English Grammar- Agreement in Person and Voice
Agreement in person and voice is an essential aspect of English grammar, ensuring that the subject and verb agree not only in tense and number but also in person (first person, second person, third person) and voice (active or passive). Here’s an overview:
1. Person Agreement:
- First Person: Refers to the speaker(s) or writer(s).
- Example: I am going to the store.
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Second Person: Refers to the person(s) being addressed.
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Example: You are invited to the party.
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Third Person: Refers to the person(s), thing(s), or idea(s) being discussed.
- Example: He is reading a book.
2. Agreement in Person:
- The verb form changes based on the person of the subject:
- First person: Use the base form of the verb.
- Example: We go to the beach every weekend.
- Second person: Use the base form of the verb.
- Example: You enjoy hiking in the mountains.
- Third person: Add -s or -es to the base form of the verb in the present tense.
- Example: He runs five miles every morning.
3. Voice Agreement:
- Active Voice: The subject performs the action expressed by the verb.
- Example: The cat chased the mouse.
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Passive Voice: The subject receives the action expressed by the verb.
- Example: The mouse was chased by the cat.
4. Agreement in Voice:
- The choice of voice (active or passive) affects the structure of the sentence and the relationship between the subject and the verb.
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In the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action expressed by the verb. The verb form is typically straightforward and reflects the tense and number of the subject.
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Example: He plays soccer every Saturday.
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In the passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action expressed by the verb. The verb form includes a form of the verb “to be” and the past participle of the main verb.
- Example: Soccer is played by him every Saturday.
Ensuring agreement in person and voice is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences. By paying attention to the relationship between the subject and the verb, as well as the choice of active or passive voice, writers can maintain clarity and coherence in their writing.