Concord and agreement are like the perfect pair in language; they ensure that the different elements in a sentence match and work harmoniously together. Just as a well-matched team achieves success, concord and agreement lead to grammatically correct and coherent sentences.
Subject-Verb Concord:
Singular Subject with Singular Verb:
When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb must also be singular.
Example:
The cat jumps over the fence.
Plural Subject with Plural Verb:
When the subject of a sentence is plural, the verb must also be plural.
Example:
The cats jump over the fence.
Singular Indefinite Pronoun with Singular Verb:
Singular indefinite pronouns, such as “everybody,” “someone,” or “nothing,” require singular verbs.
Example:
Everybody wants to be successful.
Collective Nouns with Singular or Plural Verbs:
Collective nouns, referring to a group of individuals, can take either a singular or plural verb depending on the context. If the group is seen as a single unit, a singular verb is used. If the focus is on individual members of the group, a plural verb is used.
Example:
The team is winning the match. (Singular verb, treating the team as a single unit)
The team are celebrating their victory. (Plural verb, focusing on individual players)
Subject-Pronoun Agreement:
Singular Noun with Singular Pronoun:
When referring back to a singular noun, use a singular pronoun.
Example:
The girl is reading a book. She is enjoying it.
Plural Noun with Plural Pronoun:
When referring back to a plural noun, use a plural pronoun.
Example:
The boys are playing soccer. They are having fun.
Adjective-Noun Agreement:
Agreement in Number:
Adjectives must agree with the nouns they modify in number (singular or plural).
Example:
The blue car is fast. The blue cars are fast.
Agreement in Gender (for Some Languages):
In some languages, adjectives also agree with the gender of the nouns they modify (masculine, feminine, or neuter).
Example (Spanish):
El coche azul es rápido. (The blue car is fast.)
La casa azul es rápida. (The blue house is fast.)
