Subject and Verb Agreement Can’t we all just get along?

Subject and verbs must agree in number! If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. *Beth volunteers at the city’s food pantry. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. *Her friends volunteer at the city’s park department.

JUST A REMINDER… Don’t forget that most nouns ending in “s” or “es” are plural, and most verbs ending in “s” are singular.

What about compound subjects? If the compound subject uses “and” as a connector, use a plural verb. *Lia and Ramone carry the school’s banner in the parade. If the compound subject uses “or” or “nor” as a connector, the verb must agree with the closest subject *Either the band members or Mr. Kurz needs to collect the flags.

Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects An indefinite pronoun is one that does not have a specific noun or pronouns as its antecedent *Everything about the chameleon is fascinating. *Someone donated it to our class.

There are 3 types: singular, plural, and “confused” Singular indefinite pronouns… another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, little, much, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, other, somebody, someone, something

And the rest… Plural: both, few, many, others, several Confused: (singular or plural) all, any, more, most, none, some For indefinite pronouns that are singular or plural, figure out to which word the pronoun is referring. Ex: All of the people clap their hands.

Some examples… Each of the members (has/have) one vote. One of the girls (is, are) happy to give up her position. A few of the judges (was/were) voicing their opinion. All of the class (listen, listens) to the teacher.