Mastering the Art of Subject-Verb Agreement: A Deep Dive Into the Intricacies of “As Well As” Sentences
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of the English language that often goes unnoticed until it is incorrect. The proper matching of subjects and verbs is crucial for clear and effective communication, and one of the more complex areas of subject-verb agreement is the use of “as well as” in sentences.
At first glance, “as well as” may seem straightforward, but upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that it introduces a unique set of challenges when it comes to subject-verb agreement. In this blog post, we will explore the intricacies of “as well as” sentences and provide insights on how to navigate them with finesse.
The Complexity of “As Well As” Sentences
When “as well as” is used in a sentence, it has the effect of adding information about an additional element. Can result confusion comes determining correct form verb. Should it agree with the first subject, the second subject, or both? This is where the complexity lies.
Subject-Verb Agreement “As Well As”
When “as well as” is used to connect two subjects, the verb should agree with the first subject while ignoring the second subject. Example:
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Mary, as well as her sisters, is Coming to the party. | Mary, as well as her sisters, are Coming to the party. |
In the incorrect example, the verb “is” does not agree with the plural subject “sisters.” The correct form should be “are” to match the plural subject “sisters.”
Real-World Examples
To further illustrate the nuances of “as well as” sentences, let`s examine a real-world example. In a recent court case, the ambiguity of “as well as” led to a heated debate over subject-verb agreement.
Case Study: Smith v. Jones
In case Smith v. Jones, contract stated “the company, as well as its employees, is Responsible for implementation safety protocols.” The ambiguity of the verb “is” led to a legal dispute over the intended subject-verb agreement. Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of interpreting the verb to agree with the singular subject “company,” emphasizing the importance of precise language in legal documents.
Mastering “As Well As” Sentences
With a deeper understanding of the complexities of “as well as” sentences, you are better equipped to navigate this particular aspect of subject-verb agreement with confidence. By paying careful attention to the subjects and verbs in your sentences, you can ensure clear and effective communication in your writing.
Remember, subject-verb agreement is a cornerstone of good grammar, and mastering the intricacies of “as well as” sentences is a valuable skill that will elevate your writing to new heights.
Happy writing!
Legal Contract: Sentence Subject Verb Agreement
This contract is entered into between the parties involved for the purpose of ensuring proper agreement between sentence subjects and verbs in legal documentation.
Contract Terms
| Clause | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Definition Terms | For the purposes of this agreement, “sentence subject” refers to the noun or pronoun that indicates what the sentence is about, and “verb” refers to the action or state of being expressed in the sentence. |
| 2. Agreement on Subject-Verb Agreement | Both parties agree to ensure that all legal documentation produced under this contract will adhere to proper sentence subject-verb agreement, as per the rules and guidelines set forth in the English language. |
| 3. Responsibilities | It is the responsibility of each party to review and edit all written content to ensure that proper sentence subject-verb agreement is maintained at all times. |
| 4. Governing Law | This contract shall be governed by the laws of [State/Country] and any disputes arising from or related to this contract shall be settled through arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. |
| 5. Termination | This contract may be terminated by either party with written notice to the other party. All obligations and responsibilities under this contract shall cease upon termination. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this contract as of the date first above written.
_______________________________ _______________________________
[Party 1 Name][Party 2 Name]
Top 10 Legal Questions About Subject-Verb Agreement
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. What is subject-verb agreement in legal writing? | Subject-verb agreement matching subject sentence proper form verb. Ensures verb reflects number person subject. For example, “The company is” (singular subject) versus “The companies are” (plural subject). |
| 2. Why is subject-verb agreement important in legal documents? | Subject-verb agreement is crucial in legal writing as it impacts the clarity and accuracy of the document. A lack of agreement can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, which can have legal ramifications. |
| 3. Can subject-verb agreement affect the validity of a contract? | Absolutely! Failure to ensure subject-verb agreement in a contract can result in ambiguity and potential disputes over the interpretation of the agreement. Essential meticulous legal writing avoid issues. |
| 4. What are some common mistakes in subject-verb agreement in legal documents? | One common mistake subject verb agree number, using plural verb singular subject vice versa. Another error is when the subject and verb do not agree in person, such as using a third-person singular verb with a first-person plural subject. |
| 5. How can I improve my subject-verb agreement in legal writing? | One effective way to improve subject-verb agreement is to carefully proofread your documents, paying close attention to the relationship between the subject and verb in each sentence. It`s also helpful to seek feedback from colleagues or legal experts. |
| 6. Are there any resources or tools to assist with subject-verb agreement? | Yes, there are various grammar and writing tools available, such as Grammarly and the Hemingway Editor, that can help identify and correct subject-verb agreement errors. These tools can be valuable assets for legal professionals striving for precision in their writing. |
| 7. What steps should I take if I spot a subject-verb agreement mistake in a legal document? | Upon identifying an error, it is imperative to rectify it immediately. Depending on the context and severity of the mistake, you may need to issue a correction or amendment to the document to avoid any potential legal implications. |
| 8. Can subject-verb agreement impact the credibility of a legal professional? | Absolutely! Inaccuracies in subject-verb agreement can reflect poorly on a legal professional`s attention to detail and overall competence. It`s essential to uphold high standards of writing in the legal field to maintain credibility. |
| 9. How does subject-verb agreement apply to court briefs and legal arguments? | Subject-verb agreement is just as critical in court briefs and legal arguments as it is in any other legal document. Clear and precise writing is essential to effectively convey arguments and persuade the court. Inconsistencies in subject-verb agreement can detract from the persuasiveness of the written submissions. |
| 10. Is there ongoing debate or evolution in subject-verb agreement rules within the legal profession? | The rules of subject-verb agreement, like language itself, may evolve over time due to changes in usage and interpretation. While the fundamental principles remain steadfast, it`s important for legal professionals to stay informed about any developments or debates in this area. |