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Questions and Answers
What must the verb do in relation to the subject in terms of number?
What must the verb do in relation to the subject in terms of number?
The verb must agree with the subject in number, meaning it should be singular if the subject is singular and plural if the subject is plural.
How can you identify the subject in a sentence that contains a prepositional phrase?
How can you identify the subject in a sentence that contains a prepositional phrase?
The subject is usually the noun before the preposition within the sentence.
What is the general rule for making nouns plural?
What is the general rule for making nouns plural?
To make a noun plural, you typically add 's' or 'es' to the end of the noun.
How does the verb change when using the word 'either'?
How does the verb change when using the word 'either'?
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What is the main subject in the sentence 'A group of students was selected'?
What is the main subject in the sentence 'A group of students was selected'?
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What is the verb form in the sentence 'Neither of the boys is present'?
What is the verb form in the sentence 'Neither of the boys is present'?
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How do fractions affect verb agreement in a sentence?
How do fractions affect verb agreement in a sentence?
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What is the correct usage of 'both' in relation to verb agreement?
What is the correct usage of 'both' in relation to verb agreement?
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What happens when 'I' and 'you' are the subjects of a sentence?
What happens when 'I' and 'you' are the subjects of a sentence?
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What is a common mistake in subject-verb agreement?
What is a common mistake in subject-verb agreement?
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Study Notes
Subject-Verb Agreement
- Verbs must agree with their subjects in number (singular or plural).
- If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular.
- If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.
- Example: The boy writes. The boys write.
Identifying the Subject
- The subject is the doer of the action or the focus of the sentence.
- Usually a noun or pronoun.
- In sentences with prepositional phrases, the subject is usually the noun before the preposition.
- Example: The introduction of new policies is important. (Subject: introduction).
Rules for Singular and Plural Forms
- Add 's' or 'es' to make nouns plural (e.g., boy to boys, box to boxes).
- Add 's' or 'es' to make verbs singular (e.g., go to goes, write to writes).
- Incorrect: The boys writes letters. Correct: The boys write letters.
Words Indicating Quantity
- Both: Refers to two people or things. Verb is plural.
- Either: Refers to one of two options. Verb is singular.
- Neither: Refers to none of two options. Verb is singular.
- None: Refers to none among many. Verb is singular (mostly).
Qualifier vs. Main Subject
- A qualifier gives extra information about the subject, but isn't the main subject.
- The verb agrees with the main subject, not the qualifier.
- Example: A group of students was selected. (Main subject: group).
Fractions in Sentences
- Fractions act as qualifiers.
- The verb agrees with the main subject.
- Example: One-third of the cake is eaten. (Singular)
- Example: Two-thirds of the cakes are eaten. (Plural)
Positive and Negative Sentences
- Words like both, either, any are used in positive sentences.
- Words like neither, none are used in negative sentences.
- Example: Neither of the boys is present.
Exceptions
- 'I' and 'You' take plural verbs even if they are singular in form.
- Neither/Nor, Either/Or: The verb agrees with the closest subject.
- Example: Neither the teacher nor the students are available.
Practice Sentences
- Example: A bunch of grapes is on the table.
- Example: Neither of the two boys is ready.
- Example: Two-thirds of the books are missing.
Tips
- Focus on the main subject when deciding the verb agreement.
- Understand exceptions like 'I', 'you', and fractions.
- Write and analyze complex sentences to improve understanding.
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Description
This quiz will test your understanding of subject-verb agreement in English grammar. You will need to apply the rules of singular and plural forms, and identify the subject of sentences. Get ready to enhance your grammar skills!
