Errors in Grammar: Errors in Concord

 Understanding Concord

Concord, also known as subject-verb agreement, is the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must agree with its verb in number and person. This means that singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. Concord is fundamental to writing clear and correct English sentences, and errors in concord can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.

Common Concord Errors

1.     Singular Subjects with Plural Verbs: This error occurs when a singular subject is mistakenly paired with a plural verb.

Example:

• Incorrect: Ngozi enjoy reading novels.
• Correct: Ngozi enjoys reading novels.

2.     Plural Subjects with Singular Verbs: Conversely, this error happens when a plural subject is paired with a singular verb.

Example:

• Incorrect: The students reads their books in the library.
• Correct: The students read their books in the library.

3.     Compound Subjects: When subjects are joined by 'and,' they typically require a plural verb. However, when joined by 'or' or 'nor,' the verb should agree with the subject closest to it.

Examples:

·        Incorrect: Bola and Tunde is going to the market.

·        Correct: Bola and Tunde are going to the market.

·        Incorrect: Either the teacher or the students is responsible.

·        Correct: Either the teacher or the students are responsible.

4.     Collective Nouns: Collective nouns refer to groups of people or things and can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group is being considered as a single unit or as individuals.

Examples:

·        Incorrect: The team are winning the match.

·        Correct: The team is winning the match. (considered as a single unit)

·        Correct: The team are arguing among themselves. (considered as individuals)

5.     Indefinite Pronouns: Some indefinite pronouns are always singular and require singular verbs, while others are always plural and require plural verbs. Some can be both, depending on the context.

Examples:

·        Singular: Everyone needs to bring his or her own book.

·        Plural: Both of the girls were excited about the trip.

6.     Intervening Phrases: Sometimes, phrases or clauses come between the subject and the verb, which can confuse concord. The verb should still agree with the main subject, not with the noun in the intervening phrase.

Examples:

·        Incorrect: The basket of apples are on the table.

·        Correct: The basket of apples is on the table.

7.     Subjects with 'Each' and 'Every': When 'each' or 'every' precedes the subject, it takes a singular verb.

Examples:

·        Incorrect: Each of the students are responsible for their homework.

·        Correct: Each of the students is responsible for his or her homework.

·        Incorrect: Every student and teacher were present at the meeting.

·        Correct: Every student and teacher was present at the meeting.

8.     Titles and Names: Titles of books, movies, and other works, even if they are plural in form, take a singular verb.

Examples:

·        Incorrect: "The Chronicles of Narnia" are a popular series.

·        Correct: "The Chronicles of Narnia" is a popular series.

Exercises for Practice

1.     Identify and Correct Errors: Read the following sentences and identify the concord errors. Rewrite the sentences correctly.

a. The committee were divided in their opinions.

b. Neither the teacher nor the students was ready for the exam.

c. Every one of the boys play football after school.

d. Ada and her friends is going to the market.

2.     Subject-Verb Agreement in Context: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

a. The basket of oranges ____ (is/are) on the counter.

b. Each of the players ____ (want/wants) to win the trophy.

c. Uche and Emeka ____ (has/have) been best friends for years.

d. The team ____ (was/were) arguing about the next strategy.

3.     Writing Practice: Write a short paragraph about your favourite activity. Ensure that your subject-verb agreement is correct throughout the paragraph. Pay special attention to subjects joined by 'and,' 'or,' and 'nor,' as well as collective nouns and indefinite pronouns.

Tips for Avoiding Concord Errors

·        Identify the Subject and Verb: Always identify the main subject and the verb of the sentence. Ensure they agree in number and person.

·        Beware of Intervening Phrases: Ignore phrases or clauses that come between the subject and the verb when determining agreement.

·        Practice Regularly: Regularly practising with exercises can help reinforce the rules of concord.

·        Read Aloud: Reading sentences aloud can help you hear whether the subject and verb agree.