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PACKET 6
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT
All nouns and pronouns have number. They are singular in number if they refer to one thing. They are plural in number if they refer to more than one thing. A. When a word refers to one person or thing, it is singular in number. When a word refers to more than one, it is plural in number. Examples : hat, I, sky, principle (singular) hats, we, skies, principles (plural) B. A verb agrees with its subject in number. Two words agree when they have the same number. The number of the verb must always agree with the number of its subject. Examples : He fights. (singular subject and singular verb) Animals fight. (plural subject and plural verb) I. Singular subjects take singular verbs. Examples : The lightning fills the sky. (The verb fills is singular to agree with the singular subject lightning .) Linda begins her vacation today. (The verb begins is singular to agree with the singular subject Linda .) II. Plural subjects take plural verbs. Examples : Cheetahs run faster than most other animals. (The verb run is plural to agree with the plural subject cheetahs .) New families move into our neighborhood frequently. (The verb move is plural to agree with the plural subject families .) *** Notice that an -s ending is often a sign of the singular in the verb. Examples : He screams. Everyone sings. NOTE - When a sentence contains a verb phrase, it is the helping verb that agrees with the subject. Examples : The motor is running. The motors are running. Examples : The girl has been sick. The girls have been sick.
Hints for subject-verb agreement I. (A) Cross out all prepositional phrases. Examples : Every one of the students try/tries hard. The windows in the house stick/sticks easily. (B) Cross out word groups within commas. Examples : The doctor, as well as the nurses, work/works hard. The girls, along with their dogs, walk/walks daily. (C) Cross out word groups beginning with either...or and neither..nor. Examples : Either the vase or the dish was/were a gift. Neither the teacher nor his students was/were here. II. Find the subject: (Remember, the subject cannot be one or the words that you crossed out in number I.) subject Examples : Every [one] of the students work/works hard. subject The [girls], along with their dogs walk/walks daily. subject Either the vase or the [dish] was/were a gift. III. Select the verb: (A) If the subject is singular, choose the verb ending in “s.” Examples : Every one of the students try/tries hard. The doctor, as well as the nurses, work/works hard. (B) If the subject is plural, choose the verb ending without the “s.” Examples : The windows in the house stick/sticks easily. The girls, along with their dogs, walk/walks daily. (C) If two subjects are joined by or or by nor, the verb usually agrees with the nearer subject. Examples : Either the vase or the dish was/were a gift. Neither the teacher nor his students was/were present. HINT: Try substituting they (plural pronoun), then use a plural verb (without “s”). Try substituting he, she, or it (singular pronouns), then use a singular verb (with “s”.) Doctor works Cat runs Windows stick (He) works (It) runs (They) stick
Watch out especiallyfor prepositional phrases beginningwith of or in.
Singular subject, souse verb with “s”
Plural subject, souse verb without “s”
Singular subject, souse verb with “s” Plural subject, souse verb without “s”
Word groups betweencommas often begin with: as well as…with… along with…in addition to… including…
SINGULAR AND PLURAL
SUBJECTS AND VERBS
Exercise 1 : If a word is singular, write S before it. If it is plural, write P. _____ 1. morning _____ 11. mosquitoes _____ 2. calves _____ 12. actress _____ 3. women _____ 13 cave _____ 4. she _____ 14. we _____ 5. pencils _____ 15. leaves _____ 6. shelf _____ 16. chief _____ 7. they _____ 17. men _____ 8. heights _____ 18. babies _____ 9. geese _____ 19. Congress _____ 10. it _____ 20. mice
Exercise 2 : The subjects and verbs that follow are in agreement. If an item is singular, write S before it. If it is plural, write P. _____ 1. people think _____ 11. night arrives _____ 2. wind howls _____ 12. gates open _____ 3. owls hoot _____ 13. she tries _____ 4. we practice _____ 14. actor rehearses _____ 5. days pass _____ 15. girls study _____ 6. monkeys chatter _____ 16. leaf falls _____ 7. Karen writes _____ 17. thieves steal _____ 8. it seems _____ 18. boy giggles _____ 9. snakes hiss _____ 19. they watch _____ 10. glasses break _____ 20. lion lurks
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT
Exercise 1 : In each of the following sentences, two verbs are written in parentheses. First locate and underline the subject. Then circle the one that agrees with the subject. Example : Cherry trees (lines, line ) the Potomac.
- An electric computer (solves, solve) difficult problems quickly.
- Many colleges (has, have) computers.
- Over one hundred thousand forest fires (is, are) reported each year.
- Sometimes lightning (causes, cause) fires.
- Careless people (is, are) often at fault.
- Forest rangers (says, say) that we can prevent forest fires.
