The Art of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental concept in the English language. It idea subject verb sentence agree number. This means subject singular, verb singular, subject plural, verb plural. It may seem simple, but it can be quite tricky, especially when it comes to certain phrases and constructions.

Using “As Well As” in Subject-Verb Agreement

One common construction that can trip people up is the use of “as well as” in a sentence. When “as well as” is used to introduce a non-essential element in a sentence, it does not affect the subject-verb agreement. For example:

Incorrect	Correct
The teacher, as well as students, is Going field trip.	The teacher, as well as students, are Going field trip.

Case Studies and Statistics

Case studies have shown that many people struggle with subject-verb agreement, particularly when using phrases like “as well as.” In a recent survey of college students, 60% of respondents incorrectly used a singular verb after “as well as” in a sentence. This indicates a widespread misunderstanding of this concept.

Mastering Art

Mastering subject-verb agreement, especially when using phrases like “as well as,” takes practice and careful attention to detail. It`s important to remember that the subject of the sentence always dictates the form of the verb, regardless of any additional elements in the sentence. By being mindful of this, you can ensure that your writing and speech are clear, concise, and grammatically correct.

Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of the English language, and understanding how to use it properly, especially with phrases like “as well as,” can elevate your communication skills. By paying attention subject sentence ensuring verb agrees number, can convey thoughts effectively impress audience.

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Professional Legal Contract: Use of As Well As Subject Verb Agreement

Dear parties, please find below the terms and conditions for the use of as well as subject verb agreement in this legal contract.

Clause	Description
1. Use “As Well As”	Both parties agree that the phrase “as well as” shall be used to connect words or phrases that are grammatically parallel. In the event of any ambiguity or dispute, the interpretation of this clause shall be governed by the rules of grammar and syntax as set forth in the English language.
2. Subject Verb Agreement	It is hereby agreed that all subject verb agreements within this contract shall be in accordance with the laws and rules of grammar of the English language. Both parties acknowledge that proper subject verb agreement is essential for the clarity and enforceability of this contract.
3. Governing Law	This contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Jurisdiction], and any disputes arising from or related to the use of as well as subject verb agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Jurisdiction].

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Legal Q&A: Use As Well As Subject Verb Agreement

Question	Answer
1. What is the significance of subject-verb agreement in legal writing?	Subject-verb agreement is crucial in legal writing because it ensures clarity and precision in conveying legal concepts and terms. Without proper subject-verb agreement, the meaning of a legal document can be misconstrued, leading to potential legal disputes and ambiguities.
2. Can the use of “as well as” affect subject-verb agreement?	Absolutely! “As well as” is a compound conjunction that affects subject-verb agreement. The verb must agree subject comes “as well as,” subject comes it. For example, “The lawyer, as well as the paralegals, is responsible for drafting the contract.”
3. How does the use of “and” impact subject-verb agreement?	The conjunction “and” creates a plural subject, requiring a plural verb. For instance, “The judge and the jury are deliberating on the case.”
4. When should I use a singular verb after “each”?	When “each” is followed by a singular noun or pronoun, it requires a singular verb. For example, “Each attorney is required to submit a brief.”
5. How does the use of “or” or “nor” affect subject-verb agreement?	When “or” or “nor” is used to conjoin two singular subjects, the verb should be singular. For example, “Neither the plaintiff nor the defendant wants to proceed with the trial.”
6. Can collective nouns impact subject-verb agreement?	Yes, collective nouns, such as “jury,” “team,” or “committee,” can be singular or plural, depending on the context. If the collective noun is acting as a unit, it takes a singular verb. If the members of the group are acting individually, a plural verb is used. For instance, “The committee is reviewing the case” versus “The committee are divided in their opinions.”
7. What about indefinite pronouns like “everyone” or “anybody”?	Indefinite pronouns are considered singular and require a singular verb. For example, “Everyone in the courtroom was silent during the proceedings.”
8. Can the use of phrases such as “in addition to” impact subject-verb agreement?	Yes, phrases like “in addition to” or “along with” do not change the number of the subject, so the verb should agree with the original subject. For example, “The paralegal, in addition to the interns, is responsible for organizing the case files.”
9. Are there any exceptions to subject-verb agreement rules in legal writing?	While there are general rules for subject-verb agreement, exceptions may arise in specific legal contexts. It`s crucial to be mindful of the specific language and terminology used in legal documents to ensure accurate subject-verb agreement.
10. What are the potential consequences of ignoring subject-verb agreement in legal documents?	Ignoring subject-verb agreement in legal documents can lead to misunderstandings, contractual disputes, and potential challenges to the validity of the document. In legal writing, precision and accuracy are paramount, and proper subject-verb agreement is essential to upholding these standards.