Subject-verb agreement is crucial in any written material. It ensures that the relationship between the subject and the verb is clear and grammatically correct. When it comes to nouns that end in ‘s’, it can be tricky to determine whether or not they should take a singular or plural verb. In this article, we’ll explore subject-verb agreement with nouns that end in ‘s’ and how to avoid common mistakes.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that not all nouns ending in ‘s’ are plural. In fact, several singular nouns end in ‘s,’ such as news, economics, mathematics, politics, and physics. Therefore, when using these nouns as subjects, they should take a singular verb. For example, “Mathematics is my favorite subject” and “The news is good today.”
On the other hand, some nouns ending in ‘s’ are plural, and they take a plural verb. Examples of such nouns include scissors, glasses, trousers, and premises. For instance, “The premises are closed for renovation” and “She wears glasses.”
However, there are times when it becomes difficult to determine whether a noun ending in ‘s’ is plural or singular, especially when the noun can be both. Here are some of the things to consider when using such nouns in a sentence:
Firstly, pay attention to the context to determine whether the noun is singular or plural. For example, the word ‘means’ can be both singular and plural. In the sentence “The means of transportation in this city are limited,” ‘means’ is plural because it refers to different modes of transportation. Similarly, in the sentence “A means of transportation is needed,” ‘means’ is singular because it refers to one mode of transportation.
Secondly, consider the intended meaning of the noun. For instance, the word ‘species’ is a plural noun, but it can also be used as a singular noun when referring to one type of species. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the context in which the word is used to determine whether to use a singular or plural verb.
Lastly, when in doubt, consult a dictionary or a grammar resource to understand the correct usage of the noun and the verb that should accompany it.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is critical in ensuring clear and grammatically correct writing. When dealing with nouns that end in ‘s,’ it’s essential to understand whether the noun is singular or plural to determine the correct verb to use. Remember to pay attention to the context, the intended meaning of the word, and seek guidance when in doubt. By following these guidelines, one can ensure that their writing is free from errors and conveys their message effectively.
