Subject-Verb Agreement: Concord or Discord?
The concept of subject-verb agreement, commonly referred to as concord, is a fundamental aspect of grammar. But what would be another name for a subject-verb disagreement? In linguistic terms, a subject-verb disagreement would be known as discordance. Although this term is not commonly used in everyday speech, it is a precise term used in grammar and linguistic theory. Let's dive deeper into this topic to understand the nuances of subject-verb agreement and its importance in effective communication.
Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement (Concord)
Subject-verb agreement, or concord, is the alignment of a verb with its subject in terms of number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third).
Singular Subject: The main subject of the sentence is singular (e.g., "apple"). Plural Subject: The main subject of the sentence is plural (e.g., "apples").For example:
Singular Sentence: "The apple is on the table." (Here, "apple" is singular, and the verb "is" agrees with it in number.) Plural Sentence: "The apples are on the table." (Here, "apples" is plural, and the verb "are" agrees with it in number.)What is Subject-Verb Discordance?
A subject-verb disagreement, or discordance, occurs when the verb does not agree with the subject in terms of number or tense. This can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences that can be confusing or overlooked by readers.
For example:
Incorrect: "The monkeys is swimming in the river." (The subject "monkeys" is plural, so the verb should also be plural.)
Correct: "The monkeys are swimming in the river."
Why is Subject-Verb Agreement Important?
Subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear and accurate communication. It helps maintain grammatical correctness and ensures that the intended meaning of a sentence is conveyed effectively. Mistakes in subject-verb agreement can lead to misunderstandings and make a text difficult to read.
Common Pitfalls in Subject-Verb Agreement
Collective Nouns: Some nouns that refer to a group can be treated as singular or plural depending on the context. For example, "team" can be treated as singular or plural. It’s important to pay attention to the context to ensure correct agreement. Indefinite Pronouns: Pronouns like "anyone," "everyone," and "none" can also be treated as singular or plural. Again, context is key.Best Practices for Maintaining Subject-Verb Concord
To maintain subject-verb agreement, follow these best practices:
Identify the Subject of the Sentence: Make sure you can clearly identify the subject of the sentence. The subject is often found at the beginning of the sentence. Check the Verb Form: Ensure that the form of the verb matches the number and person of the subject. Remember, singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs. Use Context to Guide Agreement: Pay attention to the context of the sentence to determine the correct form of the verb.Conclusion
While the term discordance may not be as commonly used as "bad grammar," it is an accurate description of a subject-verb disagreement. Maintaining subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear communication, and understanding both concord and discordance will help you write more effective and grammatically correct sentences.