What Roles Do Subject-Verb Agreement Serve Ineffective Communication

Subject-verb agreement is an essential component of effective communication. It refers to the agreement between the subject and verb in a sentence. If the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. Conversely, if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural as well. Failure to follow subject-verb agreement can lead to ineffective communication in many ways. In this article, we will explore what roles subject-verb agreement serves in ineffective communication.

1. Confusion

Incorrect subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion. For example, the sentence “The group of students were studying for their exams,” should be “The group of students was studying for its exams.” The correct subject-verb agreement would make it clear that the group is considered a single entity and not several individuals. This confusion can hinder communication and damage the credibility of the writer.

2. Decreased Readability

Incorrect subject-verb agreement can decrease the readability of a piece of writing. When the sentence structure is not clear, the reader may need to reread the sentence several times to understand it. This can lead to a loss of interest in the content or simply cause frustration, making it difficult for them to focus on the main message being communicated.

3. Loss of Credibility

Incorrect subject-verb agreement can also lead to the loss of credibility. When a piece of writing contains grammatical errors, the reader may assume that the writer is careless or unprofessional. This can lead to a loss of trust in the content being communicated. In a world where people are quick to judge content creators, it is essential to ensure that the writing is grammatically correct, not just for SEO purposes, but also for the sake of credibility.

4. Misinterpretation

Incorrect subject-verb agreement can lead to misinterpretation. For example, the sentence “The team of employees is unhappy with their manager,” should be “The team of employees are unhappy with their manager.” The incorrect use of subject-verb agreement in this sentence can lead the reader to believe that the team is one entity, whereas the writer intends for the reader to understand that the team comprises several individuals. This misinterpretation can lead to confusion and detract from the main message being communicated.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement plays a critical role in effective communication. Incorrect usage can lead to confusion, decreased readability, loss of credibility, and misinterpretation. To avoid these pitfalls, writers must ensure that their writing adheres to proper subject-verb agreement. This will ensure that the written content is clear, concise, and effective in communicating the intended message to its audience.