I've noticed that many times on Facebook posters that individuals put up, the verb tense does not match that of the subject in the sentence. I've also come across the same problem when critiquing the writing of others who are writers hoping for publication, although not as often.
The rule is quite simple but obviously not always easy to follow:
A singular subject uses a singular verb.
A plural subject uses a plural verb.
I noted a post this morning that said ...when the ballots is counted. Plural subject, singular verb. Or another one--...when the umbrella are opened. It's also wrong as 'umbrella' is a singular subject and the sentence uses a plural verb. Some people consistently interchange them.
A trickier problem is when the subject is followed by a clause that also has a noun in it. It is correct to say: One of my friends lives in England. In this sentence, one is the subject. It isn't friends. Thus, you should use a singular verb.
When two nouns refer to the same thing or person, the verb used is singular. An example: The writer and the singer is performing at the banquet. In this sentence, the writer and singer are the same person, so a singular verb is used.
When you use a noun like 'mittens,' use a plural verb. But, if you begin with 'a pair of mittens,' the verb should be singular. It's not referring to the mittens but a pair, as being one unit. Sentences like this can be very confusing.
I am grateful for my grade school teachers, especially in junior high, who made us fill out paper after paper with correct grammar and word usage. Every class meeting spent the early minutes on choosing the best word, correct verb, and including things like when you use 'good' and when you use 'well.'
In high school, we learned to diagram sentences which I don't believe is common today. I enjoyed doing the diagramming exercise, and I learned a great deal by taking sentences apart and determining what was the subject and verb, what words modified those words, and more. Diagramming sentences is merely using 'logic in language,' and it allows you to actually visualize the several parts of a sentence.
Some people have a 'who cares?' attitude about proper grammar. They say there are more important things in the world. Maybe so. If, however, you hope to be a published writer, you had better pay close attention to subject and verb agreement and other parts of grammar. Learning the correct way is not what one would consider 'fun,' but it is very helpful in attaining your goal of publication.
No comments:
Post a Comment