Subject and Verb Agreement

Agreement in Number Singular subjects take singular verbs. Singular subjects take singular verbs. –The dog eats grass when his stomach hurts. Plural subjects take plural verbs. Plural subjects take plural verbs. –My sisters look at old family albums. When dealing with verb phrases, the 1 st helping verb must agree with the subject. When dealing with verb phrases, the 1 st helping verb must agree with the subject. –Kendall is studying for her test.

Doesn’t or Don’t Remember when dealing with contractions, not is NOT a verb; not is ALWAYS an adverb. Remember when dealing with contractions, not is NOT a verb; not is ALWAYS an adverb. The verb must agree with the subject. The verb must agree with the subject. Does is singular. Does is singular. Do is plural. (The only exceptions are when dealing with the pronouns “I” and “You”) Do is plural. (The only exceptions are when dealing with the pronouns “I” and “You”)

Compound Subjects A compound subject is a subject made up of two or more subjects joined together by a coordinating conjunction. A compound subject is a subject made up of two or more subjects joined together by a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions (fanboys) Coordinating conjunctions (fanboys)

Subjects joined with AND Typically take a plural verb Typically take a plural verb –Bob and Will are playing basketball after school today. A subject containing AND may refer to a single thing. In this case, use a singular verb. A subject containing AND may refer to a single thing. In this case, use a singular verb. –Macaroni and cheese is my daughter’s favorite food.

Subject joined with OR or NOR In this instance, the verb should agree with the subject that is closest to it. In this instance, the verb should agree with the subject that is closest to it. –Either ticket stubs or a photo completes your collage. –Either a photo or ticket stubs complete your collage.

Subjects in Unusual Places Type of Sentence Example Question-the verb is typically the first word in the sentence. Turn it into a statement. (Is, Are) you going to the dance? (You are going to the dance.) Begins with “here” or “there” Rephrase the sentence Here is an on-air announcer with an enjoyable play list. (An on-air announcer with an enjoyable play list is here.) Sentences beginning with adverb, adjective, or phrase (rephrase the sentence) Among the greatest sport stars is Chipper Jones. (Chipper Jones is among the greatest sport stars.)

Predicate Nouns The verb should agree with the SUBJECT- not the PREDICATE NOUN The verb should agree with the SUBJECT- not the PREDICATE NOUN –Susan’s rude comments were the topic of conversation. –Susan’s rude comments was the topic of conversation.

Prepositional Phrases Remember-SUBJECTS and VERBS are never in prepositional phrases Remember-SUBJECTS and VERBS are never in prepositional phrases Read the sentence without the phrase(s) and then identify your subject Read the sentence without the phrase(s) and then identify your subject –The texture of the sweater’s cloth (irritate, irritates) the skin.

Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun that does not refer to a specific person, place, thing, or idea An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun that does not refer to a specific person, place, thing, or idea SingularPlural Singular or Plural Another Everybody Nothing Anybody Everyone One Anyone Everything Somebody Anything Neither Nobody Each Someone Something Either No one BothFewManySeveralAllAnyMostNoneSome

Indefinites Continued Singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs…plural take plural verbs Singular indefinite pronouns take singular verbs…plural take plural verbs –Someone left me a gift. –Anybody can be a good friend. For ALL, MANY, MOST, NONE, and SOME- see what noun it refers to…if plural-use a plural verb; if singular-use a singular verb For ALL, MANY, MOST, NONE, and SOME- see what noun it refers to…if plural-use a plural verb; if singular-use a singular verb –All of the flowers grew tall. –All of my homework is done.

Collective Nouns Collective nouns name groups of people or things. Collective nouns name groups of people or things. –crew, team, group, herd When used to refer to the group-use a singular verb. When used to refer to the group-use a singular verb. –The choir works hard. (acts as a cohesive group) When used to refer to people or things acting individually, use a plural verb. When used to refer to people or things acting individually, use a plural verb. –The choir disagree about the song. (each member acts for him/herself)

Singular Nouns Ending in -S Some nouns end in –s but are singular Some nouns end in –s but are singular –Measles is a horrible illness. –The news travels fast, especially when it is bad news. Measles Mathematics Linguistics Politics News Mechanics Genetics Forensics Civics Ceramics Molasses Mumps Pediatrics Economics

Titles Titles of art, literature, and music are singular and require singular verbs Titles of art, literature, and music are singular and require singular verbs –Irises is my favorite painting. –Confessions of a Shopaholic requires a sense of humor to understand.

Amounts and Time Words/Phrases that express weights, measures, numbers, and lengths of time often take singular verbs. Words/Phrases that express weights, measures, numbers, and lengths of time often take singular verbs. –Four years seems like a long time when obtaining a college degree. –Two cups of sugar is required for this recipe.