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AMA Manual of Style (10th edition ed.) : A Guide for Authors and Editors

AMA Manual of Style Committee

Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Print Publication Date:
Mar 2007
Print ISBN-13:
9780195176339
Published to AMA Manual of Style:
Apr 2009
DOI:
10.1093/jama/9780195176339.001.0001
© American Medical Association
Contents

Shift in Number of Subject and Resultant Subject-Verb Disagreement

Chapter:
Grammar
Author(s):

Stacy Christiansen

7.8.7 Shift in Number of Subject and Resultant Subject-Verb Disagreement

In elliptical constructions involving the verb (ie, the second verb is omitted because it is understood), if the number of the subject changes, the construction is incorrect.

Incorrect:

Her tests were run and her chart updated.

Correct:

Her tests were run and her chart was updated.

Incorrect:

The diagnosis was made and physical therapy sessions begun.

Correct:

The diagnosis was made and physical therapy sessions were begun.

or

The diagnosis was made and physical therapy begun.