Subject Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is important in medical writing, as it helps to ensure that sentences are grammatically correct and convey the intended meaning clearly. Here are some guidelines for subject-verb agreement in medical writing:
- The verb should agree with the subject in number: If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.
Example: “The patient is taking the medication.” (singular subject and verb). “The patients are taking the medication.” (plural subject and verb).
- Be mindful of compound subjects: When there is a compound subject, the verb should agree with the subject that is closest to the verb.
Example: “The doctor and the nurse are checking the patient’s vital signs.” (plural subject and verb).
- Be mindful of collective nouns: Collective nouns, such as “team” or “staff,” can be singular or plural depending on the context. If the emphasis is on the group acting as a whole, the verb should be singular. If the emphasis is on the individual members of the group, the verb should be plural.
Example: “The surgical team is preparing for the procedure.” (singular verb emphasizing the group as a whole). “The surgical team are preparing their instruments.” (plural verb emphasizing the individual members of the group).
- Be mindful of indefinite pronouns: Indefinite pronouns, such as “everyone” or “anyone,” are always singular, so the verb should also be singular.
Example: “Everyone in the room is required to wear a mask.” (singular verb).
By following these guidelines for subject-verb agreement in medical writing, writers can ensure that their writing is grammatically correct, clear, and effectively conveys the intended message.
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