Subject Verb Agreement: Legal Guidelines and Best Practices

Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement: The Power of “As Well As” and “Along With”

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule of the English language. It dictates singular subject singular verb, plural subject plural verb. However, using phrases such as “as well as” and “along with” can sometimes confuse the subject-verb agreement. In blog post, dive deep intricacies subject-verb agreement using phrases explore tips mastering aspect grammar.

The Influence of “As Well As” and “Along With” on Subject-Verb Agreement

When using “as well as” and “along with” in a sentence, it is important to ensure that the verb agrees with the main subject of the sentence rather than the noun or pronoun immediately following the phrase. Let`s look example:

“The singer, as well as the dancers, is Performing on stage.”

In this case, “singer” is the main subject, so the singular verb “is” is used. Here`s another example:

“The committee, along with its members, are Working on the new proposal.”

Here, “committee” is the main subject, so the singular verb “is” should be used instead of the plural verb “are.”

Tips for Navigating “As Well As” and “Along With” in Subject-Verb Agreement

Mastering subject-verb agreement with “as well as” and “along with” may seem daunting, but with practice, it can become second nature. Here tips keep mind:

Tip Example
Identify the main subject “The CEO, as well as the directors, is Attending the conference.”
Ignore the words following the phrases “The team, along with its coach, is Practicing for the upcoming match.”
Use your ear “The musician, as well as the dancers, is Rehearsing for the performance.”

The Impact of Proper Subject-Verb Agreement

Understanding and implementing correct subject-verb agreement not only demonstrates mastery of grammar but also enhances the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Whether you are crafting an academic paper, a business proposal, or a casual email, impeccable grammar can elevate your communication and leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Mastering subject-verb agreement, especially when using “as well as” and “along with,” is a valuable skill for any writer or communicator. By identifying the main subject, ignoring the words following the phrases, and trusting your ear, you can navigate this aspect of grammar with confidence and finesse. Practice these tips, and watch as your writing becomes more polished and impactful.

 

Top 10 Legal Questions & Answers about Subject-Verb Agreement

Question Answer
1. What is subject-verb agreement in legal writing? Subject-verb agreement refers to the matching of the subject and verb in a sentence. It is crucial in legal writing to ensure that the subject and verb agree to convey a clear and precise meaning.
2. Why is subject-verb agreement important in legal documents? Subject-verb agreement is essential in legal documents to avoid ambiguity and misinterpretation. It ensures that the meaning of the sentence is accurately conveyed to all parties involved.
3. Can a lack of subject-verb agreement lead to legal issues? Absolutely! A lack of subject-verb agreement can lead to misunderstandings, and in legal matters, misunderstandings can lead to disputes and legal challenges. It`s imperative to maintain proper subject-verb agreement in legal documents.
4. How can one ensure proper subject-verb agreement in legal writing? To ensure proper subject-verb agreement, one must carefully review and edit their writing. It`s also helpful to read the document aloud to identify any discrepancies in subject-verb agreement.
5. Are there any common mistakes when it comes to subject-verb agreement in legal writing? Oh, most definitely! One common mistake is when the subject and verb do not agree in number, such as using a singular subject with a plural verb. Another mistake is the incorrect placement of modifiers that can affect subject-verb agreement.
6. What are the consequences of improper subject-verb agreement in a legal contract? The consequences can be severe, leading to contractual disputes and potentially rendering the contract unenforceable. In legal matters, precision and accuracy are paramount, and improper subject-verb agreement can jeopardize the validity of the contract.
7. Can subject-verb agreement impact the interpretation of laws and regulations? Absolutely! Subject-verb agreement can significantly impact the interpretation of laws and regulations. In some cases, a lack of agreement can lead to different interpretations, which can be detrimental in legal proceedings.
8. How can a lawyer uphold subject-verb agreement in court documents? Lawyers must be meticulous in their drafting of court documents, ensuring that subject-verb agreement is maintained throughout. It`s advisable to have a second set of eyes review the documents to catch any discrepancies in subject-verb agreement.
9. Does subject-verb agreement apply to legal pleadings and motions? Without a doubt! Subject-verb agreement is just as critical in legal pleadings and motions as it is in contracts and other legal documents. Any inconsistencies in subject-verb agreement can cast doubt on the validity of the pleadings or motions.
10. What are some resources for improving subject-verb agreement in legal writing? There are numerous resources available, including grammar guides, writing workshops, and online tools. It`s also beneficial to continuously practice and refine one`s writing skills to master subject-verb agreement in legal writing.

 

Professional Services Agreement

This Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into on this ___ day of ____, 20__, by and between the undersigned parties (“Client”) and (“Service Provider”).

1. Engagement Services The Client engages the Service Provider to provide professional services as described in this Agreement.
2. Scope Work The Service Provider agrees to perform the services specified in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
3. Compensation The Client agrees to pay the Service Provider the fees as set forth in Exhibit B, in accordance with the terms specified therein.
4. Term Termination This Agreement shall commence on the date first written above and shall continue until terminated by either party in accordance with the terms specified in Exhibit C.
5. Governing Law This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State], without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provisions.
6. Entire Agreement This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements or understandings, whether oral or written.