- Some Polynesian divers (descends, descend) almost forty-five feet without special equipment.
- The owl's eyes (makes, make) it look wise.
- Actually, the owl (sees, see) poorly during the day.
- Every year scientists (discovers, discover) new drugs to fight diseases.
PROBLEMS IN AGREEMENT In the previous exercise, it was easy to make the subjects and verbs agree because the verbs followed their subjects closely and the number of the subject was clear. However, a phrase may come between the subject and verb, creating an agreement problem, or the subject may be a pronoun, the number of which is hard to determine. A. Phrases between subject and verb I. Sometimes a prepositional phrase comes between the subject and verb in a sentence. Remember - the subject is not in the prepositional phrase. Therefore, put ( ) around the prepositional phrase. Then locate the subject and agree the verb with the subject. Examples : The special effects (in the movie) were particularly original. The lights (in the stadium) have been dimmed.
Exercise 1 : Put ( ) around prepositional phrases. Underline subject and circle the correct verb.
- The agents, with their co-workers, (was, were) checking the story.
- Sam, in addition to his brothers, (sleep, sleeps) in this tent.
- The hunters, with their two guides, (like, likes) to stalk game.
- Arteries, on the other hand, (carries, carry) the blood away.
- The heart, along with the 100,000 miles of arteries and veins, (supplies, supply) the oxygen needed by all parts of the body. B. Compound Subjects A compound subject, you will recall, consists of two or more connected subjects having the same verb. When two subjects are connected by and, even if they are both singular, they are followed by a plural verb. Subjects joined by and take a plural verb. Hint: If the subject is plural, substitute the pronoun they for the plural subject. they Examples : A dictionary and a one-volume encyclopedia make a good beginning for a reference library. they Mr. Duffy and his daughter have gone fishing. Exception: A compound subject that refers to a single person or to two or more things considered as a unit (one thing) takes a singular verb. Examples : Gin and tonic is a popular drink.. (Gin and tonic is considered one drink.) A mother and homemaker has a challenging job. (One person is meant.) Exercise 1 : Follow the basic directions.
- (Is, Are) New York and Chicago the two largest cities in the United States?
- Sleet and some snow (is, are) predicted for tomorrow.
- The dogs in the pound and their owners (was, were) reunited.
- New words and new meanings for old words (is, are) included.
- Your fingernail and a piece of glass (is, are) two means for testing hardness in minerals.
- Both talc and gypsum (shows, show) a fingernail scratch.
- The president with his wife and the vice president (has, have) just left for the summit.
- The opossum and the kangaroo (is, are) members of the same family of mammals.
- Rattlesnakes, copperheads, coral snakes, cottonmouths (is, are) four kinds of poisonous snakes found in the United States.
- In large cities subways and cabs (is, are) two popular means of transportation.
C. Subjects connected by “or” or “nor” The verb agrees with the subject closer to it. Hint: Draw a straight line after or or nor, ignoring the words before the line. Begin reading the sentence after this line. Examples : The chief geologists or their assistant is due to arrive tonight. Neither a rabbit nor raccoons do that kind of damage in a garden. Exercise 1: Follow the basic directions. Also use the straight line to separate the or, nor subjects.
- Either a loan or a scholarship (is, are) available to selected applicants.
- A desk or a bookcase (goes, go) into that corner.
- Neither sheets nor towels (is, are) furnished at camp.
- (Has, Have) the books or other supplies come?
- A vocabulary notebook or vocabulary flashcards (is, are) helpful for review.
- Either the clock on the town hall or my watch (is, are) wrong.
- Another boy or girl (takes, take) the part of the narrator.
- A map or a guidebook (has, have) been my constant companion in this city.
- Enthusiasm for the proposal or excitement about it (is, are) not the same as solid support.
- A course in ceramics or a course in woodworking (is, are) recommended.
D. Indefinite Pronouns
- Someone form each class (attend, attends) the meeting.
II. The following common words are plural: both, few, many, several. Examples : Few (of my neighbors) have parakeets. Many (of them) keep dogs as pets. Exercise 1: Follow the basic directions. Notice that both singular and plural pronouns are tested.
- Many of our group (has, have) had flu shots.
- Everyone in the surrounding towns (was, were) warned about the epidemic.
- Of the new cases, few (is, are) serious.
- Neither of those paths (leads, lead) home.
- Each of the stores (gives, give) gifts to our graduates.
- Several in the group (doubts, doubt) the existence of intelligent life on other planets.
- (Has, Have) either of you seen an ice hockey game?
- In the corner (stands, stand) one of the suspects.
- Many of the fans of football (think, thinks) about little else during the football season.
