Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
Which type of nouns take a singular verb in English sentences?
What type of verbs are used with countable nouns like 'earnings' and 'goods'?
In sentences beginning with 'there is' or 'there are,' the verb agrees with:
Which type of verbs are used with collective nouns in English sentences?
Signup and view all the answers
If the focus in a sentence is on the individuals within a collective noun, what type of verb should be used?
Signup and view all the answers
'Locally produced goods have the advantage of shorter supply chains.' What kind of verb agreement is demonstrated in this sentence?
Signup and view all the answers
Which form of the verb is used when the subject is singular?
Signup and view all the answers
In which case should plural verbs be used with a singular subject?
Signup and view all the answers
Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with a plural subject?
Signup and view all the answers
When should a singular verb be used with 'there is' or 'there are'?
Signup and view all the answers
What verb form should be used when the subject is composed of two or more nouns connected by 'and'?
Signup and view all the answers
Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with only plural countable nouns?
Signup and view all the answers
Which sentence demonstrates subject-verb agreement with singular nouns connected by 'or'?
Signup and view all the answers
Which phrase requires a singular verb due to being a noncount noun?
Signup and view all the answers
In which sentence does the verb agree with the noun that is closest to it due to being a compound subject?
Signup and view all the answers
Which phrase requires a plural verb due to being countable nouns with only plural form?
Signup and view all the answers
Which sentence correctly follows the rule of proximity in subject-verb agreement?
Signup and view all the answers
In which sentence is there proper subject-verb agreement with collective nouns?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Non-Count Nouns
- Non-count nouns take a singular verb, examples: Education is the key to success, Diabetes affects many people around the world
- Information, research, and data are non-count nouns
Countable Nouns with Plural Form
- Some countable nouns have only a plural form and take a plural verb, examples: earnings, goods, odds, surroundings, proceeds, contents, and valuables
- Examples: The earnings for this quarter exceed expectations, The proceeds from the sale go to support the homeless population
Sentences Starting with "There"
- In sentences starting with "there is" or "there are," the subject follows the verb
- The verb agrees with what follows the verb, examples: There is little administrative support, There are many factors affecting teacher retention
Collective Nouns
- Collective nouns imply more than one person but are considered singular and take a singular verb, examples: group, team, committee, family, and class
- Examples: The group meets every week, The committee agrees on the quality of the writing
- However, the plural verb is used if the focus is on the individuals in the group
Subject-Verb Agreement
- Subjects and verbs must agree in number: singular subject takes a singular verb, plural subject takes a plural verb
- Exceptions: when using the singular "they," use plural verb forms, example: They are currently in a managerial role at the organization
Complicated Subject-Verb Agreement
- When the subject is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns connected by and, use a plural verb
- Examples: The doctoral student and the committee members write every day, The percentage of employees who called in sick and the number of employees who left their jobs are reflective of the level of job satisfaction
Phrases Between Subject and Verb
- The verb agrees with the subject, not the noun or pronoun in the phrase following the subject of the sentence
- Examples: The student, as well as the committee members, is excited, The student with all the master's degrees is very motivated
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about subject-verb agreement in English sentences with examples of countable and noncount nouns. Understand how singular and plural verbs are used based on the subject. Improve your grammar skills with this quiz!
