As a copy editor, it is essential to have a firm understanding of basic grammar rules. One of the key components of good writing is subject-verb agreement. This means that the subject of a sentence must agree with the verb in number, meaning that a singular subject needs a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.

Let`s take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of subject-verb agreement:

1. The cat (is/are) sleeping.

2. The dogs (bark/barks) loudly at night.

3. My sister and I (enjoy/enjoys) watching movies together.

4. The committee (has/have) not yet made a decision.

5. One of the boys (is/are) playing video games.

Answers:

1. The cat is sleeping. (singular subject requires a singular verb)

2. The dogs bark loudly at night. (plural subject requires a plural verb)

3. My sister and I enjoy watching movies together. (two subjects joined by ”and” require a plural verb)

4. The committee has not yet made a decision. (collective noun requires a singular verb)

5. One of the boys is playing video games. (the singular subject ”one” requires a singular verb)

By mastering subject-verb agreement, your writing will become clearer and easier to understand. Remember, always double-check that the verb agrees with the subject and you`ll avoid common grammar mistakes.