Get Ready for Class Please! Put your homework in the purple tray. Pick up and complete bellringer Pick up whiteboard materials Whiteboard Marker if you need to borrow one Sock Rag

SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT Compound Subjects

Compound Subject Joined by AND Subjects joined by the word AND usually take a plural verb Our dog and cat get baths in the summer. Mr. Duffy and his daughter have gone fishing.

WATCH OUT WARNING – 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. [one person is meant] Macaroni and cheese is my favorite supper. [one dish is meant]

Now let’s practice that rule Now let’s practice that rule. Choose the correct verb from the parentheses to complete the sentence.

(Is, Are) the brown bear and the polar bear related?

Wind and water (erodes, erode) valuable farmland throughout the United States.

My guide and companion in Bolivia (was, were) Pilar. One person is meant

New words and new meanings for old words (is, are) included in a good dictionary.

Mrs. Chang and her daughter (rents, rent) an apartment.

Compound Subject Joined by OR/NOR Singular subjects joined by or/nor take a singular verb. The chief geologist or her assistant is due to arrive tonight. [either one is due not both] Neither a rabbit nor a mole does that kind of damage. [Neither one does the damage]

Compound Subject Joined by OR/NOR Plural subjects joined by or/nor take a plural verb. Either mice or squirrels are living in our attic. Neither the senators nor the representatives want the bill to be voted by the president.

Compound Subject Joined by OR/NOR When a singular subject and a plural subject are joined by or/nor, the verb agrees with the subject nearer the verb. A book or flowers usually make an appropriate gift. [The verb agrees with the nearer subject, flowers] Flowers or a book usually makes an appropriate gift. [The verb agrees with the near subject, book]

Now let’s practice that rule Now let’s practice that rule. Choose the correct verb from the parentheses to complete the sentence.

Neither pens nor pencils (is, are) needed to make the ballots.

Either my aunt or my uncle (is, are) going to drive us.

That table or this chair (was, were) made by hand in Portugal.

(Has, Have) the sandwiches or other refreshments been served yet?

Index cards or a small tablet (is, are) handy for taking notes.

Remember our Focus Goal is to be able to recognize and correct errors in subject verb agreement. Let’s Practice Our Proofreading Skills

If the sentence is has subject verb agreement write CORRECT on your card. If the sentence does NOT have agreement. Record the correct verb on the card.

Iron and calcium needs to be included in a good diet. Not Correct Change needs to need Because AND =plural

Mr. Gerbracht and his class has painted a wall-sized map Not Correct Change has to have Because AND =plural

One boy or girl take the part of the narrator. Not Correct Change take to takes Because OR joins 2 singular subjects

The dentist or her assistants checks my braces. Not Correct Change checks to check Because OR joins to singular and plural subject you have to match the verb to the closest subject assistants

Fruit and cheese taste good together. Correct

Tornadoes or hurricanes is dangerous storms. Not Correct Change is to are Because OR joins 2 plural subjects

Peanut butter and jelly are my favorite sandwich for lunch. Not Correct Change are to is Because one dish is meant

STOP Time to Prove Your Own Knowledge Complete Subject-Verb Agreement Worksheet 3