Simple Agreement Check

As a copy editor, one of the essential tasks you will perform is a simple agreement check. This involves checking for errors in subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, and other grammatical rules that ensure the clarity and coherence of a piece of writing.

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammatical rule that dictates that a subject and verb must agree in number. For example, if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. Failing to follow this rule can lead to confusing and convoluted sentences that are difficult to understand.

Pronoun-antecedent agreement is another fundamental grammatical rule that requires that a pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number, gender, and person. For example, if the antecedent is singular and male, the pronoun must be singular and male as well. If the antecedent is plural and female, the pronoun must be plural and female. Failure to follow this rule can lead to ambiguity and confusion in a writer’s text.

Performing a simple agreement check requires a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of English grammar. Here are some tips to help you spot errors in agreement when editing text:

1. Identify the subject and the verb in every sentence and ensure they agree in number.

2. Double-check that pronouns agree with their antecedents in number, gender, and person.

3. Watch out for phrases that might confuse readers. For example, “the dog and cat” is plural, so the verb should be plural as well.

4. Consider the context of the sentence. The verb should agree with the subject or pronoun that is performing the action.

5. Finally, read through the text slowly and carefully to catch any agreement errors you may have missed.

In conclusion, a simple agreement check is an essential part of copy editing. Ensuring that the subject, verb, and pronoun-antecedent agree in number, gender, and person is critical to producing clear and concise writing. By following the tips outlined above, you can quickly spot agreement errors and ensure that your text is grammatically correct and easy to understand.