Subject-Verb AgreementREVIEW: A VERB MUST AGREE WITH ITS SUBJECT IN NUMBER. NUMBER REFERS TO WHETHER A WORD IS SINGULAR OR PLURAL. SINGULAR SUBJECTS TAKE SINGULAR VERBS. PLURAL SUBJECTS TAKE PLURAL VERBS.

Lesson Objectives:oTo identify subjects and verbs separated by other words oTo correct errors in agreement when subjects and verbs are separated by other words

Why it Matters in Writing:

By making sure that a verb agrees with its actual subject, you help the reader understand who or what is responsible for an action.

REVIEW: Unlike the plural form of most nouns, the plural form of most verbs does not end in –s. Example:

The cats chase the mouse. Plural (Subject) Plural Verb

The cat chases the mouse. Singular (Subject) Singular Verb

Review Tip: The singular verb will end in –s only in the third person.

Examples: He, She It, They

He sits on the couch.She studies for the test.

Words Between Subject & Verb Here’s the Idea

The subject of a verb in never found in a prepositional phrase or an appositive phrase. Don’t be fooled by words that come between the subject and verb. Mentally block out those words.

A phrase or clause between subject and verb does not change the number of the subject.

EXAMPLES:Tip: To identify the subject in most sentences ask yourself who or what comes before the verb.

SUBJECT VERB

A can of peas sits on the pantry shelf in the kitchen. Prepositional Phrase

The verb sits agrees with the subject can, not with peas Subject VERB

Dystopian novels, books like Brave New World, are a popular genre. Appositive Phrase

The verb are agrees with the subject novels, not with Brave New World

Practice Examples…Are the examples correct or incorrect?

1. Stephen Hillenburg, one of many marine biologists, is an animator. ____________________

2. Real-life experiences of Hillenburg has served as inspiration for his creation SpongeBob Square Pants. ________________________

3. Hillenburg’s portrayal of aquatic life and ocean adventure are both entertaining and informative. _________________________

Indefinite-Pronoun Subjects An indefinite pronoun refers to an unspecified person or thing. Some indefinite pronouns are always singular, and some are always plural. Others can be singular or plural, depending on how they are used.

Singular Another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everyone, neither, nobody, no one, one, someone,

Plural Both, few, many, several

Singular or Plural All, any, more, most, none, some

EXAMPLES: Singular Indefinite pronouns take singular verbs; plural indefinite pronouns take plural verbs.

SINGULAR:

Each performs to the best of his or her ability. Singular Subject Singular

Everyone is invited to Tiara’s party. Singular Subject Singular

PLURAL:

Both perform to the best of their abilities.Plural Subject Plural Verb

More Examples: Singular or Plural

Singular:

Some of the salt is on the floor. Salt is not countable, so a singular verb is necessary. Plural:

Some of the marbles are on the floor. Marbles are countable, so a plural verb is necessary.

Compound SubjectsCompound Subjects joined by and are always plural.A bed and a pillow make sleeping more comfortable. Plural Subject Plural Verb

With Compound subjects joined by or/nor, the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it. Neither the teacher, nor the students are prepared for summer break. Singular Subject Plural Subject Plural Verb

Let’s Practice…

1. Each of the girls (loves/love) ice-cream.

2. Neither Nancy Drew nor the Hardy Boys (lead/leads) boring lives.

3. The bag with potatoes (is/are) outside.

4. Both (do/does) their fair share of work.

5. Either the director or the actors (have/has) to pay for the pizza.

6. The pair of scissors (is/are) extremely sharp.

7. The prosecutor and lawyer (is/are) guilty of working too hard.