Here are some examples:
Singular noun with plural verb:
* Incorrect: The team is playing well.
* Correct: The team are playing well.
Plural noun with singular verb:
* Incorrect: The students is excited about the trip.
* Correct: The students are excited about the trip.
Pronoun disagreement:
* Incorrect: Everyone have their own opinion.
* Correct: Everyone has their own opinion.
Why is number shift a problem?
* Clarity: It creates confusion and makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
* Formal writing: Number shift is particularly important to avoid in formal writing, as it can be seen as careless.
How to avoid number shift:
* Pay attention to the subject of the sentence. Make sure the verb agrees in number with the subject.
* Be mindful of collective nouns. Some collective nouns, like "team" or "committee," can be singular or plural depending on the context.
* Use singular pronouns for singular subjects and plural pronouns for plural subjects.
By understanding the concept of number shift and applying these simple rules, you can ensure your writing is grammatically accurate and clear.