Grammar Agreement Questions Long
When using conjunctions, it is important to ensure that there is agreement between the subject and the verb, as well as between pronouns and antecedents. The following rules for agreement should be followed:
1. Subject-Verb Agreement:
When using conjunctions such as "and," "or," or "nor," the subject and verb must agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural. For example:
- John and Mary are going to the party. (plural subject, plural verb)
- Neither the cat nor the dog is allowed on the couch. (singular subject, singular verb)
2. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement:
When using conjunctions to connect two or more nouns or pronouns, it is important to ensure that the pronouns agree in number and gender with their antecedents. For example:
- Sarah and her friends went to the movies. (plural antecedent, plural pronoun)
- Either he or she will be responsible for the project. (singular antecedents, singular pronouns)
3. Agreement with Compound Subjects:
When using conjunctions to connect two or more subjects, the verb should agree with the subject closest to it. For example:
- The cat and the dog are playing in the yard. (plural subject, plural verb)
- The dog and the cat is sleeping on the couch. (singular subject, singular verb)
4. Agreement with Compound Pronouns:
When using conjunctions to connect two or more pronouns, the pronoun should agree with the closest antecedent. For example:
- Neither she nor I am going to the party. (singular antecedent, singular pronoun)
- Either he or they will be responsible for the project. (plural antecedent, plural pronoun)
5. Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns:
When using conjunctions with indefinite pronouns such as "everyone," "someone," or "nobody," the verb should agree with the pronoun in number. For example:
- Everyone and nobody wants to be successful. (singular pronoun, singular verb)
- Someone or his friends are going to the concert. (plural pronoun, plural verb)
In summary, when using conjunctions, it is crucial to ensure agreement between the subject and verb, as well as between pronouns and antecedents. By following the rules mentioned above, one can maintain grammatical agreement in their writing.