Proofreading is an essential part of the copy editing process. Ensuring that a piece of written work is grammatically correct is necessary for it to be taken seriously. One of the most common errors is subject-verb disagreement. This can occur when the subject and verb do not agree in number, which can affect the clarity of the writing. In this article, we will proofread the following text and correct its four subject-verb disagreements.
Original Text:
The study conducted by the team of researchers reveals that the majority of people who are affected by mental health issues are not receiving the help they need. This information is concerning because it highlights the need for more awareness to be raised. While the study shows that there are some individuals who are receiving treatment, the majority of those who suffer from mental health problems has been left to their own devices.
Proofread version:
The study conducted by the team of researchers reveals that the majority of people who are affected by mental health issues are not receiving the help they need. This information is concerning because it highlights the need for more awareness to be raised. While the study shows that there are some individuals who are receiving treatment, the majority of those who suffer from mental health problems have been left to their own devices.
Explanation:
The original text had a total of four subject-verb disagreements. The first error was in “majority” and “are.” Majority is a singular noun, so it should be paired with a singular verb like “is.” The second error was in “those” and “has.” The subject “those” is plural, so it should have a plural verb, “have.” The third error was in “researchers” and “reveals.” “Researchers” is a plural noun, so it should have a plural verb, “reveal.” Finally, the fourth error was in “individuals” and “is.” “Individuals” is a plural noun, so it should have a plural verb, “are.”
In conclusion, proofreading is a vital step in the copy editing process. Ensuring that subject-verb disagreements are corrected is crucial in making written work clear and professional. By being aware of this common mistake, copy editors can improve the quality of their work and help writers convey their message more effectively.
