The English language, with its intricate rules and fascinating exceptions, often throws curveballs that leave even seasoned writers scratching their heads. One such linguistic enigma revolves around the verb “amazes.” Is it singular, or is it plural? The answer, as is often the case with grammar, depends on context and subject-verb agreement. Understanding the nuances of “amazes” is crucial for crafting clear, accurate, and grammatically sound sentences. Let’s delve deep into the workings of this captivating verb.
Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement: The Foundation of Correct Usage
At its core, the question of whether “amazes” is singular or plural boils down to the fundamental principle of subject-verb agreement. This rule dictates that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb.
Singular Subjects and Singular Verbs: A Perfect Match
Singular subjects refer to one person, place, thing, or idea. Examples include “he,” “she,” “it,” “the dog,” “the book,” and “the concept.” Singular verbs, in the present tense, typically end in “-s.” For instance, “he runs,” “she sings,” “it barks,” “the dog eats,” “the book costs,” and “the concept intrigues.”
Plural Subjects and Plural Verbs: Harmony in Numbers
Plural subjects, on the other hand, denote more than one person, place, thing, or idea. Common plural subjects include “they,” “we,” “the dogs,” “the books,” and “the concepts.” Plural verbs in the present tense generally do not end in “-s.” Examples include “they run,” “we sing,” “the dogs bark,” “the books cost,” and “the concepts intrigue.”
“Amazes”: The Singular Form in Action
The verb “amazes,” with its characteristic “-s” ending, is the singular form of the verb “to amaze.” It is used when the subject performing the action of amazing is singular.
Examples of “Amazes” in Singular Sentences
Consider these examples, where “amazes” correctly pairs with singular subjects:
- “Her talent truly amazes me.” (The subject “her talent” is singular.)
- “The magician’s skill amazes the audience.” (The subject “the magician’s skill” is singular.)
- “This discovery amazes scientists around the world.” (The subject “this discovery” is singular.)
- “His dedication to the project amazes everyone involved.” (The subject “his dedication” is singular.)
- “The sheer size of the Grand Canyon amazes tourists.” (The subject “the sheer size” is singular.)
In each of these sentences, the subject is a single entity, and the verb “amazes” accurately reflects this singularity.
The Plural Counterpart: When to Use “Amaze”
Conversely, “amaze,” without the “-s” ending, is the plural form of the verb. It is used when the subject performing the action of amazing is plural.
Examples of “Amaze” in Plural Sentences
Let’s examine some examples where “amaze” correctly corresponds with plural subjects:
- “Their performances never cease to amaze us.” (The subject “their performances” is plural.)
- “The illusions created by the team amaze even the most skeptical observers.” (The subject “the illusions” is plural.)
- “These findings amaze researchers in the field.” (The subject “these findings” is plural.)
- “Their combined efforts amaze their supervisors.” (The subject “their combined efforts” is plural.)
- “The vast landscapes amaze travelers from across the globe.” (The subject “the vast landscapes” is plural.)
Here, the subjects are multiple entities, and the verb “amaze” appropriately reflects this plurality.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most frequent errors in English grammar is the incorrect pairing of singular subjects with plural verbs (and vice versa). To avoid this pitfall when using “amaze” or “amazes,” carefully identify the subject of the sentence and ensure that the verb agrees in number.
Identifying the Subject: The Key to Accurate Agreement
Sometimes, identifying the subject can be tricky, especially when the subject is separated from the verb by intervening phrases. For instance:
- “The collection of rare artifacts amazes historians.”
In this sentence, the subject is “collection,” not “artifacts.” Since “collection” is singular, the singular verb “amazes” is correct.
Watch Out for Collective Nouns
Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, committee) can be either singular or plural, depending on whether they are acting as a unit or as individual members. If the collective noun is acting as a unit, use the singular verb “amazes.” If the members of the collective noun are acting individually, use the plural verb “amaze.”
For example:
- “The team amazes us with their coordinated effort.” (Team acting as a unit – singular)
- “The team amaze us with their individual skills.” (Team members acting individually – plural)
However, in most cases, it is generally safer and clearer to rewrite the sentence to avoid ambiguity.
Indefinite Pronouns: A Source of Confusion
Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, someone, nobody, each, every) can also cause confusion. While they may seem to refer to multiple people, many indefinite pronouns are actually singular and require the singular verb “amazes.”
For instance:
- “Everyone amazes me with their resilience.” (Even though “everyone” refers to a group, it’s grammatically singular.)
However, some indefinite pronouns like “several,” “few,” “both,” and “many” are always plural and require “amaze.”
- “Many amaze me with their dedication.”
Beyond Simple Sentences: “Amazes” and “Amaze” in Complex Structures
The principles of subject-verb agreement apply not only to simple sentences but also to more complex sentence structures. In clauses and phrases, ensuring the correct form of “amaze” or “amazes” remains paramount.
Relative Clauses: Maintaining Agreement Within Subordinate Clauses
Relative clauses, which are introduced by relative pronouns such as “who,” “which,” and “that,” must also adhere to subject-verb agreement rules.
Consider this example:
- “The artist who amazes us with her talent is now showcasing her work.”
Here, the relative clause “who amazes us with her talent” modifies “artist,” which is singular. Therefore, the singular verb “amazes” is correct.
Infinitive Phrases: Gerunds and Agreement
When using infinitive phrases or gerunds as subjects, remember that they typically function as singular entities.
