Get Ready for Class Bellringer and complete it Whiteboard Rag Marker if you didn’t bring your own!
PROBLEMS IN SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT Goal: I will be able to identify and correct errors in subject verb agreement.
Phrases Between S & V The number of subject does NOT change by a phrase following the subject
Examples The hero of those folk tales is Coyote. The successful candidate, along with two of her aides, has entered the auditorium.
Examples Scientists from all over the world have gathered in Geneva. The crystal pitcher, oozing water droplets, was cracked along the base.
All, Any, More, Most, None, Some If the subject is one of these indefinite pronouns its number will be determined by the object of the preposition after the indefinite pronoun subject
Example Most of the essays were graded. Most of this essay was graded.
PRACTICE TIME Identify the form of the verb in parentheses that agrees with its subject.
A tidal wave, despite is name, (is/are) not caused by the tides.
A tidal wave, despite is name, (is/are) not caused by the tides.
Earthquakes beneath the sea (causes/cause) most tidal waves.
Earthquakes beneath the sea (causes/cause) most tidal waves.
A network of warning signals (alerts/alert) people in coastal areas of an approaching tidal wave.
A network of warning signals (alerts/alert) people in coastal areas of an approaching tidal wave.
The tremendous force of the tidal waves sometimes (causes/cause) great destruction.
The tremendous force of the tidal waves sometimes (causes/cause) great destruction.
Walls of earth and stone along the shore (is/are) often too weak to protect coastal villages.
Walls of earth and stone along the shore (is/are) often too weak to protect coastal villages.
Some tidal waves, according to this encyclopedia article, (travels/travel) more than five hundred miles an hour.
Some tidal waves, according to this encyclopedia article, (travels/travel) more than five hundred miles an hour.
Tidal waves in the open ocean generally (does/do) not cause much interest.
Tidal waves in the open ocean generally (does/do) not cause much interest.
The height of tidal waves there often (remains/remain) low.
The height of tidal waves there often (remains/remain) low.
However, waves up to one hundred feet high (occurs/occur) when tidal waves hit land.
However, waves up to one hundred feet high (occurs/occur) when tidal waves hit land.
The scientific name for tidal waves (is/are) tsunamis.
The scientific name for tidal waves (is/are) tsunamis.
PROBLEMS IN SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT Goal: I will be able to identify and correct errors in subject verb agreement.
INDEFINITE PRONOUNS A pronoun that does not refer to a definite person, place, thing, or idea is called an INDEFINITE PRONOUN
Singular Indefinite Pronouns Anybody Anyone Anything Each Either Everybody Everyone Everything Neither Nobody No one Nothing One Somebody Someone Something
Examples Each of the newcomers was welcomed to the city. Neither of these papayas is ripe. Does anybody on the bus speak Arabic?
Practice Time Choose the form of the verb in parentheses that agrees with its subject.
Neither of the movies (was/were) especially funny.
Neither of the movies (was/were) especially funny.
Everybody in those classes (gets/get) to leave early.
Everybody in those classes (gets/get) to leave early.
Someone among the store owners (donates/donate) the big trophy each year.
Someone among the store owners (donates/donate) the big trophy each year.
Each of the Jackson brothers (studies, study) dance.
Each of the Jackson brothers (studies, study) dance.
No one on either team (was/were) ever in a playoff before.
No one on either team (was/were) ever in a playoff before.
Plural Indefinite Pronouns Always take a plural verb Both Few Many Several
Example Few of our neighbors have parakeets. Many of them keep dogs as pets.
Special Indefinite Pronouns These can be either singular or plural. ALL-ANY-MORE-MOST-NONE-SOME Check the object of the preposition that comes after the subject.
Examples All of the fruit is ripe. All of the pears are ripe. All is singular because fruit is singular All of the pears are ripe. All is plural because pears is plural
PRACTICE TIME Choose the form of the verb in parentheses that agrees with its subject.
Some of the harvest (has/have) been sold.
Some of the harvest (has/have) been sold.
All of the new research on dreams (is/are) fascinating.
All of the new research on dreams (is/are) fascinating.
Most of our dreams (occurs/occur) toward morning.
Most of our dreams (occurs/occur) toward morning.
Most of the research (focuses/focus) on the cycle known has rapid eye movement.
Most of the research (focuses/focus) on the cycle known has rapid eye movement.
None of last night’s dreams (is/are) clear to me.
None of last night’s dreams (is/are) clear to me.
