The Children Is Swimming: Correcting Subject-Verb Agreement in English

When it comes to writing in English, ensuring subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of grammar. One common mistake involves "the children is swimming". In this article, we will explore the correct usage and highlight the importance of subject-verb agreement in English sentences.

The Grammatical Basics

Subject-verb agreement refers to the relationship between a subject and its verb, which should agree in number. In simple terms, if the subject is singular (one), the verb should also be singular; if the subject is plural (many), the verb should be plural as well. The sentence "the children is swimming" is a case where this rule is not followed.

Why Is the Sentence Incorrect?

The sentence "The children is swimming" is grammatically incorrect. This is because the subject of the sentence, "the children", is a plural noun. The correct form should reflect this plurality by using the plural verb, "are swimming". Therefore, the correct sentence would be:

The children are swimming.

The Rule of Subject-Verb Agreement

The rule of subject-verb agreement can be summarised as follows:

Singular subjects, such as child, man, woman, girl, boy, etc., take singular verbs. Plural subjects, such as children, men, women, girls, boys, etc., take plural verbs.

Further Examples

To illustrate these concepts, consider the following examples with more detail on subject-verb agreement:

Singular verbs with singular subjects:

The child is swimming. The man is running. The woman is working.

Plural verbs with plural subjects:

The children are swimming. The men are running. The women are working.

Additional Clarifications

It's important to note that in cases of collective nouns (like children, team, committee, etc.), the verb often agrees with the meaning of the noun rather than its form. For instance:

The team is playing well. (team is treated as a singular subject) The committee are disagreeing. (committee is treated as a plural subject)

However, for the specific example of "the children", the plurality of the noun strictly implies a plural verb, thus:

The children are swimming.

Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement is crucial for effective communication in English. The sentence "the children is swimming" is an example of a common error. By understanding the rules and applying them correctly, one can improve the clarity and correctness of their writing. Always ensure that your subject and verb agree in number, whether you are writing, speaking, or even just correcting yourself.

Remember: Children are swimming is the correct form, whereas child is swimming is for a singular context.

I hope this explanation helps you to avoid similar grammar pitfalls in your writing and speech. Continue to refine your English skills and keep learning!