Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of proper grammar, ensuring that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number. Intervening phrases are phrases that come between the subject and the verb in a sentence. These phrases can often make subject-verb agreement more complicated, but by understanding how to properly identify and handle them, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
Here are some examples of subject-verb agreement with intervening phrases:
1. The boy, along with his friends, plays basketball every day.
In this sentence, “boy” is the subject and “plays” is the verb. The intervening phrase “along with his friends” does not change the fact that the subject is singular, so the verb should also be singular. Thus, the correct form of the sentence is “The boy, along with his friends, plays basketball every day.”
2. John, as well as his brothers, are going to the party.
In this sentence, “John” is the subject and “are going” is the verb. The intervening phrase “as well as his brothers” changes the subject from singular to plural. Therefore, the correct form of the sentence is “John, as well as his brothers, is going to the party.”
3. The teacher, along with her students, are preparing for the final exams.
In this sentence, “teacher” is the subject and “are preparing” is the verb. The intervening phrase “along with her students” changes the subject from singular to plural. Therefore, the correct form of the sentence is “The teacher, along with her students, is preparing for the final exams.”
4. The cat, with its long tail, chases mice.
In this sentence, “cat” is the subject and “chases” is the verb. The intervening phrase “with its long tail” does not change the fact that the subject is singular, so the verb should also be singular. Thus, the correct form of the sentence is “The cat, with its long tail, chases mice.”
5. The music, along with the lyrics, inspires me.
In this sentence, “music” is the subject and “inspires” is the verb. The intervening phrase “along with the lyrics” does not change the fact that the subject is singular, so the verb should also be singular. Thus, the correct form of the sentence is “The music, along with the lyrics, inspires me.”
In conclusion, intervening phrases can be tricky when it comes to subject-verb agreement, but by understanding the basic rules, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and easy to understand. Always remember to identify the subject and verb in a sentence, and adjust accordingly when dealing with intervening phrases. By doing so, you can improve the overall clarity and readability of your writing, while also showcasing your expertise in both grammar and SEO.