What is a common mistake regarding subject-verb agreement?

Using a singular verb with a plural subject is a common mistake in subject-verb agreement. Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical rule that mandates the verb must match the subject in number. When the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural to maintain proper grammatical structure. For example, in the sentence "The dogs run in the park," "dogs" is a plural subject, and "run" correctly takes the plural verb form. If one were to say "The dogs runs in the park," it creates a grammatical error, as "runs" is a singular verb form that does not agree with the plural subject "dogs."

Understanding this concept is crucial for effective communication, as incorrect subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion for the reader or listener. Mastering this agreement helps ensure clarity in writing and speaking, enhancing overall language proficiency.