Review Indefinite Rules Singular Indefinite PN take singular verbs Plural Indefinite PN take plural verbs all, any, more, most, none, some can be either singular or plural depending on their meaning in the sentence. Use the object of the preposition to decide if it should be singular or plural
PRACTICE TIME All the Indefinite Pronouns, plus the basics PRACTICE TIME All the Indefinite Pronouns, plus the basics. Choose the form of the verb in parentheses that agrees with its subject
Many people throughout the world (claims/claim) to have seen objects like this.
Many people throughout the world (claims/claim) to have seen objects like this.
However, no one (knows/know) for sure what they are.
However, no one (knows/know) for sure what they are.
Some (resembles/resemble) huge plates or saucers.
Some (resembles/resemble) huge plates or saucers.
Not surprisingly, many (calls/call) them flying saucers.
Not surprisingly, many (calls/call) them flying saucers.
Since 1947, all of these objects (has/have) been officially called unidentified flying objects, or UFOs.
Since 1947, all of these objects (has/have) been officially called unidentified flying objects, or UFOs.
Many (has/have) investigated many unusual UFO sightings.
Many (has/have) investigated many unusual UFO sightings.
The U.S. Air force (was/were) responsible for conducting many investigations for the government.
The U.S. Air force (was/were) responsible for conducting many investigations for the government.
Government records (shows/show) that more than twelve thousand sightings were reported between 1948 and 1969.
Government records (shows/show) that more than twelve thousand sightings were reported between 1948 and 1969.
Most reported sightings (has/have) turned out to be fakes but others remain unexplained.
Most reported sightings (has/have) turned out to be fakes but others remain unexplained.
None of the official reports positively (proves/prove) that UFOs come from outer space.
None of the official reports positively (proves/prove) that UFOs come from outer space.
PROBLEMS IN SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT Goal: I will be able to identify and correct errors in subject verb agreement.
COMPOUND SUBJECTS There are two rules to remember!
Subjects Joined by AND Subject joined by AND usually take a plural verb Our dog and cat get baths in the summer. Mr. Duffy and his daughters have gone fishing.
Exception to the first rule A compound subject that names only one person or thing takes a singular verb A famous singer and dancer is going to speak at our drama club meeting.
Subject joined by OR / NOR If both subjects are singular, the verb is singular The geologist or her assistant is due to arrive tonight.
Subject joined by OR / NOR If both subjects are plural, the verb is plural Either mice or squirrels are living in our attic.
Subject joined by OR / NOR If one subject is singular and the one is plural Find the subject closest to the verb and match the verb to that subject.
EXAMPLE A book or flowers usually make an appropriate gift. Flowers or a book usually makes an appropriate gift.
PRACTICE TIME Choose the form of the verb in parentheses that agrees with its subject
(Is / Are) the brown bear and the polar bear related?
(Is / Are) the brown bear and the polar bear related?
My guide and companion in Bolivia (was / were) Pilar.
My guide and companion in Bolivia (was / were) Pilar.
Neither pens nor pencils (is / are) needed to mark the ballots.
Neither pens nor pencils (is / are) needed to mark the ballots.
Mrs. Chang and her daughter (rents / rent) an apartment on Main Street.
Mrs. Chang and her daughter (rents / rent) an apartment on Main Street.
Index cards or a small tablet (is / are) handy for taking notes.
Index cards or a small tablet (is / are) handy for taking notes.
Iron and calcium (needs / need) to be included in a good diet.
Iron and calcium (needs / need) to be included in a good diet.
(Has / Have) the sandwiches or other refreshments been served yet?
(Has / Have) the sandwiches or other refreshments been served yet?
Fruit and cheese (tastes / taste) good together.
Fruit and cheese (tastes / taste) good together.
During our last visit to Jamaica, a map or a guidebook (was / were) my constant companion.
During our last visit to Jamaica, a map or a guidebook (was / were) my constant companion.
Either Japanese poetry or Inuit myths (is / are) going to be the focus of my report.
Either Japanese poetry or Inuit myths (is / are) going to be the focus of my report.
The club president or the officers (meets / meet) regularly with the sponsors.
The club president or the officers (meets / meet) regularly with the sponsors.
Proofreading for Subject Verb Agreement All Rules So Far Identify each verb that does not agree with its subject. Then write the correct form of the verb.
