Correcting Subject-Verb Agreement: Both Don't Matter vs. Both Doesn't Matters
When it comes to mastering the English language, understanding subject-verb agreement is crucial for clear communication. Two common phrases that often cause confusion are "Both doesn’t matter" and "Both doesn’t matters." In this article, we will explore why the correct phrasing is "Both don’t matter" and provide a deep dive into subject-verb agreement in English.
Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in English grammar that ensures the subject and the verb of a sentence agree in number. This means that the verb must be singular if the subject is singular and plural if the subject is plural.
Singular and Plural Subjects
A singular subject is a subject that refers to one person, place, thing, or idea. For example, "John," "flower," or "book." A plural subject refers to more than one, such as "students," "books," or "flowers."
The Correct Phrasing: Both Don’t Matter
The phrase "Both don’t matter" is the correct form. The term "both" is a plural pronoun that refers to two or more entities. Since "both" is in the plural form, the verb "don’t" (a contraction of "do not") should also be in the plural form. The verb "matter" is always considered singular in these contexts, regardless of the number of entities involved.
Example Sentences
Correct: Both ideas don’t matter in this analysis.
Incorrect: Both ideas doesn’t matter in this analysis.
The Misconception: Both Doesn’t Matters
"Both doesn’t matters" is an incorrect construction due to subject-verb disagreement. Let’s break down why this is wrong:
Subject-Verb Disagreement
The subject "both" is plural, so it should be followed by a verb in the plural form. However, in "Both doesn’t matters," the verb "doesn’t matters" is incorrect because "matters" is in the singular form. This form does not align with the plural subject "both."
The Correct Form
To correct the phrase, one should use "don’t" (short for "do not") as it agrees with the plural subject "both." Here is the correct phrasing:
Correct: Both don’t matter in this assessment.
Practical Examples and Context
Subject-verb agreement is not just a grammatical concept; it has practical applications in many aspects of life, from academic writing to everyday conversations. For instance:
Academic Writing
In a research paper or academic essay, subject-verb agreement is essential for clarity and professionalism. Consider the following example:
Incorrect: Both hypotheses doesn’t support the theory.
Correct: Both hypotheses don’t support the theory.
Professional Communication
In business communications, such as emails or presentations, subject-verb agreement helps convey a clear and professional message. For example:
Incorrect: Both projects doesn’t require immediate attention.
Correct: Both projects don’t require immediate attention.
Conclusion
In summary, when dealing with the phrase "both," the correct construction is "both don’t matter" due to the subject-verb agreement in English. Understanding and applying this rule correctly is vital for effective communication, whether in academic, professional, or everyday contexts. By mastering subject-verb agreement, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills, ensuring clarity and precision in your messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is subject-verb agreement?
Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical rule that requires the subject of a sentence to agree with the verb in number (singular or plural).
Why is it important to follow subject-verb agreement?
Following subject-verb agreement ensures that your sentences are clear, precise, and grammatically correct, enhancing your communication skills.
Can you provide an example of a common error in subject-verb agreement?
A common error is using a singular verb with a plural subject, such as "The team sing together," instead of "The team sings together."