Agreement Verb Collocation: The Key to Effective Writing
Effective writing requires a combination of different skills, such as proper grammar, excellent vocabulary, and correct punctuation. However, one of the most critical elements of written communication is often overlooked, which is proper agreement verb collocation.
Agreement verb collocation refers to the correct pairing of subject-verb agreement in a sentence. It ensures that the verb agrees with the subject, which leads to clear and concise communication. When these elements are paired accurately, the reader can quickly understand the intended message in the writing.
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when it comes to agreement verb collocation:
1. Singular subject and singular verb: When the subject is singular, the verb should be singular too. For instance, «The dog barks at the mailman» is correct, and «The dog bark at the mailman» is incorrect.
2. Plural subject and plural verb: When the subject is plural, the verb should be plural as well. For instance, «The dogs bark at the mailman» is correct, and «The dogs barks at the mailman» is incorrect.
3. Collective nouns: Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things such as team, family, audience, and herd, among others. When referring to these, a singular or plural verb can be used, depending on the context of the sentence. For example, «The family is going on vacation» (singular verb) and «The family are arguing among themselves» (plural verb).
4. Indefinite pronouns: Indefinite pronouns are pronouns like «anyone,» «everyone,» «someone,» and «nobody.» When using these in a sentence, they should always take a singular verb. For example, «Everyone was excited about the new proposal,» not «Everyone were excited about the new proposal.»
5. Compound subjects: A compound subject refers to two or more subjects in one sentence. If the subjects are joined by «and,» the verb should be plural. For example, «John and Jane are going to the movies.» If the subjects are joined by «or,» the verb should agree with the subject closest to it. For example, «Either John or Jane is going to the movies.»
In conclusion, proper agreement verb collocation is a crucial element of effective writing that shouldn`t be overlooked. It ensures that the message is conveyed accurately and precisely, leading to better clarity and comprehension for the reader. By following these tips, you can ensure that your writing is of high quality and easily understood by your audience.