5 Questions
Match the following indefinite pronouns with their correct subject-verb agreement rule:
Everyone = Singular subject requires singular verb Somebody = Plural subject requires plural verb Anybody = Plural subject requires plural verb No one = Singular subject requires singular verb
Match the following sentences with the correct subject-verb agreement for collective nouns:
The team is = Group functions as a single unit The family are = Individual members acting separately The class is = Group functions as a single unit The crowd are = Individual members acting separately
Match the following indefinite pronouns with their correct verb form:
Everyone is = Singular verb form Some people are = Plural verb form Nobody is = Singular verb form Any students are = Plural verb form
Match the following collective nouns with their correct subject-verb agreement rule:
Team is = Group functions as a single unit Families are = Individual members acting separately Class is = Group functions as a single unit Crowd are = Individual members acting separately
Match the following indefinite pronouns with their correct number agreement:
Everybody is = Singular agreement Somebody are = Plural agreement Anybody is = Singular agreement No one are = Plural agreement
Study Notes
Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of English grammar that ensures the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number and person. This rule applies to all types of subjects, including indefinite pronouns and collective nouns. Let's dive into each of these subtopics:
Subject-Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to non-specific individuals or things. They do not have specific names or identities. Examples of indefinite pronouns include anyone, everyone, someone, nobody, anybody, everybody, somebody, and no one. When using these pronouns, it is essential to remember the following rules:
- If the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. For instance, Everyone + V(singular) = Everyone is.
- If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. For example, Some people + V(plural) = Some people are.
Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are used to describe groups of objects or individuals. These nouns can be countable or uncountable. Examples of collective nouns include team, family, class, and crowd. Here are some guidelines for subject-verb agreement with collective nouns:
- If the group functions together as a single unit, treat the collective noun as singular. In this case, the verb will also be singular. Example: The team + V(singular) = The team is.
- If the group consists of individual members acting separately, treat the collective noun as plural. The verb will also be plural. Example: The class + V(plural) = The class are.
Singular Subjects with Singular Verbs
When dealing with singular subjects, it is important to ensure that the verb also agrees in number. A singular subject requires a singular verb. Recall the examples from the previous sections where indefinite pronouns and collective nouns were treated as singular when they functioned as a single unit. Similarly, if you have a singular subject like "the cat," it would require a singular verb, such as "eats."
Keep in mind that subject-verb agreement is just one part of understanding how to construct sentences correctly. There are many other aspects of grammar that play a role in creating well-structured and effective written communication.
Learn about subject-verb agreement in English grammar, focusing on indefinite pronouns and collective nouns. Understand the rules for ensuring that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number and person. Enhance your knowledge of how to correctly match singular and plural subjects with corresponding verbs.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
