Subject Verb Agreement Proximity Rule
When it comes to writing, one of the most important rules that every writer should remember is the subject-verb agreement. A sentence will only make sense when the subject and verb agree in number. This means that a singular subject requires a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb. However, many writers still struggle with this rule, especially when it comes to complex sentences. That is where the subject-verb agreement proximity rule comes in.
The subject-verb agreement proximity rule is based on the principle that the subject and verb should be as close together as possible in a sentence. The closer they are, the easier it is for the writer to identify the correct verb form. When the subject and verb are separated by other words or clauses, it can be challenging to determine which form of the verb to use.
For example, consider the following sentence:
“The group of athletes, with their coach, is/are preparing for the upcoming competition.”
In this sentence, the subject is “group,” and the verb must agree with it. However, there is an additional phrase “with their coach” that separates the subject and verb. To apply the proximity rule, we remove the phrase and then determine the verb form.
“The group is/are preparing for the upcoming competition.”
In this simplified version, it is clear that “group” is a singular subject and requires the singular verb “is.”
Another example:
“The committee that oversees the budget and various programs, discuss/discusses the allocation of funds.”
The subject in this sentence is “committee,” which is singular. However, the verb is separated from the subject by a complex phrase. To apply the proximity rule, we simplify the sentence and determine the verb form.
“The committee discusses the allocation of funds.”
In this case, the proximity of the subject-verb pairing is preserved, and the correct verb form is “discusses.”
In conclusion, the subject-verb agreement proximity rule is a helpful tool for writers who struggle with identifying the correct verb form. By simplifying complex sentences and bringing the subject and verb as close together as possible, writers can improve the clarity and accuracy of their writing. As a copy editor, it is essential to ensure that the subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout a piece of writing, promoting effective communication with the readers.