As a copy editor, one of the most common grammar mistakes I see is with verb form of agreement. This occurs when there is a disagreement between the subject and verb in a sentence. In order to make sure your writing is clear and grammatically correct, it’s important to understand the rules of verb form of agreement.

The basic rule of verb form of agreement is that the verb must agree with the subject in terms of number. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.

For example:

– The dog barks. (singular subject, singular verb)

– The dogs bark. (plural subject, plural verb)

However, there are some tricky situations that can arise when it comes to verb form of agreement. Here are a few examples:

1. Compound subjects

When there are two or more subjects joined by “and,” the verb should be plural.

For example:

– The cat and the dog play together. (plural subject, plural verb)

2. Indefinite pronouns

Indefinite pronouns like “everyone,” “nobody,” and “somebody” are always singular, so the verb should be singular as well.

For example:

– Everyone is having a good time. (singular subject, singular verb)

3. Collective nouns

Collective nouns like “team,” “audience,” and “family” can be tricky because they refer to a group of individuals but are treated as singular. In this case, the verb should be singular.

For example:

– The team is practicing for the game. (singular subject, singular verb)

4. Singular subjects with “or” and “nor”

When a singular subject is connected by “or” or “nor” to another noun or pronoun, the verb should agree with the noun or pronoun closest to it.

For example:

– Neither the cat nor the dog is allowed on the couch. (singular subject, singular verb)

In order to avoid errors in verb form of agreement, it’s important to carefully read and analyze your sentences before submitting your writing. Pay close attention to the subject and make sure the verb agrees in terms of number. By following the rules of verb form of agreement, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.