Correcting Subject-Verb Agreement in Sentences Involving 'Along With'
In English grammar, one of the most important aspects to ensure a sentence's clarity and correctness is subject-verb agreement. This article will discuss how to properly use the phrase 'along with' in a sentence and the rules that apply to subject-verb agreement in such constructions, while also highlighting the importance of capitalization and the use of determiners.
Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in English grammar, which stipulates that the subject of a sentence must agree in number with its predicate verb. The most common scenario is where the subject and the verb are singular or plural. However, as you introduce additional elements such as 'along with', 'accompanied by', or 'as well as', the rules become more complex.
The Role of 'Along With' in Sentence Construction
'Along with' is a preposition that is typically used to introduce a second item or element to a sentence, which is usually a part of the main subject. For example: the team along with the coach went to the gym. However, when 'along with' is used, the verb typically agrees with the first subject, not the second one, as the sentence's main focus is on the first subject.
Correcting 'The Major Along with Soldier Were Killed in the Battle'
To ensure correct subject-verb agreement, consider the sentence: 'the major along with soldier were killed in the battle.' In this sentence, 'major' is the subject and 'soldier' is an additional element. The verb 'were' is incorrect because it doesn't agree with the subject 'major'.
To correct the sentence, the verb should agree with the first subject 'major', and 'soldier' should be given a proper determiner. The corrected sentence would be: 'The Major along with a soldier was killed in the battle.'
Examples of Correct Usage
The corrected sentence can be modified to fit different contexts. Here are a few examples:
'The Major along with many soldiers was killed in the battle.' Here, 'many soldiers' is plural, so the verb 'was' is still singular, as the subject is 'the Major.' 'The Major along with that soldier was killed in the battle.' In this case, 'that soldier' is being introduced as a specific individual, and the singular verb 'was' still applies.Additional Considerations: Capitalization and Determiners
Proper capitalization and the use of determiners are also important aspects of sentence correctness. For instance, in the corrected sentence, 'Major' should be capitalized as it is a proper noun. Similarly, the second subject, 'soldier' or 'a soldier', should always be given a determiner to clarify its identity.
Conclusion
Understanding how to properly use the phrase 'along with' in a sentence and the rules of subject-verb agreement are crucial for clear and accurate writing. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your sentences are structured correctly, leading to improved readability and comprehension. Remember, proper capitalization and the use of determiners also add to the overall clarity of your writing.