Subject Verb Agreement for I and You

As a copy editor, it is important to understand the rules of subject-verb agreement. One common mistake that arises is with the use of “i” and “you” as subjects. In this article, we will explore the rules of subject-verb agreement for these pronouns and provide tips on how to avoid errors.

“I” as a subject

When “i” is used as a subject, the verb should be in the first person singular form. For example:

– I am going to the store.

– I like to read books.

– I have seen that movie before.

It is important to remember to use “am” instead of “is” when using “i” as the subject. This is because “am” is the first person singular form of the verb “to be.”

“You” as a subject

When “you” is used as a subject, the verb should be in the second person singular or plural form depending on the context. For example:

– You are my best friend. (singular)

– You guys are great together. (plural)

– You need to finish your homework before you go out. (singular)

It is important to note that when using “you” as the subject, the verb form remains the same for singular and plural subjects. This is different from other pronouns like “he” or “they,” where the verb form changes based on the subject`s number.

Common errors to avoid

One common error in subject-verb agreement is using “is” instead of “am” when “i” is the subject. For example:

– Incorrect: She and i is going to the store.

– Correct: She and i are going to the store.

Another common error is using the plural form of the verb instead of the singular form when “you” is the subject. For example:

– Incorrect: You guys is the best.

– Correct: You guys are the best.

To avoid these errors, it may be helpful to read the sentence out loud or to double-check for subject-verb agreement after writing or editing.

In conclusion, understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement for “i” and “you” is crucial for accurate and effective writing. Remember to use the first person singular form of the verb for “i” and the second person singular or plural form for “you,” depending on the context. By avoiding common errors and double-checking for accuracy, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.