Questions and Answers
What type of verb should be used with a singular subject?
When subjects are joined by 'and', what type of verb should be used?
Which of the following is an example of an indefinite pronoun treated as singular?
What type of verb should be used with the phrase 'Fifty percent of the students'?
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Which sentence correctly uses a singular verb with a collective noun?
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How should the verb agree in the sentence 'Either the cat or the dogs...'?
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Which of these subjects should take a singular verb?
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What common mistake can occur with subject-verb agreement?
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What is the structure of an interrogative sentence in the simple present tense for third person singular subjects?
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Which auxiliary verb should be used with the subject 'they' in an interrogative sentence?
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How should the negative form of an interrogative sentence be correctly structured?
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Which of the following is an example of an interrogative sentence starting with a question word?
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Which of the following sentences demonstrates a common mistake in forming interrogative sentences?
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Which of the following is the correct short answer for the question 'Do you like pizza?'
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In which context are interrogative sentences most commonly used?
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What do you add after the auxiliary verb in the negative form of an interrogative sentence?
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Study Notes
Subject-verb Agreement
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Definition: Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the verb must match the subject in number (singular or plural).
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Basic Rules:
- A singular subject takes a singular verb.
- Example: The cat runs fast.
- A plural subject takes a plural verb.
- Example: The cats run fast.
- A singular subject takes a singular verb.
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Compound Subjects:
- When subjects are joined by "and," use a plural verb.
- Example: Tom and Jerry are friends.
- When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb should agree with the subject closest to it.
- Example: Either the dog or the cats are making noise.
- When subjects are joined by "and," use a plural verb.
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Indefinite Pronouns:
- Most indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, someone, anybody) are treated as singular.
- Example: Everyone is invited to the party.
- Some (e.g., few, many, several) are plural.
- Example: Many are called, but few are chosen.
- Most indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, someone, anybody) are treated as singular.
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Collective Nouns:
- Collective nouns (e.g., team, group, family) can be singular or plural based on context.
- Example: The team wins (singular); The team are arguing (plural in British English).
- Collective nouns (e.g., team, group, family) can be singular or plural based on context.
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Titles and Names:
- Titles of books, movies, or organizations are treated as singular.
- Example: "The Great Gatsby is a classic novel."
- Titles of books, movies, or organizations are treated as singular.
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Fractions and Percentages:
- Use a singular verb when the fraction or percentage refers to a singular noun.
- Example: One-third of the cake is gone.
- Use a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.
- Example: Fifty percent of the students are present.
- Use a singular verb when the fraction or percentage refers to a singular noun.
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Exceptions:
- Subjects that are plural in form but singular in meaning (e.g., mathematics, news) take singular verbs.
- Example: Mathematics is my favorite subject.
- Subjects that are plural in form but singular in meaning (e.g., mathematics, news) take singular verbs.
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Common Mistakes:
- Overlooking the proximity of the subject and verb, especially with complex subjects.
- Misusing collective nouns in terms of number agreement.
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Practice Tips:
- Identify the subject in a sentence before deciding on the verb form.
- Be cautious with phrases that intervene between the subject and verb.
- Regularly review and practice exercises related to subject-verb agreement.
Definition and Basic Rules
- Subject-verb agreement ensures the verb matches the subject in number: singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs.
- Example: "The cat runs fast" demonstrates singular agreement, while "The cats run fast" shows plural agreement.
Compound Subjects
- If subjects are joined by "and," they require a plural verb.
- Example: "Tom and Jerry are friends."
- When joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the closest subject.
- Example: "Either the dog or the cats are making noise."
Indefinite Pronouns
- Most indefinite pronouns, like everyone or someone, are treated as singular.
- Example: "Everyone is invited to the party."
- Some pronouns, like few or many, are considered plural.
- Example: "Many are called, but few are chosen."
Collective Nouns
- Collective nouns can be singular or plural, depending on context.
- Example: "The team wins" (singular) vs. "The team are arguing" (plural in British English).
Titles and Names
- Titles of books, movies, or organizations are typically treated as singular.
- Example: "The Great Gatsby is a classic novel."
Fractions and Percentages
- Use a singular verb with fractions or percentages referring to a singular noun.
- Example: "One-third of the cake is gone."
- A plural verb is used when referring to a plural noun.
- Example: "Fifty percent of the students are present."
Exceptions
- Subjects that are plural in form but singular in meaning, such as "mathematics" and "news," take singular verbs.
- Example: "Mathematics is my favorite subject."
Common Mistakes
- Common errors include ignoring the subject-verb proximity, particularly in complex sentences, and misusing collective nouns regarding number agreement.
Practice Tips
- Before selecting the verb form, accurately identify the subject in a sentence.
- Pay attention to phrases that may separate the subject and verb.
- Regularly review and engage with exercises focusing on subject-verb agreement for better understanding.
Definition and Purpose
- Interrogative sentences in the simple present tense ask about habitual actions, facts, or universal truths.
Structure
- For subject-verb constructions, use auxiliary verbs "do" or "does" followed by the subject and the base form of the verb.
- Example: "Do you play soccer?"
Formation
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Affirmative Sentence: Created by combining the subject with the base form of the verb.
- Example: "She reads books."
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Interrogative Sentence: Formed by placing the auxiliary verb (do/does) before the subject and the base verb.
- Example: "Does she read books?"
Auxiliary Verbs
- Use "do" with subjects: I, you, we, they.
- Example: "Do they enjoy swimming?"
- Use "does" with third person singular subjects: he, she, it.
- Example: "Does it rain often?"
Negative Form
- Form negatives by adding "not" after the auxiliary verb.
- Example: "Do you not eat vegetables?" / "Doesn’t she read often?"
Question Words
- Interrogative sentences can begin with question words:
- What: "What do you do?"
- Where: "Where does he work?"
- When: "When do they arrive?"
- Why: "Why does she study?"
Short Answers
- Yes or No responses can be succinct:
- Example: Q: "Do you like music?" A: "Yes, I do." / "No, I don’t."
Common Mistakes
- Avoid adding "s" or "es" to the main verb in interrogative sentences.
- Incorrect: "Does she reads books?"
- Correct: "Does she read books?"
Contextual Use
- Common in everyday conversations, surveys, interviews, and discussions regarding routines or preferences.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the rules of subject-verb agreement with this quiz. The quiz covers basic agreements, compound subjects, indefinite pronouns, and collective nouns. See how well you understand these grammatical concepts!
