Revision Notes for Sentence Structures and Conventions: Concord
Introduction
Understanding sentence structures and subject-verb concord is essential for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences. This concept ensures that the subject and the verb in a sentence agree in number, person, and gender. Mastering this skill is critical for effective communication in both written and spoken English.
Key Points
- Definition of Concord:
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Concord means agreement between different parts of a sentence. It often refers to subject-verb agreement.
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Types of Concord:
- Grammatical Concord: The subject and verb must agree in number, e.g., ‘The girl runs’ (singular) vs. ‘The girls run’ (plural).
- Notional Concord: Agreement depends on the meaning rather than the form, often with collective nouns, e.g., ‘The team is winning’ vs. ‘The team are celebrating’.
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Proximity Concord: The verb agrees with the nearest subject, especially in compound subjects, e.g., ‘Neither the teacher nor the students were ready’.
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Basic Rules:
- Singular subjects take singular verbs: ‘She plays’.
- Plural subjects take plural verbs: ‘They play’.
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Collective nouns can take singular or plural verbs based on the context: ‘The jury is unanimous’ vs. ‘The jury are arguing’.
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Special Cases:
- When the subject is a phrase, the verb must agree with the main noun: ‘A bag of apples is on the table’.
- With compound subjects joined by ‘and’, use a plural verb: ‘The cat and the dog are friendly’.
- With subjects joined by ‘or/nor’, the verb agrees with the nearest subject: ‘Neither she nor her friends are coming’.
Real-World Applications
- Writing Emails: Ensuring subject-verb concord helps in writing clear and professional emails.
- Public Speaking: Proper concord usage improves the clarity and impact of spoken communication.
- Academic Writing: Essays and reports require precise grammar to convey ideas effectively.
Common Misconceptions and Errors
- Misunderstanding Collective Nouns:
- Error: ‘The team are playing well’ (if perceived as a single entity).
- Correction: ‘The team is playing well’ (if seen as a single unit)【4:8†source】.
- Proximity Errors:
- Error: ‘Either the teacher or the students was wrong’.
- Correction: ‘Either the teacher or the students were wrong’【4:10†source】.
Practice and Review
- Identify the Correct Verb:
- The committee ____ (is/are) deciding the issue today.
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Answer: ‘is’ (if the committee is seen as a single entity).
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Correct the Errors:
- Incorrect: ‘The group of students are excited.’
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Correct: ‘The group of students is excited’【4:8†source】.
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Exam Tips:
- Look for key subjects and ensure the verb matches in number (singular/plural).
- Pay attention to collective nouns and context.
Practice Questions
- Choose the correct verb:
- Each of the players ____ (is/are) ready.
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Neither the cat nor the dogs ____ (is/are) tired.
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Correct the sentence:
- The books on the shelf needs dusting.
- The team are playing their best this season.
Connections and Extensions
- Concord connects to other grammar topics like pronouns and antecedents.
- Understanding concord is crucial for learning complex sentence structures and punctuation rules.
- It helps in mastering advanced writing skills, such as crafting coherent arguments in essays.
Summary and Quick Review
- Concord refers to the agreement between subject and verb.
- Types include grammatical, notional, and proximity concord.
- Common errors involve collective nouns and proximity.
- Practice ensures mastery and error-free communication.
Additional Resources
- Online Articles: Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) for grammar tips.
- Videos: YouTube channels like “Learn English with Emma”.
- Educational Platforms: Khan Academy for English grammar lessons.
By understanding and practicing these principles, you’ll improve your command of English and enhance your communication skills.