Does She Has Or Does She Have

Does She Has or Does She Have? Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement

The seemingly simple question, "Does she has or does she have?" trips up many English language learners and even some native speakers. The confusion stems from a fundamental grammatical concept: subject-verb agreement. This article will delve deep into this grammatical rule, explaining why "does she have" is correct and exploring the intricacies of subject-verb agreement with various verb tenses and sentence structures. We'll also examine common mistakes and provide strategies to master this crucial aspect of English grammar.

Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that requires the verb in a sentence to agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. This means that a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. While seemingly straightforward, the complexities arise when dealing with irregular verbs, pronouns, and certain sentence structures.

Let's break down the example sentence: "Does she has or does she have?"

• Subject: "She" is the subject of the sentence – the person or thing performing the action. "She" is a singular pronoun.
• Verb: The verb is "has" or "have." "Have" is the base form of the verb, while "has" is the third-person singular present tense form.

Because "she" is singular, the correct verb is the singular form, "has." Therefore, "Does she have?" is grammatically correct. "Does she has?" is incorrect because it violates the subject-verb agreement rule.

The Role of Auxiliary Verbs

The sentence "Does she have?" uses an auxiliary verb ("does") which is crucial for understanding the tense and the subject-verb agreement. Auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, assist the main verb in expressing tense, mood, or voice. In this case, "does" helps to form the present simple tense, indicating a habitual or recurring action.

The use of "does" automatically implies a singular third-person subject. We wouldn't say "Do she have?" because "do" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "Do they have?") or singular first and second-person subjects (e.g., "Do I have?", "Do you have?"). The use of "does" inherently dictates the singular third-person subject.

Common Mistakes in Subject-Verb Agreement

Many errors in subject-verb agreement arise from various sentence structures and confusing elements. Let's examine some common mistakes:

1. Intervening Phrases:

Intervening phrases, clauses, or prepositional phrases placed between the subject and verb can sometimes confuse the agreement. For example:

• Incorrect: The box of chocolates are delicious.
• Correct: The box of chocolates is delicious.

The subject is "box," not "chocolates," so a singular verb ("is") is needed.

2. Compound Subjects:

Compound subjects joined by "and" generally require a plural verb.

• Correct: John and Mary are going to the party.

However, if the compound subject refers to a single entity, a singular verb is used.

• Correct: Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.

3. Subjects Joined by "or" or "nor":

The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

• Correct: Neither the students nor the teacher is responsible.
• Correct: Either the teacher or the students are responsible.

4. Collective Nouns:

Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, group) can be singular or plural depending on the context. If the group acts as a single unit, a singular verb is used; if the individuals within the group are emphasized, a plural verb is used.

• Correct: The team is playing well. (Team acting as a unit)
• Correct: The team are arguing amongst themselves. (Individuals within the team are emphasized)

5. Indefinite Pronouns:

Indefinite pronouns (e.g., anyone, everyone, someone, somebody) are always singular and take a singular verb.

• Correct: Everyone is invited.
• Correct: Someone has taken my pen.

6. Pronoun Agreement with Collective Nouns:

The pronoun used to refer back to a collective noun should agree in number with the way the collective noun is treated in the sentence.

• Correct: The team played well, and they celebrated their victory. (Team treated as plural)
• Correct: The jury has reached its verdict. (Jury treated as singular)

Strategies for Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement

Here are some tips to improve your subject-verb agreement skills:

• Identify the subject: Carefully identify the subject of the sentence. Ask yourself, "Who or what is performing the action?"
• Determine the number: Is the subject singular or plural?
• Choose the correct verb: Select the verb form that agrees with the number of the subject.
• Simplify the sentence: Break down complex sentences into smaller, simpler ones to clarify the subject-verb relationship.
• Practice: Consistent practice is key. Read extensively, write regularly, and use online grammar exercises to reinforce your understanding.
• Seek feedback: Ask others to review your writing for subject-verb agreement errors.

Beyond "Does She Have?": Expanding Subject-Verb Agreement Knowledge

The question "Does she have?" serves as a springboard to understanding broader subject-verb agreement concepts. The principles outlined above apply across various tenses. Let's explore a few more examples:

• Present Continuous: "She is having a good time." (Singular subject "she" with singular present continuous form "is having")
• Past Simple: "She had a great vacation." (Singular subject "she" with singular past simple form "had")
• Future Simple: "She will have finished her work by tomorrow." (Singular subject "she" with singular future simple form "will have")
• Present Perfect: "She has had many opportunities." (Singular subject "she" with singular present perfect form "has had")

Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective communication. By understanding the rules and practicing consistently, you can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills, ensuring your sentences are grammatically correct and easily understood. The seemingly simple distinction between "Does she has" and "Does she have" highlights the importance of paying close attention to even the smallest grammatical details. This attention to detail will elevate your writing to a more professional and polished level. Remember to always identify the subject of your sentence and ensure your verb agrees with it in number. Consistent practice and attention to detail are the keys to mastering this fundamental aspect of English grammar.