As a copy editor, one of the most common mistakes I see in writing is the lack of agreement between the subject and verb. This is known as “no one” subject verb agreement, and it can seriously affect the readability and professionalism of your writing. In this article, we`ll explore what this error is, how to identify it, and most importantly, how to fix it.
What is “no one” subject verb agreement?
“No one” subject verb agreement is when the subject of a sentence does not agree with the verb that it is paired with. This happens most commonly when the subject is a singular noun or pronoun (i.e. “he,” “she,” “it,” “this,” “that”) but the verb is written in the plural form (i.e. “were,” “have,” “do”).
For example, “The dog were barking loudly,” is a sentence with “no one” subject verb agreement. “Dog” is a singular subject and should be paired with a singular verb, “was,” instead of the plural form “were.”
Why is this error problematic?
“No one” subject verb agreement can make your writing appear unprofessional and unclear. It can also make it difficult for readers to understand the intended meaning. This error can often be distracting, causing readers to spend time trying to figure out what exactly you were trying to say.
How to identify “no one” subject verb agreement?
Identifying “no one” subject verb agreement is fairly simple once you understand the concept. Simply read the sentence and look for a subject paired with a verb that doesn`t agree in number (singular or plural). For example, “These books has great illustrations,” is a sentence with “no one” subject verb agreement. “Books” is a plural subject and should be paired with the plural verb “have,” instead of the singular form “has.”
How to fix “no one” subject verb agreement?
To fix “no one” subject verb agreement, simply make sure that the subject and the verb agree in number. If the subject is singular, pair it with a singular verb. If the subject is plural, pair it with a plural verb.
For example, “The dog were barking loudly,” can be fixed by changing “were” to “was”: “The dog was barking loudly.”
Similarly, “These books has great illustrations,” can be corrected by changing “has” to “have”: “These books have great illustrations.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, “no one” subject verb agreement is a common error that can easily be corrected. By paying attention to the subject and verb agreement in your writing, you can create clear and professional content that is easily understood by your readers. Remember to always double-check your writing for this error before publishing or submitting to ensure that you are presenting the best possible work.