Verb Agreement Markers

Verb agreement markers are important parts of a sentence that help ensure subject-verb agreement. They are essential in making sure that the verb used in a sentence matches the subject being talked about. This is a crucial aspect of writing since it helps to avoid confusion and incorrect statements that can mislead the reader.

To make a sentence correct, the verb agreement marker must match the subject in terms of number and person. In simpler terms, the verb agreement marker expresses agreement based on whether the subject is singular or plural. In addition, it should also match the person of the subject, whether it is first, second, or third person.

For example, consider the following sentence: “Tom plays basketball.” In this sentence, the subject is “Tom,” and the verb that follows is “plays.” Since “Tom” is a singular noun in the third person, the verb “plays” is used. However, if the subject had been plural, say “Tom and his friends,” the verb would have changed to “play” to match the subject.

Moreover, verb agreement markers are used to differentiate between present and past tense. The present tense tells us that the action is currently happening, while the past tense informs us that the action has already taken place. For example, “Tom plays basketball” is in the present tense, while “Tom played basketball” is in the past tense.

In conclusion, verb agreement markers are necessary components of a sentence in ensuring subject-verb agreement and avoiding grammatical errors. It is crucial to ensure that the verb agreement marker matches the noun in number and person, and that the tense used is appropriate for the context of the sentence. As a copy editor, it is essential to pay close attention to verb agreement markers to maintain the clarity and accuracy of the written work.