Writing: Subject - Verb Agreement

Summary

In this informative video, Adam explains the crucial concept of subject-verb agreement, which is essential for clear writing and effective communication. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that subjects and verbs agree in number, person, and logic, using various examples to illustrate common mistakes. The video delves into the intricacies of identifying subjects and verbs in complex sentences and highlights the implications for standardized tests like TOEFL and IELTS. Adam also teases future content on different types of subjects and collective nouns, encouraging viewers to ask questions and subscribe for more grammar insights.

Takeaways

• 😀 Subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear writing and speaking.
• 📝 Every clause in a sentence must contain both a subject and a verb that agree in number and person.
• 🔍 A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject needs a plural verb.
• 📚 Understanding the difference between first, second, and third person is essential for proper agreement.
• 💡 The logic of the sentence is important; subjects must logically connect with their verbs.
• 🚫 Avoid using dummy subjects like 'it' when the actual subject is a noun clause.
• 🔄 In sentences with complex structures, maintain focus on the main subject and verb despite other phrases in between.
• ❗ When giving commands, the subject is often implied as 'you.'
• 📏 It's essential to recognize tense verbs and ensure they match with their subjects in clauses.
• 📈 Future videos will cover additional aspects of subject-verb agreement, including collective nouns and various grammatical structures.

Q & A

What is subject-verb agreement and why is it important?

Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that subjects and verbs must match in number (singular or plural) and person. It is important because it ensures clarity and correctness in writing and speaking.

What are the basic rules for subject-verb agreement?

A singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. For example, 'He runs' (singular) vs. 'They run' (plural).

What is meant by 'dummy subject'?

A dummy subject, like 'it' in 'It is unlikely that...', does not refer to anything specific. The real subject of the sentence is often placed later in the sentence.

How does the verb form change in the present tense for third-person singular subjects?

In the present tense, third-person singular subjects typically require an 's' at the end of the verb, such as 'He runs' or 'She sings'.

What is the significance of recognizing logical connections between subjects and verbs?

Recognizing logical connections ensures that the subject makes sense with the verb. For example, a non-human subject like 'parcels' cannot perform actions independently.

How can intervening phrases affect subject-verb agreement?

Intervening phrases can make it challenging to identify the subject, but the agreement still holds. For instance, in 'The packages, along with the courier, are delivered,' 'packages' is the subject, and 'are' agrees with it.

What strategy can help in identifying subjects and verbs in complex sentences?

One effective strategy is to identify the main verb first and then find the subject that corresponds to it, ensuring they agree.

What common mistake do people make regarding subject-verb agreement?

A common mistake is losing track of the subject when it is separated from the verb by additional clauses or phrases, leading to incorrect verb forms.

How does subject-verb agreement relate to language proficiency tests?

Subject-verb agreement is crucial in language proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS, as these tests often assess grammatical accuracy, including the correct matching of subjects and verbs.

What will be covered in the next video about subject-verb agreement?

The next video will explore more complex agreements, such as collective nouns and specific phrases, and how they interact with verbs to maintain agreement.