Types of Agreement in Grammar

As copy editors, we are tasked with ensuring that written content is accurate, readable and engaging. In doing so, we must also make sure that the grammar is correct. One of the most important aspects of grammar is agreement. In this article, we will explore the different types of agreement in grammar.

Subject-verb agreement

The most common type of agreement in grammar is subject-verb agreement. This refers to the agreement between the subject of a sentence and the verb that follows it. In general, the verb should agree with the number and person of the subject. For example, if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.

Example 1: The cat scratches the couch. (singular subject and verb)

Example 2: The cats scratch the couch. (plural subject and verb)

Pronoun-antecedent agreement

Pronoun-antecedent agreement is another important type of agreement in grammar. This refers to the agreement between a pronoun and the noun it replaces, known as the antecedent. In general, the pronoun should agree with the antecedent in gender, number and person.

Example 1: He ate his lunch. (masculine pronoun and antecedent)

Example 2: They ate their lunch. (plural pronoun and antecedent)

Noun-adjective agreement

Noun-adjective agreement refers to the agreement between a noun and the adjective that describes it. In general, the adjective should agree with the noun in gender, number and case.

Example 1: The big dog barked. (masculine singular noun and adjective)

Example 2: The big dogs barked. (masculine plural noun and adjective)

Verb-object agreement

Verb-object agreement refers to the agreement between the verb and the object of the sentence. In general, the verb should agree with the number and person of the object.

Example 1: I am eating an apple. (singular object and verb)

Example 2: We are eating apples. (plural object and verb)

Conclusion

In conclusion, agreement is a crucial aspect of grammar that helps to ensure that sentences are clear and accurate. As copy editors, it is our responsibility to check for agreement between subjects and verbs, pronouns and antecedents, nouns and adjectives and verbs and objects. By doing so, we can help to ensure that any written content is grammatically correct and effective in conveying its intended message.