In the world of copy editing, subject-verb agreement is one of the most essential aspects of ensuring grammatical accuracy in any written work. Without proper subject-verb agreement, a sentence can appear awkward, confusing, or even nonsensical. Here are some of the most common subject-verb agreement rules to keep in mind as a copy editor.
1. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
This rule may sound straightforward, but it’s important to remember that there are exceptions. For example, collective nouns (such as “team,” “class,” or “family”) can be treated as singular or plural depending on the intended meaning of the sentence. Additionally, some plural nouns (such as “news” or “politics”) are always treated as singular.
2. Compound subjects that are connected by “and” take a plural verb.
For example, “The dog and the cat play together.” However, if the compound subject refers to a single entity, it takes a singular verb. For example, “Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.”
3. When a subject is joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the nearest subject.
For example, “Either the cat or the dogs need to be let outside.”
4. When the subject is a collective noun, the verb can be singular or plural depending on the context of the sentence.
For example, “The team is playing well today” versus “The team are arguing among themselves.”
5. When the subject is a noun that ends in “s,” determine whether it is singular or plural to decide on the correct verb form.
For example, “Mathematics is my favorite subject” versus “The politics of the situation are complex.”
6. When the subject is separated from the verb by a phrase or clause, the verb should still agree with the subject.
For example, “The book I’m reading is excellent” versus “The books I’m reading are excellent.”
Overall, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of effective writing and should be given careful attention during the editing process. By keeping these rules in mind, copy editors can ensure that written work is grammatically accurate, clear, and easy to read.