One expert in the field of sports have described soccer as the world’s favorite type of football. Have to HAS
Some sports writers has estimated that there are over thirty million registered soccer players around the globe. Has to HAVE
Youth leagues and coaching clinics has helped make amateur soccer the fastest-growing team sport in the United States. Has to HAVE
In Dallas, Texas, neither baseball nor American football attract as many young players as soccer does. Attract to ATTRACTS
Also, more colleges now has varsity soccer teams than have football teams. Has to HAVE
This increase in soccer fans are a trend that started in 1967, when professional teams began playing in the United States. Are to IS
Additional interest were generated when the U. S Additional interest were generated when the U.S. Youth Soccer Association was formed. Were to WAS
Both males and females enjoys playing this sport. Enjoys to ENJOY
In fact, by the 1980s, many of the soccer teams in the country was women’s teams. Was to WERE
In the past, professional soccer were more popular abroad, but the United States hosted the World Cup in 1994. Were to WAS
Get Ready for Class Bellringer and complete it Whiteboard Rag Marker if you didn’t bring your own!
Other Problems in Subject Verb Agreement
Goal: I will be able to identify and correct errors in subject verb agreement.
COLLECTIVE NOUNS A collective noun may be singular or plural depending on its meaning in a sentence A collective noun is singular in form but names a group of persons, animals, or things.
Common Collective Nouns Audience Chorus Committee Crew Faculty Family Jury Team Band Brood Flock Herd Litter Pack Collection Fleet Set batch
Collective Nouns Takes a singular verb when the noun refers to the group as a unit. The class has decided to have a science fair in November. My family plans to attend the party.
Collective Nouns A collective noun takes a plural verb when the noun refers to the individual parts or members of the group. Hint: the word “their” is often in the sentence if the collective noun is plural
Examples of Plural Collective Nouns The class were divided in their opinions of the play. My family are coming from all over the state for the reunion.
INVERTED SENTENCE When the subject comes after the verb, find the subject and make sure that that the verb agrees with it. The subject usually follows the verb in questions and sentences beginning with here or there
Examples Where was the cat? Where were the cats? Does Jim know the Chens? Do the Chens know Jim?
EXAMPLES Here is my umbrella. Here are our umbrellas. There is a scary movie on TV. There are scary movies on TV.
BE CAREFUL Here’s – There’s – Where’s contain the verb is and should be used only with singular subjects.
EXAMPLES Incorrect Correct There’s our new neighbors. There are our new neighbors.
PRACTICE TIME Let’s practice those few subject verb agreement rules PRACTICE TIME Let’s practice those few subject verb agreement rules. Identify the correct verb form of the verb in parentheses.
There (is / are) at least two solutions to this complicated Chinese puzzle.
There (is / are) at least two solutions to this complicated Chinese puzzle.
The soccer team (was / were) all getting on different buses.
The soccer team (was / were) all getting on different buses.
(Is / Are) both of your parents from Korea?
(Is / Are) both of your parents from Korea?
Here (comes / come) the six members of the decorations committee for the dance.
Here (comes / come) the six members of the decorations committee for the dance.
Here (is / are) some apples and bananas for the picnic basket.
Here (is / are) some apples and bananas for the picnic basket.
There (is / are) neither time nor money for that project.
There (is / are) neither time nor money for that project.
(Here’s / Here are) the social studies notes I took.
(Here’s / Here are) the social studies notes I took.
At the press conference, there (was / were) several candidates for mayor and two for governor.
At the press conference, there (was / were) several candidates for mayor and two for governor.
The family (has / have) invited us over for a dinner to celebrate Ted’s birthday.
The family (has / have) invited us over for a dinner to celebrate Ted’s birthday.
Here (is / are) some masks carved by the Haida people.
Here (is / are) some masks carved by the Haida people.
More Rules to Know Other Problems in Subject Verb Agreement
Goal: I will be able to identify and correct errors in subject verb agreement.
Singular Nouns Ending in ‘S Some nouns that are singular end with the letter ‘s. These are still singular nouns and take a singular verb
EXAMPLES Electronics is a branch of physics. Civics is being taught by Mr. Brown. Measles is the most unpleasant disease I’ve ever had. The news was not encouraging.
AMOUNT Singular An expression of an amount (a measurement, percentage, fraction) may be singular or plural, depending on how it is used.
AMOUNT A word or phrase stating an amount is singular when the amount is thought of as a unit. Fifteen dollars is enough for the CD. Sixteen ounces equals one pound. Is two weeks long enough for a hiking trip?
AMOUNT Plural Sometimes, the amount is thought of as individual pieces or parts. If so, a plural verb is used. Ten of the dollars were borrowed. Two of the hours were spent at the theater.
Fraction or Percentage A fraction or a percentage is singular when it refers to a singular word One fourth of the salad is gone. and plural when it refers to a plural word. Forty percent of the students are new.
