The word ‘concord’ when used in everyday speech, means ‘agreement or harmony between people or groups’ .
When we use the word in the context of grammar, it has a similar meaning: grammatical harmony among different components of a sentence.
Here are some common concord errors you should always avoid:
1. a. The two boys plays football everyday. ( wrong)
b. The two boys play football everyday. (right)
Note that (b) is correct because of the agreement between the subject ('The two boys' which is plural) and the verb ('play' which is plural). Unlike a plural noun, a plural verb does not have 's' after it that is why it is 'play' and not 'plays'.
2. a. I knows him very well. (wrong)
b. I know him very well. ( right)
Note that whenever you use 'I', it should be followed by a plural verb. Can you say 'I has a pen'? No! You say: 'I have a pen'.
3. a. You smokes in the room. (wrong)
b. You smoke in the room. (right)
Note that like 'I', whenever you use 'you', it should be followed by a plural verb. Can you say 'You has a pen'? No! You say: 'You have a pen'.
4. a. She see me everyday. (wrong)
b. She sees me everyday. ( right)
Note that whenever you use a singular subject (with the exception of 'I' and 'you') it should be followed by a singular verb. Unlike a singular noun, a singular verb do not attract 's'.
5. Nouns joined by quasi coordinators. (e.g. accompanied by, as well as, together with, in company of, etc.) are followed by a singular verb if the first noun or noun phrase is singular.
a. The president, as well as his wives, is around. (right)
The president, as well as his wives are around. (wrong)
b. The Vice-Chancellor, together with the Deans, has arrived. (right)
The Vice- Chancellor, together with the Deans, have arrived. (wrong)
If you doubt what you've just read, consult a Professor of English Language or see the native speakers of the language.
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