Grammatical Agreement Based on Sense Not Syntax
When we think of proper grammar, we often think of following strict rules of syntax and sentence structure. However, when it comes to grammatical agreement, meaning and sense should take precedence over syntax.
Grammatical agreement refers to the way in which different parts of a sentence, such as subjects and verbs, need to agree with each other in terms of number, tense, and gender. For example, we say “She is running” instead of “She am running,” because the singular subject “she” requires the singular verb “is.”
However, there are times when following strict rules of syntax can lead to awkward or even incorrect sentences. This is where grammatical agreement based on sense comes into play.
Consider the following sentence: “The group of employees are working hard.” Strictly following the rule of subject-verb agreement, we should use “is” instead of “are” because “group” is a singular subject. However, the sentence sounds awkward and unnatural because we know that the sense of the sentence is that the individuals within the group are working hard, rather than the group as a whole. Therefore, it would make more sense to say “The group of employees is working hard” or “The employees are working hard.”
Another example of grammatical agreement based on sense is with indefinite pronouns such as “everyone” and “anyone.” These pronouns are technically singular, but when used in a sentence, they often refer to multiple people or things. For example, “Everyone brought their own lunch” is considered incorrect because “everyone” is singular and “their” is plural. However, it is more natural and makes more sense to use “their” instead of the awkward and wordy “Everyone brought his or her own lunch.”
In conclusion, while syntax and proper grammar are important, they should not always be followed blindly. Grammatical agreement based on sense allows for more natural and meaningful communication in writing and speech. By paying attention to the meaning and sense of a sentence, we can create clearer, more effective communication with our readers and listeners.
