Subject-verb agreement is a vital aspect of writing and communication. It means that the subject and verb in a sentence must always agree in number. This agreement ensures that sentences are grammatically correct and easy to read. If there is a mismatch between the subject and the verb in a sentence, it can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the message being conveyed.
Improving your subject-verb agreement skills requires practice and exercises, which we`ll explore in this article.
Exercise 1: Match the Subject and Verb
In this exercise, you`ll match the subject and verb in a sentence correctly.
Example: The dogs (run, runs) in the park.
Answer: The dogs run in the park.
1. The boys (play, plays) soccer in the field.
2. The cat (sleep, sleeps) on the couch.
3. The students (study, studies) hard for their exams.
4. The birds (fly, flies) across the sky.
5. The flower (bloom, blooms) in the garden.
Exercise 2: Identify the Correct Verb
This exercise requires you to identify the correct verb that agrees with the subject in the sentence.
Example: The team of players (is, are) practicing for the match.
Answer: The team of players is practicing for the match.
1. The group of people (enjoys, enjoy) hiking in the mountains.
2. The collection of books (belongs, belong) to the library.
3. The pack of wolves (hunts, hunt) for food at night.
4. The committee on education (discusses, discuss) policies for schools.
5. The herd of cattle (grazes, graze) in the field.
Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes
This exercise requires you to correct the mistakes in the subject-verb agreement.
Example: The cars drive fast on the highway.
Mistake: The cars is incorrect, and it should be the cars drive.
Answer: The cars drive fast on the highway.
1. The group of friends was going to the movies.
2. The dog barks loudly every morning.
3. The children is playing in the park.
4. The news is always interesting to watch.
5. The new phone features are amazing.
By practicing these exercises, you`ll improve your subject-verb agreement skills and avoid errors in your writing. Remember that subject-verb agreement is essential for clear communication, so take the time to master it.