Subject-Verb Agreement

Common Errors in English With Samuel Alimi

 

One of the most common grammar mistakes that completely ruins writing is the mismatch of subjects and verbs in sentences. This issue is also prevalent in published articles and books that I have come across on the internet and in hard copies. I have often wondered why many editors do not take the corrections seriously before their manuscripts are published. The University of the People also recommends studying the rules of grammar to improve the quality of one’s writing. Learning these rules will enable you to self-edit your writing and make it more readable, potentially free from common grammatical errors that can tarnish your image as a writer.

The verb and subject in a sentence MUST match each other. Simply put, if the subject is singular, the verb must also agree with singularity.

Study the following sentences:

The cats is eating the meat. (Incorrect)

The cats are eating the meat. (Correct)

“The cats” are plural; therefore, the plural verb “are” is compulsory.

The governments at all levels is responsible for the safety of lives and property. (Incorrect)

The governments at all levels are responsible for the safety of lives and property. (Correct)

“The governments at all levels” are also another example of a plural subject; therefore, they must attract a plural verb.

Mothers is jewels to their sons. (Incorrect)

Mothers are jewels to their sons. (Correct)

The lady cry every day because she lost her boyfriend. (Incorrect)

The lady cries every day because she lost her boyfriend. (Correct)

The chairman, along with his personal assistant, are present for the general meeting. (Incorrect)

The chairman, along with his personal assistant, is present for the general meeting. (Correct)

The Federal Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, provide quality education for out-of-school children. (Incorrect)

The Federal Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, provides quality education for out-of-school children. (Correct)

 

Comma Splice

Comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are connected with a comma instead of a semicolon, period or a coordinating conjunction.

 

Consider the following sentences:

Femi bagged a degree in English language, he is happy. (Incorrect)

Femi bagged a degree in English language, so he is happy. (Correct)

Femi bagged a degree in English language. He is happy. (Correct)

We are happy to meet Mr Olarewaju, he is our special adviser. (Incorrect)

We are happy to meet Mr Olarewaju because he is our special adviser. (Correct)

We are happy to meet Mr Olarewaju. He is our special adviser. (Correct)

Is it OK to end a sentence with a preposition?

It is perfectly acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition, despite the fact that many experts have argued against it. Although it may sound unnatural, since a preposition typically indicates that another word will follow.

Consider the following sentences:

What is the professor of Economics talking about?

When is the chairman coming in?

Sentence Fragments

Sentence fragments are usually ignored in spoken English, but they can negatively affect one’s writing when any sentence misses a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.

Below is an example with its explanation extracted from the Writer’s room:

He still loved his parents. Despite everything that had happened.

Why it is wrong: The second sentence “despite everything that had happened” has no subject and verb. You depend on the first subject to give the second meaning.

The correction: The complete sentence for this clause is “Despite everything that happened, he still loved his parents.”

Other examples:

In spite of the teacher’s explanation. He failed the subject.

The correction: In spite of the teacher’s explanation, he failed the subject.

Committed to personal growth and development. I aim to learn from experts and professionals for organizational success.

The correction: Committed to personal growth and development, I aim to learn from experts and professionals for organizational success.

 

Assignment

Choose the correct answers to each of the following questions:

A _________ occurs when two independent clauses are connected with a comma. (a) comma splice (b) sentence fragment (c) run-on sentence
The president ______ promised to fight insurgency. (a) has (b) have (c) had
Many politicians ____ have the people’s interest at heart. (a) does not (b) does (c) don’t
Kindly forward your answers to samueltolulopealimi@gmail.com or send an SMS to 07049203179.
Answers to last week’s questions: B, A, A
Names of those who answered the last questions correctly:
Edward Israel, Bello Sulaimon, Philip Moses, Solomon Moses, Adaeze Beauty, Bala Aminat, Eze Jeremiah, Caroline Praise, Uchenna Eze, Shukurat Adekola, Feyisayo Akorede, Adesina Sofiyat, Rasheed Fatiu, Olive Alimi, Bolanle Olusola, Jerry Solomon and Jeremiah Isaiah