Common mistake agreement error: auxiliary verb (do/have) and subject in questions

Common Mistake: Agreement Error in Questions

One of the most common grammatical errors is an agreement error between the auxiliary verb (do/have) and the subject when forming questions. This mistake often occurs when we use the wrong auxiliary verb or forget to use one at all.

Using the Correct Auxiliary Verb

Let's take a closer look at the correct usage of auxiliary verbs in different situations:

  • Does: We use "does" as an auxiliary verb when forming questions in the third person singular (he, she, it) with regular verbs. For example:
    • Does she like pizza?
    • Does he play tennis?
  • Has: We use "has" as an auxiliary verb when forming questions in the third person singular (he, she, it) with present perfect tense. For example:
    • Has she ever been to Paris?
    • Has he finished his homework?
  • Have: We use "have" as an auxiliary verb when forming questions in the first person, second person, and plural forms, as well as with past perfect tense. For example:
    • Have you seen the movie?
    • Have they arrived yet?
    • Have we met before?

Examples of Common Agreement Errors

Here are some examples of incorrect agreement errors in questions:

  • Incorrect: Do she like pizza?
  • Correct: Does she like pizza?
  • Incorrect: Have he finished his homework?
  • Correct: Has he finished his homework?
  • Incorrect: Has they arrived yet?
  • Correct: Have they arrived yet?

Using Linguix Grammar Checker

To avoid agreement errors in questions and other grammatical mistakes, consider using Linguix Grammar Checker. This powerful tool can help you identify and correct errors, improving the overall quality and clarity of your writing.

agreement error: auxiliary verb (do/have) and subject in questions mistake examples

  • Incorrect:
    Do your father live in England?

    Correct:
    Does your father live in England?

  • Incorrect:
    Do the man like you?

    Correct:
    Does the man like you?

  • Correct:
    Do those look right?
  • Correct:
    Do these still have air shocks with a pump?
  • Correct:
    Do the zip file installation steps work for Spring Boot?
  • Incorrect:
    Have your father lived in England?

    Correct:
    Has your father lived in England?

  • Incorrect:
    Have the man talked to you?

    Correct:
    Has the man talked to you?

  • Incorrect:
    Where have the man been?

    Correct:
    Where has the man been?

  • Correct:
    Have the police questioned you?
  • Incorrect:
    Has your parents told you everything?

    Correct:
    Have your parents told you everything?

  • Incorrect:
    When has your parents told you the truth?

    Correct:
    When have your parents told you the truth?

  • Incorrect:
    Does your parents live in England?

    Correct:
    Do your parents live in England?

  • Incorrect:
    What does your parents know?

    Correct:
    What do your parents know?

  • Incorrect:
    Where is your dogs?

    Correct:
    Where are|were your dogs?

  • Incorrect:
    Where was the cars?

    Correct:
    Where are|were the cars?

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