Lack of Agreement

Sometimes it's difficult to know when to use the right word. This is especially true when dealing with different verb tenses.

In the sentence highlighted above, we see the incorrect use of the word have. In this example, using the word have indicates that the noun of the sentence, St. Francis, is plural. This is incorrect because St. Francis, used in this sentence, refers to the St. Francis cross-country team. Since there is only one team, the main noun of the sentence, St. Francis, must be singular.

Additionally, the word have, used in this way, indicates that the entire sentence has happened in the past; have is in the past tense here. We know, by reading the rest of the article, this must be incorrect. The St. Francis cross-country team is the No. 1-ranked team in the nation.

The word has should replace the word have to correct this sentence. Has puts the sentence in the correct verb tense, the present perfect. The St. Francis team still holds the number one position in the nation, therefore the sentence must reflect that distinction.

The full article can be found on page 33 in the Nov. 8 issue of Joliet's Herald-News.