Concord in English Language_Phoenix

CONCORD

1.0 Introduction

• Concord is the agreement between parts of a sentence, essential for grammatical correctness and coherence in English.

• Also known as "subject-verb agreement" or "grammatical agreement," it ensures harmony in sentence structure.

• Key components of concord:

  1. Subject and Verb (Subject-Verb Agreement)

  2. Pronoun and Antecedent (Pronoun Agreement)

  3. Modifier and Modified Word (Modifier Agreement)

Subject-Verb Agreement

• Helping Verbs (auxiliary verbs) are used with main verbs to express meaning such as tense, mood, voice, and emphasis. Examples include:

  • To be: am, is, are, was, were, being, been

    • Example: She is sleeping.

  • To have: have, has, had

    • Example: They have finished their homework.

  • To do: do, does, did

    • Example: He did his homework.

Tense Examples Using Helping Verbs

• Simple Present Tense: She works in a bank.

• Present Continuous Tense: She is working hard.

• Present Perfect Tense: She has finished her work.

• Simple Past Tense: She worked yesterday.

• Past Continuous Tense: She was studying all night.

• Future Tense: She will go to the store.

Importance of Subject-Verb Agreement

• It is the most crucial aspect of concord.

• Person Agreement Rules:

  • First person: uses first-person verbs (I, we).

    • Example: I live in Abuja.

    • Example: We live in Abuja.

  • Second person: uses second-person verbs (you).

    • Example: You are nice to me.

  • Third person: uses third-person verbs (he, she, it, they).

    • Example: He lives in Lagos.

    • Example: She likes to listen to music.

Subject-Verb Agreement Rules

1. Singular Subject: Use a singular verb.

   • Example: The cat sleeps.

2. Plural Subject: Use a plural verb.

   • Example: The cats sleep.

3. Compound Subject: Use a plural verb.

   • Example: John and Mary are going.

4. Collective Noun: Use a verb based on context.

   • Example: The team is playing.

   • Example: The police have caught him.

Types of Subjects

1. Simple Subject: One noun or pronoun.

   • Example: The dog.

2. Compound Subject: Two or more nouns or pronouns.

   • Example: John and Mary.

3. Complex Subject: A phrase or clause.

   • Example: The man who is standing.

Types of Verbs

1. Action Verbs (Dynamic)

   • Example: Run, jump.

2. Linking Verbs (Stative)

   • Example: Be, seem.

Number Agreement Rules

• Singular subject takes singular verb; plural subject takes plural verb.

• Collective nouns can take singular or plural verbs based on meaning (contextual).

  • Example: The team is/are playing.

  • Example: The police have caught him.

Specific Rules on Number

• A plural subject with a singular meaning takes a singular verb:

  • Example: The premises has been taken over by weeds.

• A compound subject functions as plural, taking a plural verb:

  • Example: Taiwo and Kehinde are my friends.

• A compound subject with a singular meaning takes a singular verb:

  • Example: Rice and Beans is good for lunch.

• Phrases such as "as well as" or "together with" do not affect the verb number:

  • Examples:

    • The governor is on tour.

    • This matter has been giving me concern.

Special Cases with Indefinite Pronouns

• Indefinite pronouns are singular and take singular verbs. Examples:

  • Everybody is aware of the rule.

• Length of time or money is treated as a unit, taking a singular verb:

  • Example: Three hours is not enough.

• Measurement units also take singular verbs.

  • Example: Twenty-two metres was trekked.

Collective Nouns

• Depending on context, a collective noun may take singular or plural verbs.

  • Example: The audience is attentive.

Exceptions and Exercises

• Exceptions include indefinite and collective pronouns.

  • Example: Everyone is invited.

• Exercises may include correcting subject-verb agreement errors or tense consistency issues.

Tense Consistency

• Tense consistency implies maintaining the same verb tense throughout a text or sentence.

• Importance of Tense Consistency:

  1. Clarity in communication.

  2. Coherence in idea connections.

  3. Improved narrative style.

Common Errors in Tense Consistency

1. Tense Switching: Unnecessary change of tense within a text.

   • Example: I was studying, but now I go.

2. Inconsistent Verb Forms: Mixing different tenses improperly.

   • Example: I have been studying for three hours, but now I study.

Tips for Maintaining Tense Consistency

1. Identify the dominant tense.

2. Use transitional words for idea connections.

3. Proofread for verb consistency.

Practice Exercises

• Write paragraphs maintaining consistent tense.

Summary

• Concord in English grammar is the key to effective communication and clear expression. Understanding concord rules allows speakers and writers to articulate ideas accurately.

Self-Assessment Questions

1. What is concord in the English language?

   • Answer: B) Agreement between subjects and verbs

2. Identify the sentence violating subject-verb concord.

   • Answer: C) The cat sleep on the bed.

3. Identify the concord type in Each of the students has a book.

   • Answer: A) Singular-plural concord

4. Find the error in The team are playing well.

   • Answer: B) Subject-verb concord error

5. Demonstrate correct pronoun-antecedent concord.

   • Answer: B) Each student brought his book.

New Development

• The use of 'they' and 'their' to avoid gender bias.

References

• A list of foundational and modern English grammar texts to further explore subject-verb agreement and related rules.