Somebody Subject Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of writing that every content creator should master. It refers to the proper matching of the subject of the sentence with the appropriate verb. However, the challenge is that the English language has many rules and exceptions that can make subject-verb agreement seem daunting. In this article, we will look at the common challenges that writers face with somebody subject-verb agreement and how to overcome them.
When using “somebody” as the subject of a sentence, it is essential to determine whether the verb should be singular or plural. The decision will depend on the context and the meaning you intend to convey.
For instance, if you are referring to somebody as an unknown person or in a general sense, you should use the singular verb. For example, “Somebody has left their book on the table.” In this case, the subject “somebody” refers to an anonymous person, and it would be incorrect to use a plural verb.
On the other hand, if you are referring to a specific group of individuals, you should use a plural verb. For example, “Somebody in the audience are clapping their hands.” In this case, the subject “somebody” refers to a specific group of people in the audience, and it would be incorrect to use a singular verb.
Another challenge that writers face with somebody subject-verb agreement is when using compound subjects. When a sentence has two or more subjects, it can be confusing to determine whether to use a singular or plural verb. In this case, the general rule is that if one of the subjects is singular, the verb should be singular. However, if all the subjects are plural, the verb should also be plural.
For instance, “Somebody and his friends are going to the beach.” In this case, we have two subjects “somebody” and “friends.” However, since “somebody” is singular, we use the plural verb “are.”
Lastly, it is essential to pay attention to the tense of the sentence. Whether it is present, past or future tense, the subject-verb agreement should match. For example, “Somebody was singing in the shower,” is in the past tense. Therefore, the verb should be in agreement with the past tense.
In conclusion, somebody subject-verb agreement may seem challenging, but with a good understanding of the grammar rules, it is easy to get it right. Always remember to use a singular verb for an unknown person and a plural verb when referring to a specific group of individuals. Additionally, pay attention to the tense of the sentence and the presence of compound subjects when matching the subject with the appropriate verb. With these tips, you can write confidently and with grammatical accuracy.
