When it comes to writing, one of the most important aspects of a polished and professional piece is ensuring that all the sentences are grammatically correct and agree with each other. This is known as sentence agreement, and it`s crucial for making sure that your writing is clear and easy to understand.
So, what exactly is sentence agreement? Simply put, it means that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree with each other in terms of number and person. For example, if the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular. Similarly, if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.
Here are a few tips to help you ensure that your sentences are properly agreeing:
1. Identify the subject of the sentence: The subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about. Once you`ve identified the subject, make sure that the verb you`re using agrees with it in terms of number and person.
2. Keep an eye on tricky subjects: Some subjects can be tricky to identify and require a bit of extra attention. For example, compound subjects (where there are two or more subjects in the same sentence) can sometimes be confusing. In these cases, remember that the verb should agree with the subject closest to it.
3. Watch out for irregular verbs: Some verbs don`t follow the usual rules when it comes to agreement. For example, the verb “to be” has different forms for different subjects (I am, you are, he/she/it is, we are, they are).
4. Check for consistency: Throughout your writing, make sure that you`re using the same tense and person consistently. This will help your writing flow and ensure that your sentences are properly agreeing with each other.
By paying close attention to sentence agreement, you can improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Remember to always double-check your subjects and verbs to ensure that they`re in agreement, and don`t hesitate to seek out additional resources or ask for help if you`re unsure about a particular sentence. With practice and attention to detail, you can master the art of proper sentence agreement and take your writing to the next level.