Expressions of Measurement Expressions of measurement such as length, weight, and area are usually singular. Ten feet is the height of a regulation basketball hoop. Seventy-five pounds is the maximum baggage weight for this airline.
Title of Creative Works Even when in plural form, the title of a creative work, the name of an organization, or the name of a country or city generally takes a singular verb.
EXAMPLES World Tales is a collection of folk tales retold by Idries Shah. Tonya’s painting Sunflowers was inspired by the natural beauty of rural Iowa. Friends of the Earth was founded in 1969. Is Marble Falls a city in central Texas?
DON’T & DOESN’T The word don’t is a contraction of do not. Use don’t with plural subjects and with the pronouns I and you. The children don’t seem nervous. I don’t understand. Don’t you remember?
DON’T & DOESN’T The word doesn’t is a contraction of does not. Use doesn’t with singular subjects except the pronouns I and you. Kim doesn’t ride the bus. He doesn’t play tennis. It doesn’t snow here.
PRACTICE TIME Let’s practice those few subject verb agreement rules PRACTICE TIME Let’s practice those few subject verb agreement rules. Identify the correct verb form of the verb in parentheses.
The Friends (is / are) a book about a girl from the West Indies and a girl from Harlem.
The Friends (is / are) a book about a girl from the West Indies and a girl from Harlem.
Two cups of broth (seems / seem) right for the recipe.
Two cups of broth (seems / seem) right for the recipe.
Fifteen feet (was / were) the length of the winning long jump.
Fifteen feet (was / were) the length of the winning long jump.
Navarro and Company (is / are) selling those jackets.
Navarro and Company (is / are) selling those jackets.
The National Council of Teachers of English (is / are) holding its convention in our city next year.
The National Council of Teachers of English (is / are) holding its convention in our city next year.
Mumps (is / are) a highly infectious disease.
Mumps (is / are) a highly infectious disease.
Three hours of practice (is / are) not unusual for the band.
Three hours of practice (is / are) not unusual for the band.
Artic Dreams (was / were) written by Barry Lopez.
Artic Dreams (was / were) written by Barry Lopez.
Two weeks of preparation (has / have) been enough.
Two weeks of preparation (has / have) been enough.
A dollar and a half (is / are) the cost of a subway ride.
A dollar and a half (is / are) the cost of a subway ride.
PROBLEMS IN SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT Goal: I will be able to identify and correct errors in subject verb agreement.
PRACTICE TIME ALL THE RULES Identify the correct verb form of the verb in parentheses.
Seventy-five cents (is / are) not enough to buy the Sunday newspaper.
Seventy-five cents (is / are) not enough to buy the Sunday newspaper.
Everyone in her family (prefers / prefer) to drink water with dinner.
Everyone in her family (prefers / prefer) to drink water with dinner.
Allen and his parents (enjoys / enjoy) basketball.
Allen and his parents (enjoys / enjoy) basketball.
Jan (doesn’t / don’t) know the rules of volleyball.
Jan (doesn’t / don’t) know the rules of volleyball.
Neither the microphone nor the speakers (works / work) as well as we had hoped.
Neither the microphone nor the speakers (works / work) as well as we had hoped.
There (is / are) 132 islands in the state of Hawaii.
There (is / are) 132 islands in the state of Hawaii.
Many California place names (comes / come) from Spanish.
Many California place names (comes / come) from Spanish.
The principal or her assistant (is / are) the one who can help you.
The principal or her assistant (is / are) the one who can help you.
Home economics (is / are) a required course in many schools.
Home economics (is / are) a required course in many schools.
A flock of sheep (was / were) grazing on the hill.
A flock of sheep (was / were) grazing on the hill.
Proofreading for Subject Verb Agreement Identify each verb that does not agree with its subject. Then write the correct form of the verb.
There surely is few young artists as successful as Yani. Is to ARE
In fact, the People’s Republic of China regard her as a national treasure. Regard to REGARDS
She have shown her paintings throughout the world, Have to HAS
Yani don’t paint in just one style. Don’t to DOESN’T
Her ideas and her art naturally changes over the years. Changes to CHANGE
This painting show one of Yani’s favorite childhood subjects, a monkey. Show to SHOWS
Many of her early paintings features monkeys. Features to FEATURE
In fact, one of her large works portray 112 monkeys. Portray to PORTRAYS
However, most of her later paintings is of landscapes, other animals, and people. Is to ARE
As her smile suggests, Yani fill her paintings with energy. Fill to FILLS
Goal: I will be able to identify and correct errors in subject verb agreement. How would you rate your ability to complete the goal now that we have finished the unit?