When it comes to the rules of grammar, subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of writing that can greatly impact the clarity and quality of your content. One aspect of this rule that may be overlooked by some writers is the use of the “both…and” construction.
In a sentence that uses “both…and,” the subject is made up of two nouns that are connected by the conjunction “and.” For example, “Both the dog and the cat are sleeping.” In these cases, it is important to ensure that the verb agrees with the subject in number and tense.
When the two nouns are singular, the verb should also be singular. For example, “Both the athlete and the coach was happy with the result.” In this example, “was” agrees with the singular subject “athlete and coach.”
When the two nouns are plural, the verb should also be plural. For example, “Both the dogs and the cats were playing outside.” In this case, “were” agrees with the plural subject “dogs and cats.”
In cases where the two nouns have different numbers, the verb should agree with the noun closest to it. For example, “Both the dog and the cats were playing outside.” Here, the plural noun “cats” is closest to the verb, so “were” agrees with it.
It is important to note that “both…and” does not always have to be used in the sentence for this rule to apply. For example, “The dog and cat are sleeping” still requires the verb to agree with the plural subject “dog and cat.”
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of writing that must be mastered by all writers. When using the “both…and” construction, it is important to ensure that the verb agrees with the subject in number and tense. By adhering to these rules, your writing will be clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