- Both of the coaches of the varsity team (works, work) with the students every afternoon.
Exercise 2: Follow the basic directions. Notice that both singular and plural pronouns are tested.
- Either of the sopranos (sing, sings) the solo part in the operetta.
- Both girls (has, have) different assignments.
- Neither of the men (receive, receives) a high salary.
- Few of them (want, wants) more coffee.
- One of the pieces of jewelry (was, were) taken by the thieves.
- Several of the bushes in our yard (bloom, blooms) early.
- Someone with three dogs (walk, walks) by our house each day.
- Anyone leaving without permission (is, are) going to be in trouble.
- Many of the participants in the contest (receive, receives) a ribbon.
- Everybody (look, looks) ready for the party.
Special Problems in Agreement There are a few other constructions that may pose special problems in agreement of subject and verb. This section will cover some of these. A. Collective Nouns Some nouns that are singular in form name a group of people or things: class, family, team, group, flock, for example. These nouns are called collective nouns. Examples : The jury was dismissed by the judge. The class has decided to have a science table in the room. The family is coming for dinner. Exercise 1 : Follow the basic directions.
- The group (was, were) going on a trip.
- That flock of geese (make, makes) a beautiful pattern in the sky.
- The team (is, are) celebrating its victory.
- In July the committee (make, makes) a decision about the location of the August picnic.
- In the jungle, the herd often (stampede, stampedes).
- Next week the Smith family (leave, leaves) for vacation.
- Every summer the class (take, takes) many field trips.
- The panel (choose, chooses) the topics for television.
- (Is, Are) the group in charge of refreshments here yet?
- The company (vote, votes) for a new president next month. B. Sentences beginning with HERE, THERE, or WHERE When the subject follows the verb, as in sentences beginning with there, here, or where, be careful to locate the subject and make sure that the verb agrees with it.
D. Titles, organizations, or countries A title, organization, or country, even when plural in form, usually takes a singular verb. Example : “Murders in the Rue Morgue” is an intriguing mystery. Exercise 1 : Follow the basic directions.
- "The Seven Sisters" (is, are) a story about a New England family.
- Morgan and Company (advertises, advertise) beach bags for a dollar.
- The Veterans of Foreign Wars (is, are) holding its convention in Chicago this year.
- The Women (was, were) written by Clare Boothe Luce.
- Wales (has, have) a beautiful countryside.
E. Don’t and Doesn’t The words don’t and doesn’t (contractions of do not and does not) must, like all other verbs, agree with their subjects. Mistakes are often made with these forms. HINT: To avoid mistakes, use do and does (take off the n’t ). Remember the singular verb ends is s. Examples : Lena doesn’t exercise enough. (Lena does exercise enough.) Those answers don’t make sense. (Those answers do make sense.) Exercise 1 : Follow the basic directions, and use the do/does hint.
- The girl (don't, doesn't) understand the problem.
- (Don't, Doesn't) she want the prize?
- The lettuce (don't, doesn't) look fresh.
- That school (don't, doesn't) have a stage.
- It (don't, doesn't) matter at all.
- He (don't, doesn't) see the rainbow.
- The boxer and the poodle (don't, doesn't) get along.
- The curtains in the room (don't, doesn't) match the color of the walls.
- Mary (don't, doesn't) need to go with me.
- This bar of candy (don't, doesn't) taste good.
F. Plural-looking nouns A few nouns, though plural in form, take a singular verb. Examples : Mathematics seems easy this year. Mumps is certainly an uncomfortable disease. The news was not good. Exercise 1: Follow the basic directions.
- Economics (is, are) taught by Professor Gray.
- The news on the radio (was, were) encouraging.
- Ethics (is, are) a code of values.
- Politics (appeal, appeals) to some people.
- Civics (was, were) my dad's best subject.
- Measles (is, are) very contagious.
- Social Studies 101 (has, have) always been an interesting course.
- Aerobics (is, are) a fun activity for most youngsters.
- Gymnastics often (require, requires) the use of special apparatus.
- Acrobatics (involve, involves) skills in agility and balance. G. Nouns ending in -ing Occasionally the - ing form of the verb can be used as a noun and, therefore, as the subject of a sentence. This - ing subject takes a singular verb. Examples : Learning to drive is an exciting experience. Building wooden tables was my dad's favorite hobby. Exercise 1: Follow the basic directions.
- Slicing tomatoes (is, are) messy.
- Every semester, studying for final exams (cause, causes) stress.
REVIEW SECTION
In each of the review exercises follow the basic directions and use any of the hints that apply. EXERCISE 1:
- The citizens of this town (demand, demands) police protection.
