As a writer or speaker, it is important to be clear and concise in your language. One aspect of this is understanding the different kinds of agreement that exist in the English language. In this article, we will explain the various kinds of agreement and how they can be used to improve your writing.
Subject-verb agreement: This type of agreement refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. In English, the verb must agree in number with the subject. For example, « He walks to school » is correct, while « He walk to school » is not. When the subject is singular, the verb should be singular as well. When the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural. This is a basic rule of grammar that can help to make your writing more clear and polished.
Pronoun-antecedent agreement: This type of agreement refers to the relationship between a pronoun and the noun it replaces. In English, a pronoun must agree in gender, number, and person with the noun it replaces. For example, « She gave him her phone number » is correct, while « She gave him his phone number » is not. The pronoun « her » agrees with the gender and number of the antecedent « she, » while the pronoun « him » agrees with the gender and number of the antecedent « him. »
Noun-adjective agreement: This type of agreement refers to the relationship between a noun and the adjective that describes it. In English, an adjective must agree in number and gender with the noun it modifies. For example, « The red dress looks beautiful » is correct, while « The red dress look beautiful » is not. The adjective « red » agrees in gender and number with the noun « dress. »
Verb tense agreement: This type of agreement refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb tense used in a sentence. In English, the verb tense should match the time frame of the sentence. For example, « I am writing an article » is correct, while « I was writing an article » would be used when referring to something that happened in the past. Understanding verb tense agreement can help to make your writing more precise and accurate.
In conclusion, understanding the different kinds of agreement in English can help to improve your writing and communication skills. Whether you are writing a paper or giving a speech, being aware of subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, noun-adjective agreement, and verb tense agreement can make a significant difference in your ability to convey your message effectively. Keep these rules in mind as you write and speak, and you`ll be well on your way to becoming a stronger communicator.