Agreement Meaning in Sentence: Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement
When it comes to writing, one of the most important aspects to consider is subject-verb agreement. In essence, this simply means ensuring that the subject of a sentence agrees with the verb in terms of number, person, and tense. For those who are new to writing or non-native speakers of English, subject-verb agreement can be a tricky concept to grasp. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of agreement in a sentence and look at some common examples.
What is Subject-Verb Agreement?
Subject-verb agreement refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. In a basic sense, the subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about, while the verb is the action or state of being that the subject is engaged in. In order to ensure agreement between the subject and verb, the two must agree in terms of number (singular or plural), person (first, second, or third), and tense (past, present, or future).
For example, consider the following sentence: “The dog barks loudly.” Here, the subject is “dog” and the verb is “barks.” Notice that both the subject and verb are singular and present tense, which makes them agree in terms of number and tense.
Common Examples of Agreement in Sentences
To better understand subject-verb agreement, it can be helpful to look at some common examples. Let`s take a look at a few sentences and break down their subject-verb agreement.
1. Example: “She sings beautifully.”
In this sentence, the subject is “she” and the verb is “sings.” Both are singular and present tense, which means they are in agreement.
2. Example: “They swim in the ocean.”
Here, the subject is “they” and the verb is “swim.” Both are plural and present tense, which again makes them agree.
3. Example: “He ran to the store.”
In this sentence, the subject is “he” and the verb is “ran.” Notice that the verb is past tense, while the subject is third person singular. Despite this, they still agree because the past tense of “run” is “ran.”
4. Example: “The birds chirp early in the morning.”
Here, the subject is “birds” and the verb is “chirp.” Again, both are plural and present tense, which makes them agree.
Why is Subject-Verb Agreement Important?
So, why is it so important to ensure subject-verb agreement in a sentence? The main reason is clarity. When the subject and verb agree, it makes the sentence much easier to understand and less confusing for the reader. Additionally, proper agreement can help to ensure that the sentence follows the rules of grammar and sounds natural.
In conclusion, understanding subject-verb agreement is crucial for anyone who wants to write clearly and effectively. By ensuring that the subject and verb agree in terms of number, person, and tense, writers can create sentences that are clear, concise, and grammatically correct. With practice and attention to detail, anyone can master the art of agreement in sentences.