Linking Verb Agreement: Understanding the Basics
As a copy editor, it is essential to understand and employ proper linking verb agreement in your writing. Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that renames, describes, or identifies the subject. Without proper linking verb agreement, your writing can come across as awkward, confusing, and unprofessional.
Here are some basic rules to keep in mind to ensure correct linking verb agreement:
1. Identify the linking verb
Common linking verbs include “is,” “am,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “be,” “being,” and “been.” Identify the linking verb in your sentence and determine its tense.
2. Match the subject with the predicate nominative or adjective
The predicate nominative or adjective renames, describes, or identifies the subject. Ensure that the predicate nominative or adjective agrees with the subject in number and person. For example:
– Correct: My cat is black and white.
– Incorrect: My cat are black and white.
In the incorrect example, “are” should be replaced with “is” to match the singular subject “cat.”
3. Understand subject-verb agreement
When the subject of a sentence is a singular noun, use a singular verb. When the subject of a sentence is a plural noun, use a plural verb. For example:
– Correct: The dogs are barking.
– Incorrect: The dogs is barking.
In the incorrect example, “is” should be replaced with “are” to match the plural subject “dogs.”
4. Watch out for compound subjects
Compound subjects are two or more subjects joined by “and.” Use a plural verb when the compound subject is plural, and use a singular verb when the compound subject is singular. For example:
– Correct: Tom and Jerry are watching TV.
– Incorrect: Tom and Jerry is watching TV.
In the incorrect example, “is” should be replaced with “are” to match the plural compound subject “Tom and Jerry.”
In conclusion, proper linking verb agreement is crucial in producing clear and effective writing. By following these basic rules, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and professional. Keep in mind, however, that like other grammar rules, there will always be exceptions and nuances to consider when applying these rules to your writing.