As a copy editor with experience in SEO, I understand the importance of ensuring that written content is not only grammatically correct but also optimized for search engines. One critical aspect of good grammar is subject-verb agreement, which can affect the clarity and credibility of your writing.
To help you test your knowledge of subject-verb agreement, here is a quiz paragraph:
The group of friends (was/were) excited to attend the concert together. Each member of the group (has/have) their own favorite band, but they all (agrees/agree) that this concert will be a memorable experience. The concert (is/are) scheduled for next weekend, and the friends (plans/plan) to meet up beforehand for dinner and drinks.
So, which verb form should you use in each blank space? Let`s break it down:
1. The subject is “group,” which is a collective noun. Collective nouns can be singular or plural, depending on whether you are referring to the group as a whole or its individual members. In this case, we are referring to the group as a whole, so the correct verb form is “was.”
2. “Each member” is a singular subject, so the correct verb form is “has.”
3. “They all” refers to the individual members of the group, so the correct verb form is “agree.”
4. “Concert” is a singular subject, so the correct verb form is “is.”
5. “Friends” is a plural subject, so the correct verb form is “plan.”
Overall, the correct form of the verbs in this paragraph should be:
The group of friends was excited to attend the concert together. Each member of the group has their own favorite band, but they all agree that this concert will be a memorable experience. The concert is scheduled for next weekend, and the friends plan to meet up beforehand for dinner and drinks.
By taking the time to check your subject-verb agreement, you can ensure that your writing is not only grammatically correct but also effective in conveying your intended message. So, next time you`re writing or editing a piece of content, remember to keep subject-verb agreement in mind.