Money Subject-Verb Agreement: How to Get It Right
As a copy editor, it’s essential to be able to present well-written text that adheres to grammatical rules and meets SEO requirements at the same time. One of the most common errors that writers make is with subject-verb agreement. It’s a simple rule, but it’s frequently neglected, and it can completely change the meaning of a sentence.
In particular, money subject-verb agreement can be a sticky wicket for many writers. It’s easy to trip up on this rule, but with a few tips, you can avoid common mistakes and produce clear, concise writing that communicates your message effectively.
The Basic Rule
The first step to mastering money subject-verb agreement is understanding the basic rule. In short, the subject and the verb of a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural).
For example, in the sentence “The money is on the table,” the subject (money) is singular, so the verb (is) also needs to be singular. If the subject were plural, the verb would need to be plural as well: “The dollars are on the table.”
Mistakes to Avoid
While the basic rule is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that writers make when it comes to money subject-verb agreement. One of the most common is using an incorrect plural noun to refer to money.
For example, “A lot of moneys were spent on the project” is incorrect because “moneys” is not a correct plural form. Instead, use “money” (the singular form) to refer to all the funds collectively.
Another mistake writers make is using an incorrect verb form with an amount of money. For example, “$50 are a lot of money” is incorrect because “$50” is a singular amount, and the verb form should be singular: “$50 is a lot of money.”
Tips for Getting It Right
To avoid these common mistakes and get your money subject-verb agreement right every time, here are a few tips to help keep you on track:
1. Use the singular form of “money” to refer to all funds collectively, and use a singular verb form to match.
2. Use a singular verb form with an amount of money, regardless of whether it’s stated in dollars, euros, or any other currency.
3. When using a dollar amount as a subject, treat it as a singular entity, even if the amount is greater than one.
4. Be mindful of context. Sometimes, plural nouns can be used to refer to different types of money (e.g., currencies), but the verb form should match the subject appropriately.
In conclusion, mastering money subject-verb agreement is essential for producing clear and effective writing that meets SEO requirements. By understanding the basic rule, avoiding common mistakes, and following a few simple tips, you can ensure that your writing communicates your message effectively and accurately.