Subject-verb agreement is one of the most fundamental aspects of English grammar. It refers to the grammatical agreement between a subject and a verb in a sentence. This agreement is essential as it helps to make your writing clear, understandable, and grammatically correct. When it comes to ESL (English as a Second Language) learners, subject-verb agreement is often one of the most difficult concepts to grasp. In this article, we will explore some of the common issues that ESL learners face with subject-verb agreement and provide tips to help improve their writing.
Subject-verb agreement is quite simple in English when the subject is singular, and the verb is in its base form (infinitive without “to”). For example, “The cat runs” or “He sings.” However, it becomes a little more complex when the subject is plural or when the subject is singular but changes tense. In these instances, the verb must agree with the subject.
Let’s take a look at some common subject-verb agreement issues that ESL learners face.
1. Plural subjects and verbs
When the subject is plural, it is important to use a plural verb. For example, “The cats run” or “They sing.” Many ESL learners make the mistake of using a singular verb with a plural subject, such as “The cats runs.” This is incorrect and can make the writing sound awkward.
2. Third-person singular verbs
When the subject is singular and in the third-person (he, she, it) of the present tense, the verb must be in the present tense singular form. For example, “He runs” or “She sings.” Many ESL learners make the mistake of using a plural verb with a third-person singular subject, such as “She run” or “He sing.” This is incorrect and can be confusing for readers.
3. Irregular verb forms
English has many irregular verbs that do not follow the standard rules. For example, the verb “to be” has different forms for different subjects, such as “am, is, are.” Similarly, the verb “to go” has unique forms such as “goes” for the third-person singular form. These irregular verb forms can be challenging for ESL learners to remember.
Now that we have looked at some common issues, let’s explore some tips for improving subject-verb agreement in your writing.
1. Practice makes perfect
The best way to improve your subject-verb agreement is through practice. Write as much as you can and pay close attention to the agreement between the subject and verb.
2. Use online resources
There are many excellent online resources available that can help you improve your subject-verb agreement skills. Websites like Grammarly and Purdue OWL offer tips, quizzes, and examples to help you improve.
3. Find a tutor or class
If you are struggling with subject-verb agreement, it can be helpful to find a tutor or take a class. This way, you can receive personalized instruction and feedback on your writing.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of English grammar, and it can be particularly challenging for ESL learners. However, with practice, online resources, and the help of a tutor or class, ESL learners can improve their writing and master subject-verb agreement. So, keep practicing and never give up!