As a copy editor, it’s essential that you understand proper subject-verb agreement. This is particularly true when it comes to writing in the second person perspective, as it can be easy to make mistakes in this voice.

So, what is second person subject-verb agreement?

Second person subject-verb agreement is the correct pairing of a verb with the subject of a sentence when writing in the second person perspective. It may sound simple, but it’s a crucial aspect of writing that can make or break the clarity of your message.

In the second person perspective, the subject of the sentence is always “you.” For example, “You are going for a walk.” In this example, “you” is the subject, and “are going” is the verb that agrees with it.

When writing in the second person perspective, it’s important to remember that the verb should always agree with the subject. This means that if the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.

For example, if you’re addressing a group of people, you would say “You are going for a walk.” However, if you’re addressing only one person, you would say “You are going for a walk.” Notice how the verb changes according to the subject.

It can be tempting to mix up your verb agreement when writing in the second person perspective, particularly if you’re trying to convey a sense of intimacy or closeness with the reader. However, this can result in confusing and unclear messages.

For instance, consider the following example: “You was going for a walk.” Here, “was” doesn’t agree with “you,” which is incorrect. It should be “You were going for a walk.”

In conclusion, understanding second person subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of writing in this voice. Always ensure that your verb agrees with the subject. By doing so, you can create clear, concise messages that effectively communicate with your readers.