Proper grammar and syntax are essential components of effective communication, and subject-verb agreement is a crucial element of this. Using verbs that agree with their subjects in number and person can make your writing more clear, concise, and professional.
The following are some sample exercises that can help you improve your subject-verb agreement skills:
1. Identify the subject and verb in each of the following sentences and determine whether they agree.
a. The students (subject) are (verb) studying (not studies) for their exams.
b. My brother (subject) is (verb) always (not always are) late for dinner.
c. The dog and the cat (subjects) play (verb) together (not plays) in the backyard.
2. Choose the correct verb form to complete the following sentences.
a. Each of the students (is/are) responsible for (is) completing their assignments on time.
b. Some of the cake (was/were) left over (was) from the party.
c. The committee (has/have) reached (has) a decision on the matter.
3. Rewrite the following sentences to correct the subject-verb disagreement.
a. The team of scientists was researching the effects of climate change. (Change “was” to “were”)
b. There`s hardly any milk left in the fridge. (Change “There`s” to “There are”)
c. The group of tourists was ready to begin the tour. (Change “was” to “were”)
By practicing subject-verb agreement exercises like these, you can hone your grammar skills and improve your writing. Remember that choosing the correct verb form is crucial, as it can impact the clarity and professionalism of your writing. With time and practice, you can master subject-verb agreement and create concise, effective, and grammatically correct content.