Subject-Verb Agreement with 'Along With'
The concept of subject-verb agreement is a cornerstone of English grammar. It is particularly crucial when certain phrases like 'along with', 'as well as', and 'besides' come into play. Interestingly, these phrases often confuse students and writers alike, as they don't act as part of the subject. Understanding how to use the correct form of the verb when these phrases are involved is essential for accurate and grammatically correct writing.
Introduction to Subject-Verb Agreement
One of the fundamental rules of subject-verb agreement is that the verb should match the number of the subject. Singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs. However, when a phrase such as 'along with', 'as well as', or 'besides' is inserted between the subject and the verb, the verb form is determined by the original subject, not by the element added after the phrase.
The Role of 'Along With'
The phrase 'along with' is often mistaken for part of the subject but is, in fact, a transitional phrase. It is used to introduce or follow an item or person, and it does not change the grammatical number of the subject. Therefore, when 'along with' is used, the verb should agree with the subject, not with the word after it.
Examples and Analysis
Let's consider the example provided: Hari along with his friends is going to a movie.
The subject in this sentence is Hari. Even though the phrase 'along with his friends' is present, it does not affect the verb agreement. Thus, the sentence is correctly written as Hari is going to a movie.
If we had used a plural subject for the original sentence, the verb would need to change to plural:
Hari along with his friends are going to the movie.
Here, since 'Hari' is a singular noun, it determines the singular form of 'is'. After 'along with', a singular verb is required if 'Hari' is the subject.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A common mistake is to mistakenly use a plural verb based on the added noun after the phrase 'along with'. To avoid such errors, it is recommended to ignore the qualifying phrase and focus on the primary subject. For example, in the sentence 'Along with his friends Hari is going to a movie', you can ignore the phrase 'along with his friends' and focus on 'Hari' as the subject.
Key Examples
1. Hari walked along the river bank. Here, the river bank is not the subject – 'Hari' is. Therefore, the verb is singular: Hari walked.
2. Hari along with his friends is going to a movie. If you ignore 'along with his friends', the sentence simplifies to 'Hari is going to a movie', which is correct with a singular verb.
3. His friends are going to a movie. In this case, the subject is plural, so the verb must also be plural: His friends are going.
Conclusion
Understanding subject-verb agreement with phrases like 'along with' is not only important for proper grammar but also for clear communication. By ignoring qualifying phrases and focusing on the main subject, you can ensure that your writing is clear and grammatically correct. Whether writing for academic, professional, or personal purposes, mastering subject-verb agreement can significantly improve the quality and effectiveness of your writing.
Remember, 'along with' does not change the number of the subject, and the verb should match the number of the main subject. By following these guidelines, you can avoid common mistakes and write with confidence.