When it comes to writing, using proper grammar and sentence structure is crucial for effective communication. One aspect of crafting well-written sentences is ensuring that they have proper agreement. But what exactly is agreement, and how can we incorporate it into our writing?
Simply put, agreement refers to the grammatical matching of certain elements in a sentence. These elements can include subjects and verbs, pronouns and antecedents, and adjectives and nouns. Consistent agreement helps to ensure clarity and comprehension in written communication.
So, let`s create an example sentence with proper agreement.
“The team of researchers is conducting a study on the effects of climate change on local ecosystems.”
In this sentence, the subject “team of researchers” is singular, and the verb “is conducting” matches in singular form. This agreement of subject and verb creates a clear and concise statement about what the researchers are doing. If we were to use incorrect agreement in this sentence, such as “The team of researchers are conducting a study,” it could cause confusion for the reader and detract from the overall message.
Another example of agreement in a sentence would be the use of pronouns and antecedents.
“Michelle gave her presentation, and everyone was impressed with her knowledge on the topic.”
In this sentence, the pronoun “her” matches the antecedent “Michelle” in both gender and number. This agreement helps to avoid ambiguity and makes the sentence easier to understand.
In addition to subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement, proper adjective-noun agreement can also be important for creating clear sentences.
“The new, high-tech smartphone was released last week and has already sold out in stores.”
In this sentence, the adjective “new” matches the singular noun “smartphone,” and “high-tech” also agrees in both number and gender. This agreement helps to paint a clear and vivid picture of the product being described.
In conclusion, using proper agreement in sentences is essential for effective communication. It helps to avoid confusion and ensures that the message is clear and concise. So, whether you`re writing a research paper or a simple email, always pay attention to agreement to ensure your writing is at its best.