1. Subject-Verb Agreement
No altercations here.

2. Agreement = Number
Rule 1: Singular Subject = Singular Verb (Singular is 1). Rule 2: Plural Subject = Plural Verb (Plural is 2 or more)

3. Things you may have forgotten…
Subjects are Nouns (people, places, things, ideas).
Ex. _________________________________
Verbs are what you do. (action, linking)
Action Verbs: _______________________
Linking Verbs:
Singular
Plural
Am, is, was
Are, were

4. Just accept this rule: Are you ready for this???
Rule 1: Singular verbs end in “s”
Rule 2: Plural verbs don’t.

5. I’ll prove it. Singular Subject – Singular Verb She looks miserable.
Francis is my best friend.
The puppy jumps all over the place.
Plural Subject – Plural Verb
They look miserable.
Francis and Pete are my best friends.
The puppies jump all over the place.

6. So let’s try. Some members of the club (does, do) their homework.
These plants (is, are) tropical.
The lawyer (needs, need) more time.
We (is, are) having some trouble here.
Who (needs, need) more time?

7. Other Rules If a subject is joined by “and” = plural verb.
Martha and Simon enjoy anchovies on their pizza.
My friends and family members like to go to the beach.
If a subject is joined by “or/nor” = agreement goes with the subject closest to the verb.
Neither my cats or dog likes thunderstorms.
Neither my dog or my cats like thunderstorms.

8. Let’s try.
Neither the coach nor the players (is, are) about to arrive.
Mom or Dad (reads, read) to my brother every night.
Lemonade and iced tea (is, are) my favorite drinks.
Neither the boss nor her employees (knows, know) about the surprise party.
My grandparents or my aunt (drives, drive) me to school.