As an experienced copy editor, I can say that one of the most important aspects of writing a grammatically correct sentence in English is ensuring proper word agreement. This means that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number, tense, and person.
Number Agreement
The first type of word agreement relates to number. In English, if the subject of the sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular. Similarly, if the subject of the sentence is plural, the verb must also be plural. For example:
– The cat sleeps on the couch. (singular subject and verb)
– The cats sleep on the couch. (plural subject and verb)
Tense Agreement
The next type of word agreement relates to tense. In English, verbs have different tenses to indicate when the action took place. When writing a sentence, it`s important to ensure that the tense of the verb matches the intended meaning of the sentence. For example:
– I am eating breakfast. (present tense)
– I ate breakfast. (past tense)
Person Agreement
The final type of word agreement relates to person. In English, verbs change depending on the person of the subject. For example:
– I walk to the store. (first person singular)
– He walks to the store. (third person singular)
Overall, proper word agreement is crucial for clear and effective communication in English. By paying attention to number, tense, and person agreement, writers can improve the readability and impact of their writing.
