As a copy editor, it is crucial to understand the concept of subject-verb agreement of number in writing. Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that states that the subject of a sentence should agree with the verb in terms of number.

This means that if the subject of a sentence is singular, then the verb that follows should also be singular. Similarly, if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural. For instance, “The cat eats fish” is a correct sentence because the subject (cat) is singular and the verb (eats) agrees with it.

However, if the subject of the sentence is plural, the verb also needs to be plural. For example, “The cats eat fish” is a correct sentence because the subject (cats) is plural and the verb (eat) agrees with it.

The agreement of subject and verb in terms of number is important to ensure clarity and precision in writing. Failing to maintain this agreement can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended meaning of a sentence. It can also result in incorrect verb tense and hinder the overall fluency of the writing.

One of the common mistakes that writers make when it comes to subject-verb agreement of number is when dealing with collective nouns. Collective nouns refer to a group of people, animals or things, and may be considered singular or plural depending on the context in which they are used.

For instance, the noun ‘team’ is a collective noun that represents a group of individuals working together. In British English, the noun ‘team’ is considered plural, while in American English, it is considered singular. Therefore, for British English, the verb associated with “team” would be plural, while for American English, it would be singular. E.g., “The team are playing well” (British English) vs. “The team is playing well” (American English).

Another example of collective nouns is the word ‘family’. It can refer to a single unit of individuals or a group of individuals. In this case, if the writer intends to refer to individual family members, it is correct to use a plural verb. For example, “The Smith family are travelling to Europe.” However, if the writer is referring to the family as a single unit, a singular verb is correct. For example, “The Smith family is planning a trip to Europe.”

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement of number is crucial in writing to ensure clarity and precision in communication. Writers need to be aware of the rules governing this agreement and apply them consistently throughout their written work. A clear understanding of subject-verb agreement of number will enhance the effectiveness of your writing, and help you communicate your intended message effectively.