- “To amaze an audience takes years of practice and dedication.” (Infinitive phrase acting as subject)
- “Amazes an audience like David Copperfield takes years of practice and dedication.” (This sentence is grammatically wrong)
The first sentence is grammatically wrong as the verb “to amaze” is not being used in its subject form. The proper way of writing this sentence is “Amazes an audience takes years of practice and dedication”, where the plural form of “amaze” is used.
The Importance of Context: When Grammar Rules Bend (Slightly)
While subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule, there are instances where context and stylistic considerations can influence verb choice. However, these exceptions are rare and should be approached with caution.
Stylistic Choices: Weighing Clarity Against Strict Adherence
In informal writing or creative contexts, some writers might intentionally deviate from strict grammatical rules for stylistic effect. However, it’s generally best to prioritize clarity and accuracy in formal writing. Intentionally writing a grammatically incorrect sentence with “amaze” will only confuse the readers of your document.
Regional Variations: Acknowledging Dialectal Differences
In some regional dialects, grammatical rules may differ from standard English. While these variations are valid within their specific linguistic communities, it’s important to be aware of the audience and adjust your language accordingly, as failing to do so could lead to misunderstandings.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of “Amaze” and “Amazes”
Understanding the distinction between “amazes” and “amaze” and applying the principles of subject-verb agreement are essential for effective communication. By carefully identifying the subject of your sentence and choosing the appropriate verb form, you can ensure that your writing is clear, accurate, and grammatically sound. While the nuances of English grammar can sometimes be challenging, mastering these fundamentals will significantly enhance your writing skills and allow you to express yourself with confidence and precision. Always double-check your sentences, especially when using collective nouns or indefinite pronouns, to avoid common errors. Remember, a firm grasp of subject-verb agreement is the key to unlocking the full potential of the verb “to amaze” and crafting truly captivating prose.
When is “amazes” the correct verb form to use?
The verb “amazes” is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “amaze.” This means it’s used when the subject of the sentence is a singular noun or pronoun in the third person (he, she, it, or a singular noun like “the magician”). For instance, you would say, “The magician amazes the audience with his tricks” because “the magician” is a singular noun.
Using “amazes” with a plural subject would be grammatically incorrect. The verb must agree with its subject in number. The singular “amazes” implies a single actor performing the action, therefore requiring a singular subject. Using it otherwise would create subject-verb disagreement, detracting from clarity and accuracy in your writing or speech.
What is the plural form of the verb “amaze,” and when should I use it?
The plural form of the verb “amaze” is simply “amaze.” It’s used when the subject of the sentence is plural (e.g., “they,” “we,” “the magicians,” “the stories”). For example, you would say, “The magicians amaze the audience with their tricks” because “the magicians” is a plural noun.
The base form of the verb, “amaze,” also serves as the present tense form for first-person singular (“I amaze”) and second-person singular or plural (“you amaze”). Subject-verb agreement dictates choosing the correct verb form; a plural subject necessitates a plural verb, ensuring grammatical correctness and seamless communication.
Can “amazes” ever be used in the past tense?
No, “amazes” cannot be used in the past tense. “Amazes” is exclusively a present tense, third-person singular form. It describes an action happening currently or habitually performed by a singular entity.
To express the idea of someone or something having amazed in the past, you would use the past tense form of the verb “amaze,” which is “amazed.” For example, “The performance amazed the audience” indicates a past event. Using “amazes” in a past tense context is grammatically incorrect.
How does the use of “amazes” change in different verb tenses?
As mentioned earlier, “amazes” is only used in the present simple tense, specifically when the subject is a singular noun or pronoun in the third person. Other tenses require different forms of the verb “amaze.”
For instance, in the past tense, you would use “amazed.” In the future tense, you would use “will amaze.” In the present continuous tense, you would use “is amazing” (or “are amazing” with a plural subject). Understanding the appropriate verb tense is crucial for accurate and clear communication.
Are there other verbs that follow the same singular/plural pattern as “amaze/amazes”?
Yes, many verbs in English follow the same pattern as “amaze/amazes.” This pattern is common for regular verbs in the present simple tense. The addition of an “-s” or “-es” at the end signifies the third-person singular form.
Examples include “walk/walks,” “talk/talks,” “eat/eats,” “write/writes,” and “play/plays.” In each of these pairs, the form ending in “-s” or “-es” is used with a singular subject in the third person, while the base form is used for plural subjects, as well as first-person and second-person singular and plural subjects.
What are some common mistakes people make when using “amazes” or “amaze”?
A common mistake is using “amazes” with a plural subject. For example, saying “The singers amazes the crowd” is incorrect. It should be “The singers amaze the crowd.” This stems from not paying close attention to subject-verb agreement.
Another mistake is using “amazes” when a different verb tense is required. For instance, saying “Yesterday, he amazes me” is incorrect. It should be “Yesterday, he amazed me.” Recognizing the correct tense is crucial for grammatically sound sentences.
Is “amazing” related to “amazes,” and how are they different?
Yes, “amazing” is related to “amazes.” Both are derived from the verb “amaze.” However, “amazing” is an adjective or a present participle, whereas “amazes” is a verb in the present simple, third-person singular form.
“Amazing” is used to describe something that causes wonder or surprise. For instance, “The magician’s performance was amazing.” It can also function as part of a continuous verb tense, such as “He is amazing the crowd.” “Amazes,” on the other hand, describes the action of causing wonder or surprise performed by a singular subject in the present. They serve different grammatical roles and convey different aspects of the same core meaning.