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Questions and Answers
Which verb correctly completes the sentence: The team of athletes _____ competing in the finals.
Which verb correctly completes the sentence: The team of athletes _____ competing in the finals.
What is the correct form of the verb in the following sentence: Either the teacher or the students _____ responsible for the project.
What is the correct form of the verb in the following sentence: Either the teacher or the students _____ responsible for the project.
Choose the correct verb for the sentence: Everyone in the group _____ excited about the trip.
Choose the correct verb for the sentence: Everyone in the group _____ excited about the trip.
Identify the correct verb: Several of the cookies _____ left on the plate.
Identify the correct verb: Several of the cookies _____ left on the plate.
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Which sentence uses the correct subject-verb agreement?
Which sentence uses the correct subject-verb agreement?
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What is the correct verb form in this sentence: Five dollars _____ too much to pay for that item.
What is the correct verb form in this sentence: Five dollars _____ too much to pay for that item.
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Which of the following sentences is incorrect in subject-verb agreement?
Which of the following sentences is incorrect in subject-verb agreement?
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Select the correct verb to complete the sentence: All of the cake _____ eaten by the guests.
Select the correct verb to complete the sentence: All of the cake _____ eaten by the guests.
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What is the correct form of the verb in this sentence: None of the information _____ relevant to the topic.
What is the correct form of the verb in this sentence: None of the information _____ relevant to the topic.
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Choose the correct verb for this context: The director along with the actors _____ at the press conference.
Choose the correct verb for this context: The director along with the actors _____ at the press conference.
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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 agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.
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Basic Rules:
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Singular subjects take singular verbs.
- Example: The cat runs fast.
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Plural subjects take plural verbs.
- Example: The cats run fast.
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Singular subjects take singular verbs.
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Compound Subjects:
- When subjects are joined by "and," use a plural verb.
- Example: The cat and dog are playing.
- When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the nearest subject.
- Example: Either the manager or the employees are responsible.
- When subjects are joined by "and," use a plural verb.
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Indefinite Pronouns:
- Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., anyone, everyone, someone).
- Example: Everyone is invited.
- Some are always plural (e.g., few, many, several).
- Example: Many are participating.
- Some can be either singular or plural depending on context (e.g., all, some).
- Example: All of the cake is gone. / All of the cookies are gone.
- Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., anyone, everyone, someone).
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Collective Nouns:
- Collective nouns (e.g., team, group, family) can take singular or plural verbs based on whether the group acts as a single entity or as individuals.
- Example (singular): The team wins the game.
- Example (plural): The team are arguing among themselves.
- Collective nouns (e.g., team, group, family) can take singular or plural verbs based on whether the group acts as a single entity or as individuals.
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Intervening Phrases:
- Ignore intervening phrases that may come between the subject and the verb.
- Example: The bouquet of roses smells sweet.
- Ignore intervening phrases that may come between the subject and the verb.
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Titles and Names:
- Titles of books, movies, and other works are treated as singular.
- Example: "The Chronicles of Narnia is a great series."
- Titles of books, movies, and other works are treated as singular.
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Expressions of Time, Money, and Distance:
- These expressions are generally treated as singular.
- Example: Five dollars is too much.
- These expressions are generally treated as singular.
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Common Errors:
- Misidentifying the subject (e.g., focusing on the closest noun instead).
- Confusing plural forms (e.g., "The team of players are...").
By following these rules, one can ensure proper subject-verb agreement in writing and speech.
Definition
- Subject-verb agreement mandates that verbs must match the number (singular or plural) of their subjects.
Basic Rules
- Singular subjects pair with singular verbs.
- Example: "The cat runs fast."
- Plural subjects pair with plural verbs.
- Example: "The cats run fast."
Compound Subjects
- Subjects connected by "and" use a plural verb.
- Example: "The cat and dog are playing."
- For subjects joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the nearest subject.
- Example: "Either the manager or the employees are responsible."
Indefinite Pronouns
- Certain indefinite pronouns are always singular, such as anyone, everyone, and someone.
- Example: "Everyone is invited."
- Some are always plural: few, many, and several.
- Example: "Many are participating."
- Some can be singular or plural based on context: all and some.
- Example: "All of the cake is gone." / "All of the cookies are gone."
Collective Nouns
- Collective nouns (team, group, family) can take singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the group acts as one or as individuals.
- Example (singular): "The team wins the game."
- Example (plural): "The team are arguing among themselves."
Intervening Phrases
- Intervening phrases between the subject and verb should be ignored for proper agreement.
- Example: "The bouquet of roses smells sweet."
Titles and Names
- Titles of books, movies, and other works are treated as singular.
- Example: ""The Chronicles of Narnia is a great series."
Expressions of Time, Money, and Distance
- Expressions related to time, money, and distance are generally considered singular.
- Example: "Five dollars is too much."
Common Errors
- Misidentifying the subject, often due to focusing on the nearest noun.
- Confusing plural forms, such as using "are" with a collective noun incorrectly.
- Example mistake: "The team of players are..."
Conclusion
- By adhering to these rules, proper subject-verb agreement can be achieved in both writing and speech.
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Description
Test your understanding of subject-verb agreement with this quiz. You will encounter various rules, including how to handle singular and plural subjects, as well as compound subjects and indefinite pronouns. Enhance your grammar skills by practicing these essential concepts.