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Questions and Answers
Which verb correctly completes the sentence: The committee ___ to finalize its decision.
Which verb correctly completes the sentence: The committee ___ to finalize its decision.
Select the correct sentence that demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement.
Select the correct sentence that demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement.
What is the correct verb form: The cats and dog ___ in the yard.
What is the correct verb form: The cats and dog ___ in the yard.
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
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What is the correct verb to use in the following sentence: Either the manager or the employees ___ responsible.
What is the correct verb to use in the following sentence: Either the manager or the employees ___ responsible.
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Which of these subjects requires a singular verb?
Which of these subjects requires a singular verb?
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What is the correct form of the verb in the sentence: The team ___ winning games this season.
What is the correct form of the verb in the sentence: The team ___ winning games this season.
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Identify the correctly structured sentence regarding subject-verb agreement.
Identify the correctly structured sentence regarding subject-verb agreement.
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Study Notes
Subject-Verb Agreement Basics
- Subject-verb agreement means the verb must agree in number with its subject. Singular subjects take singular verbs; plural subjects take plural verbs.
- This is a fundamental grammatical rule in English.
- Incorrect subject-verb agreement can make a sentence grammatically weak or unclear.
Singular Subjects
- Singular subjects often end in -s, -x, or -ch.
- Examples:
- The cat sleeps.
- The fox hunts.
- The church bell tolls.
- Pronouns like "he," "she," "it," and "I" are singular subjects.
- Examples:
- He runs.
- She walks.
- It rains.
- I am.
Plural Subjects
- Plural subjects typically end in -s or -es.
- Examples:
- The cats sleep.
- The foxes hunt.
- The churches are old.
- Pronouns like "we," "they," and "you" are plural subjects.
- Examples:
- We run.
- They walk.
- You are.
Compound Subjects
- Compound subjects joined by "and" usually take a plural verb.
- Examples:
- The dog and the cat play.
- David and James are brothers.
- Apples and oranges are healthy.
Compound Subjects with "or" or "nor"
- If the compound subject uses "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
- Examples:
- The dog or the cat plays.
- Neither the dog nor the cats play.
- The subject closest to the verb is crucial.
Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects
- Indefinite pronouns like "each," "every," "neither," "either," "anyone," "everyone," "nobody," and "someone" are singular.
- Examples:
- Each student does well.
- Every child wants a toy.
- Neither of them is.
- Exceptions include "both," "few," "many," "several," which are plural.
Collective Nouns
- Collective nouns (like team, committee, faculty, family) can be singular or plural, depending on the sentence's meaning.
- If the group acts as a single unit, the verb is singular.
- If the members act individually, the verb is plural.
- Examples:
- The committee agrees. (Acts as one unit)
- The committee disagree on the matter. (Individual members disagree)
Subjects with Prepositional Phrases
- Prepositional phrases between the subject and verb don't affect the verb's number.
- Example:
- The girl with the blue dress is tall.
- The books on the table are old.
Other Considerations
- Verbs ending in -ing (present participles) can also be subjects.
- Treat the participle phrase as singular or plural depending on the subject.
- Examples:
- Running is a good exercise. (Singular)
- Jumping on the trampoline are fun for kids. (Plural)
- Ensure subject and verb agree in number, regardless of intervening phrases or sentence elements.
Common Errors and Solutions
- Identifying the core subject is key to correct agreement.
- Be mindful of subjects hidden in prepositional phrases.
- Carefully examine the relationship between subject and verb.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamental rules of subject-verb agreement in English. It explores how singular and plural subjects affect verb forms, providing examples for better understanding. Mastering this concept will enhance your grammatical accuracy in writing and speaking.
