As Well As Verb Agreement

Mastering Verb Agreement: A thorough look to "As Well As" and Other Constructions

Understanding verb agreement, also known as subject-verb agreement, is crucial for clear and grammatically correct writing. Practically speaking, this practical guide will dig into the intricacies of verb agreement, focusing specifically on the often-tricky conjunction "as well as," and exploring various other constructions that can challenge even seasoned writers. We will explore the rules, exceptions, and practical applications to help you confidently manage these grammatical complexities. By the end of this article, you'll possess a strong understanding of subject-verb agreement, enabling you to write with precision and clarity.

Introduction: The Foundation of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. This seems straightforward, but the presence of intervening phrases, conjunctions like "as well as," and other grammatical elements can complicate matters. The basic principle remains consistent: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

For example:

• Singular: The dog barks loudly.
• Plural: The dogs bark loudly.

That said, challenges arise when the subject is more complex than a single noun. This is where a deep understanding of grammatical structure becomes essential.

The Conjunction "As Well As": A Source of Confusion

The conjunction "as well as" often causes confusion regarding verb agreement. Still, it's crucial to understand that "as well as" is not a coordinating conjunction like "and," which would make both elements of the subject plural. Instead, "as well as" introduces an additional element that doesn't change the number of the main subject.

The Rule: The verb agrees with the main subject preceding "as well as."

Let's illustrate with examples:

• Correct: The teacher, as well as her students, is attending the conference. (The main subject is "teacher," which is singular.)
• Incorrect: The teacher, as well as her students, are attending the conference.
• Correct: My sister, as well as her friends, has finished the race. (The main subject is "sister," which is singular.)
• Incorrect: My sister, as well as her friends, have finished the race.
• Correct: The books, as well as the magazines, are on the shelf. (The main subject is "books," which is plural).
• Incorrect: The books, as well as the magazines, is on the shelf.

Other Constructions Affecting Verb Agreement

Several other grammatical constructions can impact subject-verb agreement. Let's explore some common ones:

1. Collective Nouns:

Collective nouns (e.g.If referring to the group as a single unit, use a singular verb. , team, family, group) can be singular or plural depending on the context. If referring to the individual members of the group, use a plural verb.

• Singular: The team is playing well. (The team is acting as a single unit.)
• Plural: The team are arguing amongst themselves. (The individual members of the team are involved in the argument.)

Similarly, consider the following examples:

• Singular: The class is very attentive today.
• Plural: The class are divided on the issue.

2. Indefinite Pronouns:

Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, someone, anybody, each, neither, either) are usually singular and take singular verbs.

• Correct: Everyone is invited to the party.
• Incorrect: Everyone are invited to the party.
• Correct: Each of the students has completed the assignment.
• Incorrect: Each of the students have completed the assignment.
• Correct: Neither of the options is acceptable.
• Incorrect: Neither of the options are acceptable.

On the flip side, both is always plural and takes a plural verb.

• Correct: Both of the candidates are qualified.
• Incorrect: Both of the candidates is qualified.

3. Compound Subjects Joined by "And":

When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they typically form a plural subject and take a plural verb.

For more on this topic, read our article on why are electric cars so expensive or check out why is styrofoam a good insulator.

• Correct: The dog and the cat are playing together.
• Incorrect: The dog and the cat is playing together.

Exception: If the compound subject refers to a single entity or concept, use a singular verb.

• Correct: Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich. (Peanut butter and jelly together constitute one food item)

4. Compound Subjects Joined by "Or" or "Nor":

When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

• Correct: Neither the dogs nor the cat is allowed inside. (The verb "is" agrees with "cat," which is singular.)
• Correct: Neither the cat nor the dogs are allowed inside. (The verb "are" agrees with "dogs," which is plural.)

5. Phrases Between Subject and Verb:

Intervening phrases or clauses between the subject and the verb do not affect verb agreement. Identify the actual subject and ignore the extra information.

• Correct: The box of chocolates, along with the flowers, is a lovely gift. (The subject is "box," which is singular.)
• Incorrect: The box of chocolates, along with the flowers, are a lovely gift.
• Correct: The student, despite his many attempts, still struggles with verb agreement. (The subject is “student,” which is singular.)

6. Subjects That Appear Plural but are Singular:

Some nouns ending in "-s" are actually singular and take singular verbs. Examples include news, measles, mumps, physics, economics, politics.

• Correct: The news is good today.
• Incorrect: The news are good today.

7. Titles of Works:

Titles of books, films, and other works are treated as singular, even if they appear plural.

• Correct: "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" is a classic novel.
• Incorrect: "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" are a classic novel.

Explanation of the Scientific Basis of Subject-Verb Agreement

From a linguistic perspective, subject-verb agreement reflects the fundamental principle of grammatical concordance. Basically, elements within a sentence must agree in number, gender (in some languages), and person. This agreement is not merely a matter of stylistic choice; it's a reflection of the underlying syntactic structure of the sentence. Day to day, the subject's role as the agent or actor in the sentence necessitates agreement with the verb, which expresses the action or state of being. Still, the brain processes this agreement subconsciously, instantly recognizing grammatical errors when concordance is violated. Violation of agreement disrupts the fluency and natural processing of the sentence, signaling to the reader a lack of grammatical precision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if the subject is a fraction?

A1: The verb agrees with the noun following the fraction. For example:

• One-third of the students are absent. (Students is plural)
• One-third of the cake is gone. (Cake is singular)

Q2: What if the subject is a percentage?

A2: Similar to fractions, the verb agrees with the noun following the percentage.

• 20% of the population is unemployed.
• 20% of the apples are rotten.

Q3: How do I handle collective nouns that can be either singular or plural?

A3: Consider the context. If the collective noun acts as a unit, use a singular verb; if it refers to individual members, use a plural verb.

Conclusion: Practicing for Mastery

Mastering subject-verb agreement, including the proper use of "as well as" and other constructions, is a cornerstone of effective writing. Consistent practice is key to internalizing these rules and avoiding common errors. Regularly review the guidelines, actively identify subject-verb agreement challenges in your own writing and the writing of others, and strive for grammatical precision in all your communication. That's why by focusing on the underlying principles and practicing regularly, you'll enhance your writing skills and communicate your ideas with clarity and confidence. Remember, the goal isn't just to avoid grammatical mistakes, but to write with precision and style, conveying your message effectively to your audience. The more you practice, the more naturally you'll apply these rules, ensuring your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically sound. With consistent effort, you'll confidently deal with the complexities of subject-verb agreement and achieve mastery in your writing.