Language Network SubjectVerb Agreement SubjectVerb Agreement in Number

Language Network Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement in Number Here’s the Idea Singular and Plural Subjects Verb Phrases Doesn’t and Don’t Why It Matters Practice and Apply

Here’s the Idea A verb must agree with its subject in number. Number refers to whether a word is singular or plural.

Here’s the Idea Singular subjects take singular verbs. The new museum displays works by local artists. SINGULAR SUBJECT SINGULAR VERB

Here’s the Idea Plural subjects take plural verbs. Chicago’s art museums display priceless paintings. PLURAL SUBJECT PLURAL VERB

Here’s the Idea Most nouns that end in s or es are plural. Most verbs that end in s are singular.

Here’s the Idea In a verb phrase, it is the first helping verb that agrees with the subject. A verb phrase is made up of a main verb and one or more helping verbs. Theresa has collected ceramic figurines. SINGULAR HELPING VERB

Here’s the Idea Friends have admired her interesting collection. PLURAL HELPING VERB

Here’s the Idea Two common contractions are doesn’t and don’t. Use doesn’t with all singular subjects except I and you. Samuel doesn’t use computer clip art. SINGULAR VERB

Here’s the Idea Use don’t with all plural subjects and with the pronouns I and you. We don’t like computer clip art. PLURAL VERB I don’t like these pictures. WITH PRONOUN I

Why It Matters Errors in subject-verb agreement can occur when you revise your work. If you change a subject from singular to plural or vice versa, be sure to change the verb as well.

Practice and Apply Rewrite the sentence so that the verb agrees with its subject. 1. The weavers makes brightly colored designs.

Practice and Apply Rewrite the sentence so that the verb agrees with its subject. 2. Kente weavers creates complex designs with bright colors.

Practice and Apply Rewrite the sentence so that the verb agrees with its subject. 3. The designs doesn’t just provide visual pleasure.

Practice and Apply Rewrite the sentence so that the verb agrees with its subject. 4. The Ashanti people wears kente cloth for special holidays.

Subject-Verb Agreement Problems in Sentences Here’s the Idea Subjects in Unusual Positions Predicate Nouns Prepositional Phrases Why It Matters Practice and Apply

Here’s the Idea Some sentences can be tricky. Watch out for: • sentences with subjects in unusual positions • sentences containing predicate nouns • sentences in which prepositional phrases separate subjects and verbs

Here’s the Idea A subject can follow a verb or part of a verb phrase in • a sentence beginning with here or there • a question • a sentence in which an adjective, an adverb, or a phrase is placed first

Here’s the Idea Subjects in Unusual Positions Type of Sentence Example Question Does this music video have good graphics? Sentence beginning Here is a DJ with an with here or there enjoyable play list. Sentence beginning Around the nation is with adverb, heard the sound. adjective, or phrase

Here’s the Idea Here’s How Choosing a correct verb form • Rephrase the sentence so that the subject comes before the verb. • Determine whether the subject is singular or plural. • Choose the verb form that agrees with the subject. • Add the correct verb to the original sentence.

Here’s the Idea In a sentence containing a predicate noun, the verb should agree with the subject, not the predicate noun. Nechita’s works have been a topic of magazine articles.

Here’s the Idea The subject of a verb is never found in a prepositional phrase. The colors of a batik garment indicate where it came from.

Why It Matters Writers sometimes place verbs before subjects to make their writing more interesting. When you do this, make sure that the verbs agree with their subjects.