Subject-Verb Agreement Quiz

Subject-verb Agreement

• Definition: Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.

• Basic Rules:

  • Singular subjects take singular verbs.
    • Example: The cat runs fast.
  • Plural subjects take plural verbs.
    • Example: The cats run fast.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Intervening Phrases:

  • Ignore intervening phrases that may come between the subject and the verb.
    • 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:

  • These expressions are generally treated as singular.
    • Example: Five dollars is too much.

• 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.