Plural and Singular Subjects and Verbs

Remember, “number” is whether the verb or subject is singular (1) or plural (more than 1).

 Identify the subject and verb for each sentence.  If it is a singular subject, is the verb also singular? Example: The car comes to a sudden stop. The subject is: car The verb is: comes Are they both singular? Yes, therefore the sentence is written correctly.

 Generally, nouns ending in s are plural.  For example: bands, thoughts, friends  However, verbs that end in s are singular.  For example: She talks. He sings. The car goes.  Remember, though, that verbs used with the singular pronouns I and you do not end in s.  For example: I talk. You ride to school on your bike.

 Identify the subject and verb for each sentence.  It is a plural subject, the verb should be plural. Examples: Many senators oppose the new tax bill. The subject is: senators The verb is: oppose Are they both plural? Yes, therefore, the sentence is written correctly.

 What is a helping verb?  A helping verb helps the main verb express action or a state of being. The helping verb and main verb make up a verb phrase.  The following are examples of helping verbs: Forms of Be: am are be been being is was were Forms of Do: do does did Forms of Have: had has have Other Helping Verbs: can could may might must shall should will would

 He is building a bird feeder.  The singular helping verb is agrees with the singular subject He.  They are building a bird feeder.  The plural helping verb are agrees with the plural subject They.  Does anyone know the answer?  The singular helping verb Does agrees with the singular subject anyone.  Do any students know the answer?  The plural helping verb Do agrees with the plural subject students.

 Please see me for Practice #1 and #2.