Divided Agreement Definition: Understanding the Basics
Divided agreement is a grammar concept that often confuses both native and non-native speakers of English. It involves agreeing with the subject of a sentence, but only in part.
In a divided agreement, the subject of a sentence is plural, but the verb used to describe it is singular. This type of agreement is also called “attraction errors” or “number agreement errors.”
To better understand the concept of divided agreement, let`s take a look at some examples:
Example 1:
Incorrect: The group of students was going on a field trip.
Correct: The group of students were going on a field trip.
Explanation: In this example, “group” is singular, but “students” is plural. So, it`s important to use a plural verb “were” instead of a singular verb “was.”
Example 2:
Incorrect: The team playing tonight is favored to win.
Correct: The team playing tonight are favored to win.
Explanation: “Team” is singular, but “playing tonight” is plural. Therefore, it`s important to use the plural verb “are” instead of “is.”
Example 3:
Incorrect: The committee on education was divided on the issue.
Correct: The committee on education were divided on the issue.
Explanation: “Committee” is singular, but “on education” is plural. So, it`s important to use a plural verb “were” instead of a singular verb “was.”
Divided agreement is often used in informal English, but it`s not appropriate in formal writing. It`s also important to note that divided agreement is not used in all situations. For example, if the subject is singular, it`s important to use a singular verb, even if there are other plural elements in the sentence.
In conclusion, divided agreement is a common grammatical concept in English. By understanding this concept, you can avoid making common errors and improve your writing skills. Remember to always match the subject and verb in number, and you`ll be on your way to writing clear and effective sentences.
