Grammar Focus 2: Subject-Verb

Agreement

The Basics:

A singular subject takes a singular verb

All plural subjects take plural verbs

But of course it isn’t as easy as that…

The Keys:

Recognizing singular vs. plural verbs

Identifying the subject

Determining if the subject is singular or plural

Hint #1:Verbs DO NOT form plurals by

adding an “s” like nouns do

Hint #2:Determine singular verbs by

substituting “he” for the subjectDetermine plural verbs by

substituting “they” for the subject

Try it:

What is the verb in the sentence below?

Daisy, leader among students, loves speaking in public and attending debate tournaments.

Try it:Daisy, leader among students, loves speaking in public and attending debate tournaments.Is the verb singular or plural?Would you say “HE loves” or

“THEY loves?”HE means singular, loves is

singular, so the subject of this sentence has to be singular also!

Someone other than me…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkoi6vQO-SM

Now the tricky parts:Sentences with “or” or “nor” in the

subject-The verb must agree with

whichever is closest to the verbEither his brothers or Will is going

to have to take me home.Either Will or his brothers are

going to have to take me home.

Now the tricky parts:If the subject contains “and,” it is

necessarily plural and takes a plural verbRichielle and Malik are in 5th

period together.“They are” (NOT “he are”)

Now the tricky parts:A subject followed by a phrase

beginning with “along with,” “as well as,” or “in addition to” is NOT changed by these phrases (they are not like “and”)Crystal, in addition to her classmates, is

aggravated by subject/verb agreement.Verb?is… “he is” Subject?just Crystal (singular)

Now the tricky parts:These pronouns: each, everyone,

everybody, anyone, anybody, someone, and somebody are singular and require singular verbEverybody in 6th period says

grammar is fun.“He says” (NOT “they says”)

Now the tricky parts:Either and neither (as the sole

subject) always take singular verbsEither of us is capable of doing the

job.

If the subject is “Either…or…” or “Neither…nor…,” refer to the earlier rule about “or” or “nor” within subjects. Told you it got tricky-

Now the tricky parts:Always IGNORE any phrases between

the subject and the verb.Each of the girls is ready for the quiz.

Each of the girls is ready for the quiz.

Each of the girls is ready for the quiz.

Practice!

http://www.grammarbook.com/grammar_quiz/subject_verb_agreement_1.asp