Subject/Verb Agreement 7th Grade

Subject-verb agreement ranks as one of the most common errors in written standard English. For many people, subject-verb agreement reflects regional speech or the informal way we speak in daily life. For example, many Southerners say “you was” instead of “you were.” It is important to understand the difference between regional speech and standard English. Then you can choose language most effective in a given situation.

Why do I need to know this? Complete the following activity and answer the question-- What’s the point of subject/verb agreement?” Assume you are a manager, and you are completing the yearly review of the employees in your unit. You have asked each employee to submit a self evaluation. Read the following two drafts of a self-evaluation that will be submitted by a member of your unit. Is one draft more likely to be effective in securing a raise? Why or why not?

Draft A: Making good decisions are one of my strengths. When I face a decision, I think about the different choices that is possible. Each of the choices provide its own good point, and each also provide its own downside. The key to effective decisions unlock the best options. Draft B: Making good decisions is one of my strengths. When I face a decision, I think about the different choices that are possible. Each of the choices provides its own good point, and each also provides its own downside. The key to effective decisions unlocks the best options.

Is wrong subject/verb agreement ever okay? When you’re a rapper: Oprah don’t have to work; she be making millions just sitting around. When you’re at school: Oprah doesn’t have to work; she is making millions just sitting around.

Find your subject! It’s the key to sub/verb agreement. 1. Demand for goods and services (affects, affect) the job market. 2. The opportunities for healthcare occupations (has, have) surged because of the fast growth in demand for health services. 3. The need for healthcare and social assistance (is, are) going to create 4 million new jobs from now until 2016.

Remember Indefinite Pronouns? 1. Most of us (does, do) want a fulfilling career. 2. Many (dreams, dream) about starting businesses where they can enjoy a hobby all day. 3. Some of the experts (urges, urge) job- seekers to “do what you love and the money will follow.” 4. No one (wants, want) to spend all day doing something he or she has no interest in.

Remember Collective Nouns? 1. One mega-successful English band (is, are) the Rolling Stones. 2. Formed in 1962, the group (is, are) the longest-lived continuously active band in rock and roll history. 3. The crowd of fans always (screams, scream) with one voice in appreciation.

Neither/nor, Either/or Choose the subject closest to the verb: 1. Neither family nor friends (is, are) supposed to cross a picket line. 2. Neither the union leaders nor the company president (has, have) given in on any point. 3. Either fringe benefits or a higher wage (is, are) likely, but not both.

There/Here: Find the Real Subject! 1. There (is, are) many different types of jobs described in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. 2. Here (is, are) job search tips and information about the job market in each state. 3. There (is, are) a search box on each page of the website to help find information about a specific occupation or topic.

Writing for Everyday Life Read the following email a parent sent to a child’s teacher. Edit the paragraph to ensure subject-verb agreement. Dear Mr. Greer, Troy’s father and I thanks you for the support you has given Troy. Troy is one of the many children who has trouble learning. Being organized and staying focused is his biggest problems. However, since you has been working with him, he has improved. The thing that have helped most is your website. Either I or my older children checks your website every night to see what Troy needs to do. Thank you, Mr. Greer, for being one of the teachers who cares.

Read the following cover letter submitted with an application for the position of an office manager for a small business. Edit the paragraph to ensure subject-verb agreement. Dear Ms. Samula: I am applying for one of the openings that are posted on your website. There is several skills that I brings to the job. Organization and communication is necessary skills for an office manager. Both my former co-workers and my former boss has written recommendations which states my strengths in these two areas. If you needs more information, here is my home and evening phone numbers. Sincerely, Jordan Marsh www.pearsonhighered.com