitted' (present perfect), and 'They were walking' (past continuous).
• 😀 Pronouns (like 'he', 'she', 'they') must be consistent with the subject's number and tense when forming sentences.
• 😀 When two subjects are joined by 'and' (e.g., 'Dian and Mira'), they create a plural subject, requiring a plural verb.
• 😀 Example: 'Dian and Mira are singing' – 'Dian and Mira' are treated as plural, so the verb is 'are'.

Q & A

What is the meaning of 'concord' in English grammar?

Concord, also known as agreement, refers to the alignment between the subject of a sentence and its verb or auxiliary verb, the adjustment of tenses, and agreement with personal pronouns.

How is concord related to subject-verb agreement?

Subject-verb agreement (or verb agreement) is a part of concord, where the verb is adjusted according to whether the subject is singular or plural. For example, if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular as well.

What are some examples of singular subjects in English?

Singular subjects in English include pronouns like 'he', 'she', 'it', and specific names like 'Sofi' or 'Nando'. These subjects require singular verbs in a sentence.

What are the rules for subject-verb agreement with singular subjects?

When the subject is singular (e.g., 'he', 'she', 'it'), the verb must also be singular. The verb may end in 's' or 'es', for instance, 'She knows my name' or 'He writes every day'.

What are plural subjects in English?

Plural subjects include pronouns like 'we', 'they', and 'you' (both singular and plural), as well as names of multiple people or things. Plural subjects require plural verbs.

What is the rule for subject-verb agreement with plural subjects?

For plural subjects (e.g., 'they', 'we', 'you'), the verb should remain in its base form without adding 's' or 'es'. For example, 'They know my name' or 'We walk together'.

Why is it incorrect to use a singular verb with a plural subject?

It is incorrect because the verb must agree with the number of the subject. A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb.

What happens if two singular subjects are joined by 'and'?

When two singular subjects are joined by 'and', they are treated as a plural subject and require a plural verb. For example, 'Dian and Mira are singing'.

Can a plural subject be followed by a singular verb?

No, a plural subject must be followed by a plural verb. Using a singular verb with a plural subject results in incorrect grammar.

How does the presence of time markers affect subject-verb agreement?

Time markers like 'present', 'past', and 'future' help determine which form of the verb to use. For instance, 'He is' (present), 'He was' (past), or 'He will be' (future), all depend on the tense being used in the sentence.