As a copy editor, it is crucial to have a firm grasp of subject-verb agreement and how to use “as well as” correctly. Proper subject-verb agreement ensures that sentences are grammatically correct and easy to read, while the correct usage of “as well as” creates a cohesive flow of ideas in your writing. In this article, we will dive into the nuances of subject-verb agreement and how to use “as well as” effectively.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement refers to the relationship between the subject of a sentence and the verb that follows. In English, the verb must agree with the subject by number (singular or plural). For example, if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. This agreement is essential for clarity and coherence in your writing.
For example:
– The dog barks at the mailman. (singular subject, singular verb)
– The dogs bark at the mailman. (plural subject, plural verb)
The tricky part of subject-verb agreement comes when the subject is complex, such as a compound subject, indefinite pronouns, or collective nouns. In these cases, it is essential to identify the head noun (the noun that determines the number of the subject) to correctly match the verb.
For example:
– The cat and the dog play in the yard. (compound subject, plural verb)
– Each student must bring their own textbook. (indefinite pronoun, singular verb)
– The class is excited about their field trip. (collective noun, plural verb)
As Well As
The phrase “as well as” is used to add another element to a sentence. It is often used to introduce a noun or a noun phrase, but it can also introduce a verb or an adjective that complements the main subject. The key to using “as well as” correctly is to ensure that the verb agrees with the head noun of the subject.
For example:
– Jane, as well as her friends, is going to the beach. (singular subject, singular verb)
– The book, as well as the movie adaptation, is popular among fans. (singular subject, singular verb)
– The team, as well as their coach, is celebrating the victory. (singular subject, singular verb)
In these examples, the head noun is singular, so the verb must also be singular, even though “as well as” introduces additional elements.
However, when the head noun is plural, the verb must also be plural.
For example:
– The employees, as well as the manager, are required to attend the meeting. (plural subject, plural verb)
– The flowers, as well as the trees, are thriving in the garden. (plural subject, plural verb)
– The students, as well as the teacher, are collaborating on the project. (plural subject, plural verb)
In conclusion, mastering subject-verb agreement and the correct use of “as well as” will significantly improve the quality of your writing. Keep in mind the head noun of the subject to match the verb, and use “as well as” to add coherence and clarity to your sentences. These skills will ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and easy to read, making your message clear and effective.