Subject-Verb Agreement: Correcting Grammatical Errors in English Sentences

In English grammar, subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule that must be adhered to ensure proper sentence construction. This article discusses a common error in subject-verb agreement and provides guidance on how to correct it.

Correcting Subject-Verb Agreement

The sentence you provided, “The woman who sell apples also sell oranges,” contains a subject-verb agreement error. The subject "woman" is a third-person singular noun, thus it requires a singular verb. Therefore, both instances of “sell” should be changed to “sells.” Here is the corrected sentence:

The woman who sells apples also sells oranges.

The Importance of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is crucial for the clarity and proper construction of sentences. It ensures that the subject and the verb match in number and person. For example, if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, even if the sentence includes additional verbs or clauses.

Example Sentences

Incorrect: The woman who sells apples also sell oranges.

Correct: The woman who sells apples also sells oranges.

Additional Tips for Subject-Verb Agreement

Understanding subject-verb agreement can be challenging, especially when descriptive phrases are involved. These phrases can either be descriptive (non-restrictive) or restrictive (defining).

Descriptive Versus Restrictive Phrases

Descriptive phrases, introduced by words like which, can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. On the other hand, restrictive phrases, introduced by words like who, that, or which, are necessary to identify a specific person or thing within the sentence.

The woman who sells apples also sells oranges.

In this example, the phrase "who sells apples" is a restrictive phrase and is necessary to identify the specific woman being discussed. Therefore, the verb "sells" should be singular, as the subject "woman" is singular.

Alternatives for Clarity

If you find the phrase "who sells apples" too cumbersome, consider rephrasing the sentence for better clarity. For instance:

The female apple vendor also sells oranges.

The produce stand sells apples and oranges.

The woman with the produce cart sells apples and oranges.

Common Nouns and Capitalization

It is also important to note that common nouns such as "apples" and "oranges" do not require capitalization unless they appear at the beginning of a sentence or within a title. For example:

The dog begins its meal with a capital T because it starts a new sentence. However, the sentence “the dog loves apples” does not need a capital letter for the word “apples.”

This rule applies to other common nouns as well, ensuring that they remain uncapitalized unless they are part of a proper noun or title.

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement is a key element of proper English grammar. By following the rules of subject-verb agreement, you can ensure that your writing is clear and error-free. Remember to keep an eye on the number and person of your subjects and verbs to maintain grammatical correctness.

Lastly, while some questions about English grammar may seem repetitive, they can often provide valuable insights and examples, making your understanding of the language more comprehensive.