Subject-Verb Agreement: Helping Words Get Along An Introduction Jacob M. Lightbody © 2014

Introduction: Subject-verb agreement errors are very common in writing. These errors weaken a writer’s ability to communicate effectively. Fortunately, many of these mistakes can be fixed by paying attention to one simple rule.

We’d better check to make sure that we know what subject-verb agreement means before we learn the rule. We’ll review the definitions of subjects and verbs on the next slide.

Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and the verb in a sentence are used together correctly. Here’s a reminder of what those words mean: Subject = Who or what the sentence is about Verb = What is happening in the sentence (the action)

The Rule: The simple thing to remember about subject-verb agreement is that singular subjects require singular verbs. Likewise, plural subjects require plural verbs. -This is easier than it sounds. Let’s look at some examples!

Example #1: Singular: He writes well. Plural: We write well. Notice that the verb changes from singular to plural in order to “agree” with the subject.

She is going to the store. Plural: We are going to the store. Example #2: Singular: She is going to the store. Plural: We are going to the store. Notice that the verb changes from singular to plural in order to “agree” with the subject.

There are a lot of complexities concerning subject-verb agreement that you will need to learn in the future. For now, let’s review the basic rule that we’ll be using today. - Ready?

1.) Select the verb that agrees with the subject. We _____ going to the skating party. A.) is B.) are

Go Back Go Forward

You got it! Go Forward

2.) Select the verb that agrees with the subject. We _____ to see the monster movie. A.) want B.) wants

Go Back Go Forward

You got it! Go Forward

3.) Select the verb that agrees with the subject. He _____ late for his bus this morning. A.) was B.) were

Go Back Go Forward

You got it! Go Forward

4.) Select the subject that agrees with the verb. ______ is the new champion. A.) She B.) We

Go Back Go Forward

You got it! Go Forward

5.) Select the subject that agrees with the verb. ______ wish that the rain would stop. A.) He B.) They

Go Back Go Forward

You got it! Go Forward

The End (You did a wonderful job today.)

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