SubjectVerb Agreement University Learning Center PC 247 AC
Subject-Verb Agreement University Learning Center PC 247 / AC I 160 Developed by Chris Losa
Keep Your Eyes Open l Although often overlooked, problems with Subject. Verb Agreement are REAL! l To help avoid these errors, we will discuss: How to make Subjects and Verbs agree in number, What to do with tricky subjects like Each and Every, What to do with compound subjects l Learn to spot and correct these errors and become a believer.
Recognizing Subjects and Verbs l. A complete sentence must have a SUBJECT and a VERB. l The subject is the who or what that performs the action. l The verb is the action word.
l The Spot the Subject and Verb players on our side are strong. l The players on our side are strong. l Players l Once is the subject and are is the verb. you’ve identified the Subject and the Verb, you have to make sure they agree in Number. l Singular subjects require singular verbs and plural subjects require plural verbs.
What Next? l An easy way to make your subjects and verbs agree is to think about the S. l Usually, plural nouns end with the letter S and singular nouns do not. l Verbs are the opposite: l For the most part, singular verbs end with the letter S and plural verbs do not.
Therefore. . . l The car. S run, but the car run. S. l The plural noun cars takes the plural verb run. There is only one S in the pair. l The singular noun car takes the singular verb runs. Again, There is only one S in the pair.
BEWARE l Compound subjects do not end with S. l Instead, compound subjects consist of two or more subjects joined by and. l We treat these subjects like any other plural subject. l The student and the instructor work long hours.
BEWARE l The student and the instructor work long hours. l The subject consists of two people. Therefore, it is plural.
BEWARE l BE CAREFUL! l When subjects are joined by and combine to form a single thing or person, they are treated like a singular subject. l Use a singular verb with such compound subjects.
Example: l Spaghetti and meatballs has a place on many menus. l Spaghetti and meatballs is acting as a unit, as a singular subject.
Using Each and Every l Each and Every are singular pronouns. l Therefore, l Every they require singular verbs. flying saucer was glowing.
Using Each and Every BEWARE! l You always use a singular verb with each and every, even if they precede subjects joined by and. l Each alien hand foot leaves a distinct print.
Compound Subjects Joined By Words Like Or l Be careful when your subjects are joined by the following words: l or l nor l either . . . or l neither. . . nor l not only. . . but (also)
Compound Subjects Joined By Words Like Or l In such cases, the verb agrees with the subject nearest it. l Example: Either the instructors or the student knows the answer. l Try to ignore everything before the final subject
Compound Subjects Joined By Words Like Or l Either the instructors or the student knows the answer. l The singular subject student requires the singular verb knows.
What if the Subject is an Indefinite Pronoun? l Indefinite Pronouns refer to nonspecific people or things. They are usually singular and require singular verbs.
What if the Subject is an Indefinite Pronoun? l The following common Indefinite Pronouns usually take singular verbs: l Another each everything anybody either neither anyone every nobody anything everyone nothing somebody someone something
What if the Subject is an Indefinite Pronoun? l BEWARE! A few indefinite pronouns— none, some, more, most, any, and all—can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. l Example: l Some of our streams are polluted; some pollution is reversible, but all pollution is a threat to nature
Making Verbs Agree With the Antecedents of Who, Which, and That l When Who, Which, or That starts a clause, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun to which Who, Which, or That refers (its Antecedent).
Making Verbs Agree With the Antecedents of Who, Which, and That l The scientist will share information with the students who work with her. l George the lab. Jones is the student who works in
Using Singular Verbs with Titles and Terms l Titles and terms are treated as singular subjects–even if they contain plural words. l Examples: l Les Miserables is a popular musical. l “Disciplinary measures” is a euphemism for punishment.
You’ve Been Warned l See if you can spot Subject-Verb Agreement errors. l Subjects and Verbs must agree in number. l Be careful with subjects like Each and Every—these are singular. l Pay close attention to subjects joined with words like and or—these subjects can be either singular or plural.
Information Cited and Paraphrased from Troyka, Lynn Q. Quick Access: Reference For Writers. 3 rd Ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001.
Thank You for Joining Us! l You can also visit us at the learning center (PC 247 / AC I 160) or call to make an appointment with a tutor. l UP: (305) 348 -2180 l BB: (305) 919 -5927
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