Sentence Correction Basics: Improve Your Grammar Skills

Sentence correction is a crucial aspect of verbal ability tests in competitive exams and placement assessments. It evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in grammar, sentence structure, and clarity of expression. One of the most common grammar rules tested is subject-verb agreement—a fundamental rule that ensures the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number and person.

What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Subject-verb agreement means that the verb must match the subject in both number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third).

• Singular subjects take singular verbs.
• Plural subjects take plural verbs.

For example:
✔ The boy plays football. (Singular subject: “boy” → Singular verb: “plays”)
✔ The boys play football. (Plural subject: “boys” → Plural verb: “play”)

Key Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

1. Singular and Plural Subjects

• A singular subject takes a singular verb.
• A plural subject takes a plural verb.

Example:
✔ She is reading a book.
✔ They are playing outside.

2. Compound Subjects Connected by ‘And’

• When two singular subjects are connected by “and,” they take a plural verb.

Example:
✔ John and Peter are attending the meeting.

Exception: If two singular subjects refer to the same entity, use a singular verb.

✔ Bread and butter is his favorite breakfast.

3. Compound Subjects Connected by ‘Or’ or ‘Nor’

• The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Example:
✔ Neither the teacher nor the students are late.
✔ Neither the students nor the teacher is late.

4. Collective Nouns

• A collective noun (e.g., team, jury, family) can take either a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group acts as a single unit or individuals.

Example:
✔ The team is playing well. (As one unit)
✔ The team are arguing among themselves. (As individuals)

5. Indefinite Pronouns

• Singular Pronouns: Each, everyone, someone, nobody, anybody, etc., take singular verbs.
  ✔ Everyone wants to succeed.
• Plural Pronouns: Few, many, several, both, take plural verbs.
  ✔ Few have completed the assignment.
• Singular or Plural Pronouns: Some, any, none, all, can be singular or plural based on the noun they refer to.
  ✔ Some of the cake is left. (Referring to uncountable “cake” → Singular)
  ✔ Some of the cookies are missing. (Referring to plural “cookies” → Plural)

6. Sentences Beginning with ‘There’ or ‘Here’

• The verb agrees with the subject that follows.

Example:
✔ There is a book on the table.
✔ There are many books on the table.

7. Titles and Names of Organizations

• Titles of books, movies, and companies take singular verbs.

Example:
✔ “The Lord of the Rings” is a great movie.
✔ Microsoft has launched a new update.

Common Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement

1. Incorrect: The list of items are on the table.
   Correct: The list of items is on the table.
2. Incorrect: Each of the students have a book.
   Correct: Each of the students has a book.
3. Incorrect: The group of players are ready.
   Correct: The group of players is ready.
4. Incorrect: Either the teacher or the students is responsible.
   Correct: Either the teacher or the students are responsible.

Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and grammatically correct writing. By understanding the fundamental rules and avoiding common errors, one can significantly improve accuracy in sentence construction. Regular practice and careful reading will enhance your ability to spot and correct mistakes effectively.