Bellringer Whiteboard Marker Paper towel Get Prepared for Class Bellringer Whiteboard Marker Paper towel

PROBLEMS IN SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT Goal: I will be able to identify and correct errors in subject verb agreement.

How do I know if the subject and verb are in agreement? You must check to see if the simple subject and simple predicate match in number and gender.

One fascinating nocturnal animal is the aardvark. Subject – animal (singular) Verb – is (singular)

Some animals are threatened by a change in their surroundings. Subject – animals (plural) Verb – are threatened (plural)

Stupidity of the English Language To make a noun plural, we add –s Singular: girl Plural: girls To make a verb plural, we take away the –s. Singular: he talks Plural: they talk

Tip for Subject/verb Agreement Generally, if the subject doesn’t end in –S, the verb will. If the subject does end in –S, the verb won’t.

Suggestion Label whether the subject is singular or plural If the subject is labeled with an S then the verb should end in S If the subject is labeled with a P then the verb should not end in S

EXAMPLES S P One fascinating nocturnal animal is the aardvark. Some animals are threatened by a change in their surroundings. P

White Board Practice Record the simple subject Label if the subject is singular or plural

The chef dices the potatoes by hand. singular

This truck has eight wheels. singular

At dinner they lit the candles on the table. plural

Most people in China eat with chopsticks. plural

Mice can be great pets. Mice plural

Let’s Practice the Verbs Now!

White Board Practice Record the simple predicate or verb phrase Label if the verb phrase is singular or plural

Roots are anchors for plants. plural

Many plants have underground roots. plural

Poison ivy has such roots. singular

A carrot is one kind of root. singular

Beets are just big roots. plural

A banyan tree looks odd. Looks singular

RECAP Singular verbs in –s If you label your subject singular then your verb should end in -s

Stop Complete Worksheet Identifying Singular or Plural Agreement

Get Ready for Class Put the homework in the purple tray Bellringer and complete it Whiteboard Rag If you need a marker see Mr. Bodine to sign it out!

Remember our Goal Goal: I will be able to identify and correct errors in subject verb agreement.

How do I know if the subject and verb are in agreement? You must check to see if the simple subject and simple predicate match in number and gender.

RECAP Rule #1 If your subject is singular then your verb should be singular If your subject is plural then your verb phrase will be plural

Tricks of the Trade Label the subject singular or plural If the subject is labeled S for singular then your verb should end in –s. Remember singular verbs end in –s.

Now let’s look at the Possible Pitfalls we may encounter in subject verb agreement

Rule #2 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.

Cosmic rays, which originate in outer space, (strikes, strike) Earth at nearly the speed of light.

The high-speed particles in this cosmic bombardment (comes, come) from atomic nuclei.

The most common element in cosmic rays (is, are) hydrogen.

Between 1911 and 1913, scientist Victor Hess, in a series of balloon ascents, (was, were) investigating radiation at high altitudes. was

The authors of that article (write, writes) about Hess’s receipt of the Nobel Prize in 1936.

Cosmic rays, before the development of the high-speed particle generator, (serves, serve) as a resource in investigating the atom. serve

The use of cosmic rays (enables, enable) scientists to discover subatomic particles.

The energy of cosmic rays (derives, derive) from the explosions of supernovas.

The term for particles that are outside the solar system (is, are) galactic cosmic rays.

However, Earth’s sun, not exploding stars, (produces, produce) some cosmic rays, and their name (is, are) solar energetic particles. Produces is

Let’s Practice Rule #2 Complete WS pg 117 STOP Let’s Practice Rule #2 Complete WS pg 117

Rule #3 Indefinite Pronouns There are 3 groups of indefinite pronouns. You need know which ones are singular and which ones are plural

INDEFINITE PRONOUNS A pronoun that does not refer to a definite person, place, thing, or idea is called an INDEFINITE PRONOUN

Group 1 are ALWAYS SINGULAR Anybody Anyone Anything Each Either Everybody Everyone Everything Neither Nobody No one Nothing One Somebody Someone Something

For Example Someone in the game was hurt. (not were hurt) Neither of the men is working. (not are)

Examples Each of the newcomers was welcomed to the city. Neither of these papayas is ripe. Does anybody on the bus speak Arabic?

Let’s Practice Group 1 ALWAYS Singular 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.

Group 2 are ALWAYS Plural Both Few Many Several

Plural Indefinite Pronouns Always take a plural verb Both Few Many Several

Example Both of the dogs are running through the yard. (not is running) Many were going to the football game on Friday. (not was going)

Example Few of our neighbors have parakeets. Many of them keep dogs as pets.

Group 3 It depends! All Most Any None More Some

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.

Example Most of the essays were graded. Most of this essay was graded.

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

Let’s Practice Group 3 Indefinite Pronouns Identify the form of the verb in parentheses that agrees with its subject. Remember to check the OP after the subject

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 Rules 1 and 2 PRACTICE TIME All the Indefinite Pronouns, plus Rules 1 and 2. Choose the form of the verb in parentheses that agrees with its subject

Many people throughout the world (claims/claim) to have seen strange objects in the sky.

Many people throughout the world (claims/claim) to have seen strange objects in the sky.

However, no one (knows/know) for sure what they are.

However, no one (knows/know) for sure what they are.

Some of these objects (resembles/resemble) huge plates or saucers.

Some of these objects (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.

STOP Let’s Practice Rule #3 Complete WS pg 118

What is our goal again? Goal: I will be able to identify and correct errors in subject verb agreement.

Rule #4 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.

STOP Let’s Practice Rule #4 Compound Subjects Complete WS pg120

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.

Rule #5 Collective Nouns

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.

Whiteboard Practice Choose the correct verb from the parentheses

The pack of wild dogs (has, or have) scattered in all different directions.

Each morning the herd (go or goes) all together to the watering hole.

The audience (was or were) taking notes, sitting quietly, or sleeping.

The fleet (sails or sail) home tomorrow.

(Are or Is) the visiting chorus staying at several guest houses?

The class (describe / describes) their vacations.

The family (takes / take) a trip to Haughton, Michigan.

The chess club (compares, compare) their strategies so as to win the tournament.

The troop (disappears / disappear) in different directions.

The orchestra (performs / perform) my favorite music.

The orchestra (was / were) tuning up one by one.

Rule 6 Inverted Sentences (Unusual Order)

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 rules 5 and 6 PRACTICE TIME Let’s practice rules 5 and 6. 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.

Rule #7 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.

Rule 8 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.

Rule 9: 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?

Rule 10 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 last 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.

STOP Let’s Practice Rules 7,8, and 9 Complete WS pg 123/124

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?

STOP Let’s Practice all the rules Complete WS Subject Verb Agreement Practice