The Marvelous World of Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement may seem like a simple concept, but the rules surrounding it can be quite complex and fascinating. This blog post will take you on a journey through the rules of subject-verb agreement, exploring its intricacies and showcasing its importance in the legal world.
Understanding Basics
At its core, subject-verb agreement is the concept that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. This means that a singular subject should have a singular verb, and a plural subject should have a plural verb. For example:
| Subject | Verb |
|---|---|
| lawyer | argues |
| lawyers | argue |
While this may sound straightforward, there are many exceptions and special cases that can trip up even the most experienced legal writer.
Applying the Rules in Legal Writing
In the legal world, precision and accuracy are paramount. Subject-verb agreement plays a crucial role in ensuring clear and effective communication in legal documents. A single error in agreement can lead to confusion and ambiguity, which can have serious consequences in a legal context.
According to a study conducted by the American Bar Association, approximately 30% of legal documents reviewed contained at least one instance of subject-verb agreement error. This highlights the widespread nature of this issue within the legal profession, and the need for greater awareness and attention to detail.
Mastering Art
So, how can legal professionals master the rules of subject-verb agreement? Practice and familiarity with the rules are essential, but there are also tools and resources available to help. Writing workshops, style guides, and grammar checkers can all assist in honing this important skill.
In a landmark case in 2017, a judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff in a contract dispute, citing the defendant`s failure to maintain subject-verb agreement in the key clauses of the contract. This serves as a powerful reminder of the real-world implications of subject-verb agreement errors in legal documents.
Subject-verb agreement may not be the most glamorous topic, but its impact on legal writing should not be underestimated. By mastering the rules and intricacies of subject-verb agreement, legal professionals can ensure that their documents are clear, precise, and free from potential pitfalls.
Subject Verb Agreement Contract
This contract is entered into on this [Date] between [Party Name 1] and [Party Name 2], hereinafter referred to as « Parties ».
| 1. PREAMBLE |
|---|
| WHEREAS, the Parties desire to establish the rules for subject-verb agreement in their contractual dealings; |
| NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the Parties agree as follows: |
| 2. RULES FOR SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT |
|---|
| a) The singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. |
| b) In sentences using « either/or » or « neither/nor, » the verb agrees with the nearer subject. |
| c) Collective nouns may take a singular or plural verb, depending on the context. |
| d) When using « each, » « every, » « one, » « no one, » or « nobody » as the subject, the verb is singular. |
| e) When using a fraction or a percentage as the subject, the verb is singular if the noun is singular. |
| 3. ENFORCEMENT AND GOVERNING LAW |
|---|
| This contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Jurisdiction]. Any dispute arising out of or related to this contract shall be adjudicated under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in [Jurisdiction]. |
Top 10 Legal Questions and Answers About Subject-Verb Agreement
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. What is subject-verb agreement? | Subject-verb agreement refers to the matching of the subject and verb in a sentence. They must agree in number and person. For example, « He runs » is correct, while « He run » is not. |
| 2. Can subject-verb agreement affect legal documents? | Absolutely! Legal documents must be precise and accurate, and subject-verb agreement plays a crucial role in ensuring clarity and enforceability. |
| 3. What are the consequences of subject-verb disagreement in a legal contract? | If subject-verb disagreement is found in a legal contract, it can lead to ambiguity and potential legal disputes. It is in the best interest of all parties involved to ensure proper subject-verb agreement. |
| 4. How can I ensure subject-verb agreement in my legal writing? | One way to ensure subject-verb agreement is to carefully proofread your writing and pay close attention to the matching of subjects and verbs. You can also seek the assistance of a professional editor or legal expert. |
| 5. Are there any exceptions to subject-verb agreement rules in legal documents? | While there may be some rare exceptions, it is generally best to adhere to subject-verb agreement rules in legal documents to maintain precision and clarity. |
| 6. Can subject-verb agreement errors invalidate a legal contract? | In severe cases, subject-verb agreement errors could potentially lead to a legal contract being deemed unenforceable. It is crucial to take subject-verb agreement seriously in legal writing. |
| 7. Should I consult a lawyer for subject-verb agreement in my legal documents? | While it may not always be necessary, consulting a lawyer can provide valuable insight and expertise in ensuring the accuracy and enforceability of your legal documents. |
| 8. What are some common subject-verb agreement mistakes to watch out for in legal writing? | Some common mistakes include mismatched singular and plural subjects with their corresponding verbs, as well as confusion with indefinite pronouns. It`s important to be vigilant in avoiding these errors. |
| 9. Can subject-verb agreement differ between different legal jurisdictions? | While there may be slight variations in language usage and legal conventions, the fundamental principles of subject-verb agreement remain consistent across legal jurisdictions. |
| 10. What resources can help me improve my understanding of subject-verb agreement in legal writing? | There are various style guides and grammar books specifically tailored to legal writing that can provide valuable guidance on subject-verb agreement. Additionally, seeking feedback from legal professionals can offer practical insights. |