SubjectVerb Agreement Compound Subjects Intervening Expressions Indefinite Pronouns

Subject-Verb Agreement Compound Subjects, Intervening Expressions, Indefinite Pronouns, and Adjective Clauses

Compound Subjects Joined by “and” ◦ If the subjects are separate, treat the subject as plural Megan and Celine are nice. Oranges and apples taste good. ◦ If the subjects are seen as one unit, treat the subject as singular Spaghetti and meatballs is delicious. Macaroni and cheese cooks quickly.

Compound Subjects Joined by “Or, ” “Nor, ” “Either… Or, ” or “Neither… Nor” ◦ Always agree with the subject nearest the verb: Either the car or the bikes are to be moved. Neither the lamps nor the TV is new. “Many a, ” “Every, ” or “Each” ◦ Always treat these as singular subjects Many a dog and cat is adopted each day. Every phone and i. Pod was sold. Each shirt and tie is for sale.

Intervening Expressions Ignore intervening phrases such as “accompanied by, ” “as well as, ” “in addition to, ” “plus, ” and “together with” ◦ ◦ ◦ Martha, accompanied by her boyfriend, is very happy. The DVD, as well as the books, is in the bag. Peas, in addition to a carrot, was put in the soup. Custard, plus another desert, is being served. The teacher, together with his class, talks about the subject.

Indefinite Pronouns When indefinite pronouns are used as subjects, some are always singular, some are always plural, and some depend ◦ Singular: each, either, neither, one, much, everyone, everybody, everything, no one, nobody, nothing, anyone, anybody, anything, someone, somebody, and something ◦ Plural: several, few, both, and many ◦ Depends: some, any, all, enough, most, more, none, plenty Some of the pie is left. Some of the pies taste good.

Adjective Clauses Adjective clauses must agree with their antecedents (the word to which it refers) ◦ ◦ I bought a car that has leather seats. Rachel visited my aunts, who have stinky feet. The dog caught one of the sticks that has leaves. * The dog caught one of the sticks that have leaves. * *Be careful to know the antecedent!