Subject Verb Agreement Using Which

Subject-verb agreement is essential in writing to ensure that sentences convey a clear and concise message to readers. It refers to the agreement between the subject and verb in a sentence, ensuring that both words match in number and person. One common mistake made in subject-verb agreement is when using «which.» In this article, we will explore how to use «which» correctly in sentences while maintaining subject-verb agreement.

When using «which» in a sentence, it is important to note that it is a relative pronoun. This means that it introduces a clause that describes a noun or pronoun. The relative clause will provide additional information about the noun or pronoun in question, but it should be set off by commas to differentiate it from the main clause.

Here are some examples of sentences using «which» correctly:

The car, which is blue, is parked in the driveway.

The book, which I read last night, was fascinating.

The flower, which grows in the garden, is a type of rose.

In these examples, «which» is used to introduce a relative clause that provides additional information about the noun in the sentence. In each case, the subject and verb in the main clause agree, and the relative clause is set off by commas to differentiate it from the main clause. It is also important to note that the verb in the relative clause is determined by the noun or pronoun it describes.

However, problems can arise when there is a mismatch between the noun or pronoun in the relative clause and the verb that follows it. Here is an example of how that can happen:

The car, which are blue, are parked in the driveway.

In this example, «which» is used incorrectly, and the verb «are» does not agree with the singular noun «car.» This makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.

To avoid such errors, always ensure that the verb in the relative clause agrees with the noun or pronoun it describes. Remember to set off the relative clause with commas, and ensure that the subject and verb in the main clause agree.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential part of writing, and it is important to use «which» correctly to avoid errors. By following the rules above and always ensuring that the verb in the relative clause agrees with the noun or pronoun it describes, you can write effective and grammatically correct sentences.