Mrs. Stinnett English II

singular  A word that refers to one person, place, thing, or idea is singular in number. plural  A word that refers to more than one is plural in number.  In general, nouns ending in –s are plural, and verbs ending in –s are singular.

SINGULAR PLURAL sandwich sandwiches she they family families makes make goes go is are

 A verb should agree in number with its subject. EX: Spike Lee is a talented movie director. EX: His films are noteworthy.

 The number of a subject usually is NOT determined by a word in a phrase or clause following the subject.  EX: The actors in Lee’s films are rehearsing a scene.  EX: Lee, not one of the acting coaches, has been advising them.

 Indefinite pronouns can act as the subject in a sentence.  Remember that some indefinite pronouns can be singular, plural, or either depending on the context of the sentence. EX: No one knows the answer. EX: Most of the article is interesting.

and  Subjects joined by and generally take a plural verb. EX: Peru and Chile are South American countries. EX: Students and teachers report to the auditorium.

ornor  Singular subjects joined by or or nor take a singular verb. EX: Neither the president nor the vice president is at the press conference. ornor  Plural subjects joined by or or nor take a plural verb. EX: Either bobcats or wild boars appear in the new documentary.

ornor  When a singular subject and a plural subject are joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the subject that is nearer to the verb. EX: Either pizza or sandwiches are served at the study group. EX: Either sandwiches or pizza is served at the study group.