[Instructors: Download PDFs of the exercise at the bottom of the post.]

 

Writing sentences at work frequently includes long phrases, technical terms, and multiple actors, which can lead to a common grammatical no-no: subject-verb agreement errors. This mistake occurs when the verb does not agree with the subject of its clause, primarily because a sentence’s structure makes the subject hard to identify. Below are three causes of subject-verb agreement errors.

1. Intervening phrases

When a prepositional phrase separates the subject from the verb, writers may mistakenly match the verb to the noun closest to it rather than the true subject.

Incorrect   The report from the regional offices need revision.

Correct     The report from the regional offices needs revision. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists writing as a necessary skill across occupations. In professional settings, ambiguity caused by unclear or ungrammatical writing can confuse readers, cause misunderstandings, and make the writer appear unprofessional.

In the sentences below, locate and correct the grammatical or usage error. Your instructor may request that you identify the error in addition to fixing it.[2]

 

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Instructors: Ask students to complete this quick quiz to introduce your job search unit. You may download PDFs of the exercise and the answer key at the end of the post.

1. Your résumé should never be longer than one page.[1]
2. You must list every job you’ve ever had.
3. Fancy fonts and graphics make your résumé stand out in a good way.
4. Résumés should always be written in complete sentences.
5. It’s okay to tailor your résumé for each job application.
6. Including a “Summary of Qualifications” statement is not required on modern résumés.
7. Employers only care about your work experience, not extracurricular activities.
8. Using action verbs makes your résumé stronger.
9. Spelling and grammar errors don’t matter much as long as the content is good.
10. You should send your résumé as a PDF unless the employer requests another format.
11. GPA is required on every résumé.
12. Keywords from the job posting can help your résumé get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS).