When it comes to grammar, one of the most basic and essential aspects of the English language is subject-verb agreement. It`s the foundation of proper sentence structure and is something that every writer, student, and professional should master. The good news is, with a little practice and a solid understanding of the rules, subject-verb agreement becomes second nature.
One of the most common ways to test your knowledge of subject-verb agreement is through multiple-choice questions. If you`re preparing for a test or simply want to brush up on your grammar skills, here are some tips on how to ace a multiple-choice test on subject-verb agreement.
1. Pay attention to the subject
The subject of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is referring to. When trying to figure out whether a verb agrees with the subject, you need to identify the subject first. Make sure you read the sentence carefully and identify the subject before you start looking at the answer options.
2. Look for number agreement
The rule for subject-verb agreement is that a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example, “The book is on the table” (singular subject, singular verb) versus “The books are on the table” (plural subject, plural verb). When looking at answer options, make sure the verb matches the number of the subject.
3. Watch for tricky subjects
Sometimes, subjects can be a bit tricky and can throw you off. For example, collective nouns (a group of people or things) can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. For example, “The team is practicing” (singular) versus “The team are arguing” (plural). Another tricky subject is compound subjects, which are two or more subjects that share the same verb. For example, “Tom and Jerry are brothers” (plural subject, plural verb).
4. Don`t forget about tense
Subject-verb agreement also involves tense, which refers to the time frame in which the action takes place. Make sure the verb in the answer options matches the tense of the subject in the sentence. For example, “He runs every day” (present tense) versus “He ran yesterday” (past tense).
5. Practice, practice, practice
The more you practice subject-verb agreement, the easier it becomes. Take advantage of online resources, textbooks, and practice tests to hone your skills. You can also try creating your own sentences and practice identifying the subject and verb agreement.
In conclusion, multiple-choice tests on subject-verb agreement can be daunting, but with some practice and attention to detail, you can master it. Remember to pay attention to the subject, number, and tense, and don`t forget about tricky subjects such as collective nouns and compound subjects. Good luck!