In writing, it is essential to use proper grammar and syntax to convey ideas clearly and effectively. One common mistake that writers make is known as the retrospective effect in agreement.

Retrospective effect in agreement occurs when a writer changes the verb tense in a sentence to match the noun that comes later in the sentence, instead of the noun that precedes the verb. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of the sentence.

For example, consider the sentence: « The group of singers rehearsed all day, but wasn`t happy with their performance. » Here, the verb « wasn`t » should agree with the singular noun « group » rather than the plural noun « singers. » The correct version of the sentence would be: « The group of singers rehearsed all day, but weren`t happy with their performance. »

Another example is: « The committee, who were all volunteers, has decided to hold a fundraiser to benefit the local community. » Here, the verb « has » should agree with the singular noun « committee » rather than the plural noun « volunteers. » The correct version of the sentence would be: « The committee, who were all volunteers, have decided to hold a fundraiser to benefit the local community. »

Retrospective effect in agreement can be avoided by paying attention to the subject of the sentence and making sure that the verb tense agrees with it. It is also helpful to read the sentence aloud to ensure that it sounds correct and conveys the intended meaning.

In conclusion, retrospective effect in agreement is a common grammatical mistake that can weaken the impact of a sentence. By paying close attention to subject-verb agreement, writers can convey their ideas more clearly and effectively.