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Questions and Answers
Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with a collective noun?
Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with a collective noun?
Which sentence shows incorrect subject-verb agreement with a collective noun?
Which sentence shows incorrect subject-verb agreement with a collective noun?
What is an example of a verb that has an irregular form in the third person singular?
What is an example of a verb that has an irregular form in the third person singular?
Which option demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with the verb 'eat'?
Which option demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement with the verb 'eat'?
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In the sentence 'Some pizza is still left.', what correction should be made for proper subject-verb agreement?
In the sentence 'Some pizza is still left.', what correction should be made for proper subject-verb agreement?
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When referring to each family member individually, which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?
When referring to each family member individually, which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?
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Which of the following demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement in terms of person?
Which of the following demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement in terms of person?
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Identify the sentence that violates the rule of consistency in number for subject-verb agreement.
Identify the sentence that violates the rule of consistency in number for subject-verb agreement.
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In the sentence 'My cat is sleeping and the dog is awake,' what is the error in subject-verb agreement?
In the sentence 'My cat is sleeping and the dog is awake,' what is the error in subject-verb agreement?
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Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct internal consistency for subject-verb agreement?
Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct internal consistency for subject-verb agreement?
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Select the sentence that follows the rule of subject-verb agreement with certain pronouns correctly.
Select the sentence that follows the rule of subject-verb agreement with certain pronouns correctly.
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Which sentence illustrates incorrect subject-verb agreement in terms of number?
Which sentence illustrates incorrect subject-verb agreement in terms of number?
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Study Notes
Subject-Verb Agreement in English Grammar
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental concept in English grammar that ensures a smooth flow and clarity in your writing and speaking. In essence, it involves ensuring that the subject and verb of a sentence are in a consistent form, where the verb adjusts to agree with the subject in terms of person and number.
Subject Person and Number
In English, subjects can be singular or plural, and they can refer to first, second, or third person. Understanding these categories is important for correctly applying subject-verb agreement.
- Singular: I, he/she/it, you (singular)
- Plural: We, they, you (plural)
Subject-Verb Agreement Rules
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Consistency in person: The subject and verb should agree in terms of person, i.e., singular or plural.
Incorrect: She go to the store. Correct: She goes to the store.
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Consistency in number: The subject and verb should agree in terms of number, i.e., singular or plural.
Incorrect: The classmates is studying for the test. Correct: The classmates are studying for the test.
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Internal consistency: When subjects are connected by words like and, or, or but, they should all agree with the same verb form.
Incorrect: My cat is sleeping and the dog is awake. Correct: My cat is sleeping and the dog is awake, or My cat and the dog are awake.
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Subject-verb agreement with some pronouns: Certain pronouns, like some, any, and none, require plural verb agreements when used in the plural form.
Incorrect: Some pizza is still left. Correct: Some pizzas are still left.
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Subject-verb agreement with collective nouns: Collective nouns, like team, committee, or family, can be singular or plural, depending on context and usage.
Incorrect: The family is going to the park. (if referring to the whole family as a unit) Correct: The family are going to the park. (if referring to each family member individually)
Exceptions to the Rule
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Zero subject: Some verbs, like be, have, or get, do not appear in their base form in the third person singular form.
Incorrect: *Is eating cake. Correct: Eats cake.
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Certain verbs: Some verbs, like lay, set, or eat, have irregular forms in the third person singular form.
Incorrect: He lays the book on the table. Correct: He lays the book on the table or He lays the books on the table (depending on context)
Practice and Application
To improve your subject-verb agreement, practice using the rules and exceptions described above. Check your writing and speaking for consistency, and if you're not sure about a particular sentence, consider rephrasing it to ensure that the subject and verb agree.
Remember that grammar is a tool to help you to communicate more effectively, and practicing subject-verb agreement will help you to write and speak more clearly and confidently. Happy learning!
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Description
Enhance your understanding of subject-verb agreement in English grammar through this comprehensive guide. Learn how to ensure consistency in person and number between the subject and verb, along with rules for collective nouns, pronouns, and exceptions to the standard agreement.