- Glenville's Glee Club always (give, gives) a fine concert.
- Either Kathy or Dorothy (is, are) going.
- Both Ruth and I (go, goes) to bed early.
- The man, along with the two women, (was, were) delayed.
- We (was, were) passed by six cars.
- Few of the students (live, lives) in the dormitory.
- The ice cream (melt, melts) at room temperature.
- No one (has, have) stolen my secret ideas!
- The first baseman and the catcher (has, have) made many errors.
- Mrs. Laird (speak, speaks) with authority.
- The guitar, accompanied by the bass viol, (play, plays) the tune.
- Joe and his brother always (drink, drinks) too fast.
- Thelma, as well as her sister, (is, are) good at sports.
- Neither of my parents (is, are) home tonight.
- The captain of the two teams (is, are) Dan.
- Where (do, does) the Chester family live?
- The golf team and the tennis team (win, wins) every match.
- Why (do, does) Lisa and Tony disagree so much?
- Mrs. Stum, together with her neighbors, (has, have) a sewing club.
EXERCISE 2:
- Someone (has, have) to do the work.
- Steve, along with Jim and Cindy, (was, were) there.
- Where (is, are) you going?
- There (go, goes) Emily and Claire.
- Each of the members (has, have) contributed.
- Meg and her mother (is, are) in the store.
- The set of rules (control, controls) the game.
- Neither the boss nor her assistant (was, were) present.
- Here (is, are) an old and famous landmark.
- Ralph, along with his father, (is, are) attending the game.
- One often (ask, asks) for help from others.
- Where (has, have) you and Rachel worked during the summer?
- The leader of the choir (sing, sings) tenor.
- The helpers, as well as the leader, (has, have) to work well.
- Everyone (hope, hopes) to find a special friend.
- A sign of the times (is, are) the fashion in clothes.
- There (is, are) opportunities for all.
- The travelers, with their translators, (visit, visits) the museum.
- The better of the two seats (has, have) been sold.
- Where (is, are) my hat and coat? EXERCISE 3:
- Unfortunately, my mother (doesn't, don't) get a vacation this year.
- Many of the people in her shop (gets, get) only a few days.
- Every one of the girls (do, does) her shorthand homework.
- Either Julia or her friends (is, are) planning to attend.
- Both of the carpenters (is, are) planning to do the job.
- Neither the students nor the instructor (want, wants) to miss class.
- The women, as well as the men, (sing, sings) beautifully.
- This summer I (am, is) working for my father.
- Neither Michelle nor Paul (has, have) registered yet.
- Mathematics (is, are) difficult for Sally.
- Carving game birds (has, have) been her hobby for years.
- Not one of the nominees (has, have) won an Oscar before.
- (Do, Does) each of the questions count the same number of points?
- The number of college freshmen (has, have) decreased in recent years.
- Little Women (is, are) an endearing novel.
- The dictator, accompanied by his generals, (was, were) to review the troops.
- The secretary and the treasurer (was, were) asked to submit reports.
- Everyone in the auditorium (was, were) startled by the announcement.
EXERCISE 5:
- Juniors and seniors (was, were) expected to report to the gymnasium.
- There (is, are) a briefcase, a typewriter, and a tape recorder in the office.
- Ten dollars (was, were) too much for him to pay for a volume of poetry.
- (Is, Are) there any questions about tomorrow's assignment?
- Alphabetizing the files (is, are) my responsibility.
- A typewriter and a sheet of paper (was, were) the only things on the desk.
- (Does, Do) Coach Jasek and the players know about the special award?
- My three week's vacation (was, were) more enjoyable than I had anticipated.
- (Hasn't, Haven't) either of the officers submitted a written statement?
- The news of his spectacular achievements (come, comes) as a surprise to all of us.
- On the table (was, were) a pen, a pad of paper, and two rulers.
- Either you or Marilyn (is, are) to be asked to preside at the meeting.
- The team (has, have) reached a decision.
- I (see, sees) your uncle and your cousin coming down the street.
- There (is, are) many opportunities for part-time employment on campus.
- (Is, Are) algebra and chemistry required courses?
- One of his three instructors (has, have) resigned.
- (Do, Does) either of the coaches expect the team to win the game?
- Neither I nor my sisters (expect, expects) to graduate in June.
- Two teaspoons of vanilla (is, are) needed in this recipe.
WRITING SECTION
- Write a sentence with a singular subject using one of the following 2 verbs: HOPE, HOPES.
- Write a sentence with a plural subject using one of the following 2 verbs: SEEM, SEEMS.
- Write a sentence with an “either-or” subject, placing a singular subject after or. Use one of the following 2 verbs: WRITE, WRITES.
