Subject/pronoun, compound subjects & verb agreement Fourth Grade Grammar

Subject/pronoun & verb agreement The subject and the verb in a sentence must agree. The subject pronouns she, he, and it name only one person or thing, so they are singular. When a subject is singular, use a singular verb. Singular verbs end in -s, -es, or -ies. He (singular) watches (singular) the neighbor’s baby. It (singular) needs (singular) a new lock.

Subject/pronoun & verb agreement The subject pronouns we and they name more than one person or thing, so they are plural. The pronoun you can also be plural. When a subject is plural, use a plural verb. Plural verbs usually do not end in -s, -es, or -ies. We (plural) walk(plural) home. They (plural) finish (plural) early.

Subject/pronoun & verb agreement The singular subject pronouns I and you do not follow these rules. They name only one person or thing, but they should be used with plural verbs. You (singular) sing (plural) better than I do! I (singular) close (plural) the windows at night.

Compound subjects & verb agreement A compound subject is made up of two subjects joined by the conjunction and or or. Mark and Amanda This week or next week

Compound subjects & verb agreement When a compound subject is joined by and, it is treated as plural, so use a plural verb. Plural verbs usually do not end in -s, -es, or -ies. Jen and Andy go to the beach in the summer. Kinsey and Jackie eat a lot of food.

Compound subjects & verb agreement When a compound subject is joined by or, it can be treated as singular or plural. Use a verb that agrees with the subject closest to the verb. If the subject closest to the verb is singular, use a singular verb. Singular verbs end in -s, -es, or -ies. My parents or Emily (singular) brings (singular) me soup when I’m sick.

Compound subjects & verb agreement If the subject closest to the verb is plural, use a plural verb. Plural verbs usually do not end in -s, -es, or -ies. Emily or my parents (plural) bring (plural) me soup when I'm sick.