When it comes to writing, subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammar rule that can make or break an entire piece of content. The subject and the verb in a sentence must agree in number and in person to ensure that the sentence is grammatically correct.

But beyond the basic rule of subject-verb agreement, there are certain objectives that writers should aim for when crafting their sentences. Here are some of the most important objectives in subject-verb agreement.

1. Clarity

The primary objective of subject-verb agreement is to make the sentence clear and easy to understand. When the subject and verb are in agreement, the sentence is more straightforward and easier to follow. It also helps readers to focus on the main idea of the sentence without getting bogged down in confusing language.

For example, the sentence “The team of players are excited to play their next game” is unclear because the subject (“team”) is singular, but the verb (“are”) is plural. A clearer version of this sentence would be “The team of players is excited to play their next game,” which correctly matches the singular subject with a singular verb.

2. Consistency

Consistency is another important objective in subject-verb agreement. When writing a piece of content, it`s essential to maintain the same level of agreement throughout the entire piece. This means ensuring that all verbs agree with their respective subjects in number and person.

Inconsistencies can be jarring for readers and can make the content appear unprofessional or poorly written. To maintain consistency, writers should double-check their subject-verb agreement in each sentence and ensure that they are using the same tense consistently throughout the piece.

3. Clarity of meaning

Subject-verb agreement is also important for conveying the intended meaning of a sentence. When the subject and verb do not agree, the meaning of the sentence can become unclear or even change entirely.

For example, the sentence “The group of friends were at the restaurant when the fire broke out” could be interpreted as each individual friend being at the restaurant separately. However, a clearer version of this sentence would be “The group of friends was at the restaurant when the fire broke out,” which clarifies that the entire group was together.

4. Professionalism

Finally, subject-verb agreement is important for conveying professionalism in writing. When a writer demonstrates a strong grasp of grammar rules, readers are more likely to trust their content and take it seriously.

In contrast, poor subject-verb agreement can make a writer appear careless or unprofessional. By taking the time to ensure that all subjects and verbs are in agreement, writers can demonstrate their expertise and attention to detail.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammar rule that has a significant impact on the clarity and professionalism of writing. By focusing on clarity, consistency, clarity of meaning, and professionalism, writers can ensure that their sentences are well-constructed and easy to understand.