Number Agreement Consider Revising: A Guide for Copy Editors and Writers
As a copy editor, you are responsible for ensuring that your writing is grammatically correct, clear, and professional. One of the most common mistakes in writing is a lack of agreement between singular and plural nouns, verbs, and pronouns.
Number agreement errors happen when the number of a subject does not match the number of the verb or pronoun that follows it. For example, a singular subject needs a singular verb, and a plural subject needs a plural verb.
Here are some common examples of number agreement errors:
Incorrect: The team were playing well.
Correct: The team was playing well.
Incorrect: The staff are attending the meeting.
Correct: The staff is attending the meeting.
Incorrect: Each of the students have their own books.
Correct: Each of the students has their own book.
Incorrect: The company is proud of their employees.
Correct: The company is proud of its employees.
Incorrect: One of the boys left their backpack on the bus.
Correct: One of the boys left his backpack on the bus.
As you can see, number agreement errors can often lead to confusion and ambiguity. They can also make your writing appear unprofessional and sloppy.
To avoid these mistakes, it is important to pay close attention to the number of your subjects and the corresponding verbs and pronouns. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Identify the subject of your sentence. Is it singular or plural?
2. Choose the correct verb or pronoun that matches the number of your subject.
3. Double-check your work to ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and clear.
4. Use tools such as Grammarly or the Hemingway Editor to help identify and correct number agreement errors.
In addition to these tips, it is important to remember that consistency is key. Make sure that your number agreement is consistent throughout your writing, and avoid switching between singular and plural forms within the same sentence or paragraph.
Finally, keep in mind that number agreement is just one aspect of good writing. Your writing should also be clear, concise, and engaging. By paying attention to number agreement, you can improve the quality of your writing and ensure that your message is conveyed accurately and effectively.
In conclusion, number agreement errors are a common mistake in writing, but they can be easily avoided with careful attention and practice. As a copy editor, it is your responsibility to ensure that your writing is grammatically correct, clear, and professional. By following these tips, you can improve your writing and avoid common number agreement errors.
