Making the verbs agree with their subjects (Rules 1-6)

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Subject-Verb AgreementSubject-Verb Agreement

Do I need an s at the end of the verb?

Or should I leave the s

off?

This presentation covers maintaining

agreement between subjects

and verbs.

A subject-verb agreement item A subject-verb agreement item on an objective test might look on an objective test might look like this like this .. .. ..

Sample ItemSample ItemThe foods that provide good nutrition is The foods that provide good nutrition is

often the least tasty; a hamburger and fries, often the least tasty; a hamburger and fries,

on the other hand, satisfy the tongue but on the other hand, satisfy the tongue but

clog the arteries.clog the arteries.

A.A.providesprovidesB.B.areareC.C.satisfiessatisfiesD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.

The foods that The foods that provideprovide good nutrition good nutrition isis AA BBoften the least tasty; a hamburger and fries, often the least tasty; a hamburger and fries,

on the other hand, on the other hand, satisfysatisfy the tongue but the tongue but CCclog the arteries.clog the arteries.


The foods that The foods that provideprovide good nutrition good nutrition areare AA BBoften the least tasty; a hamburger and fries, often the least tasty; a hamburger and fries,

on the other hand, on the other hand, satisfysatisfy the tongue but the tongue but CCclog the arteries.clog the arteries.


Does disagreement

happen at provide, is, or

satisfy?

Is needs to be the plural are, which option B

fixes.

Agreement in a NutshellAgreement in a Nutshell

The The elephantelephant trumpet trumpetss for a peanut. for a peanut.

The The elephantselephants trumpettrumpet for peanuts. for peanuts.

elephantelephant = singular subject = singular subjecttrumpetstrumpets = singular verb = singular verb

elephantselephants = plural subject = plural subjecttrumpettrumpet = plural verb = plural verb

In the present tense, singular verbs end in

the suffix s; plural verbs do not.

Rule #1Rule #1Singular subject needs Singular subject needs

singular verbsingular verbPlural subject needs plural Plural subject needs plural

verbverb

The tall mango trees stand The tall mango trees stand in our front yard.in our front yard.

The students walk to school.The students walk to school.The teachers arrive early.The teachers arrive early.The campers sleep on the The campers sleep on the ground.ground.

Ben jogs two miles every day.Ben jogs two miles every day.Anna always tells the truth.Anna always tells the truth.Janine studies her lesson Janine studies her lesson

every night.every night.The manager holds a meeting.The manager holds a meeting.A tall tree stands in our front A tall tree stands in our front

yard.yard.

Rule # 2Rule # 2The expression the number The expression the number takes singular verb while takes singular verb while the expression A number the expression A number takes plural verb.takes plural verb.

The number of employees to be The number of employees to be hired is fifty.hired is fifty.

A number of suggestions are A number of suggestions are given.given.

The number of people present The number of people present was large.was large.

A number of weeds need to be A number of weeds need to be removed.removed.

““The number of”The number of”

The The number number of of enrollees enrollees increasesincreases yearly.yearly.

The The number of number of plants in plants in the plot is the plot is one one hundred.hundred.

The number refers to the The number refers to the exact number that makes exact number that makes up a collection or group.up a collection or group.

How many plants are there How many plants are there in the plot?in the plot?

There are one hundred There are one hundred plants.plants.

The number of participants The number of participants (is, are) limited.(is, are) limited.

A large number of people A large number of people (gathers, gather) at the (gathers, gather) at the Luneta Park.Luneta Park.

A number of students(was, A number of students(was, were) late for class.were) late for class.

A number of teachers A number of teachers (registers, register) for the (registers, register) for the training.training.

The number of rotten The number of rotten tomatoes (is, are) seventy-tomatoes (is, are) seventy-five.five.

A number of tourists (visits, A number of tourists (visits, visit the Apo Reef.visit the Apo Reef.

Rule # 3Rule # 3There is/Here is is followed There is/Here is is followed by singular noun.by singular noun.

There are/Here areThere are/Here are is followed by plural noun.is followed by plural noun.

There are There are green green apples on apples on the cooler.the cooler.

There is a There is a red, fresh red, fresh apple on apple on the table.the table.

Construct sentences Construct sentences beginning with there beginning with there or here based on the or here based on the following pictures.following pictures.

There (is, are) seven There (is, are) seven elephants in the circus elephants in the circus parade.parade.

There (is, are) a beautiful There (is, are) a beautiful rainbow in the sky.rainbow in the sky.

Here (is, are) the classroom Here (is, are) the classroom key.key.

There (is, are) no sugar in my There (is, are) no sugar in my coffee.coffee.

There (was, were) many There (was, were) many students in the park.students in the park.

Here (come, comes) our Here (come, comes) our teacher in English.teacher in English.

Here (come, comes) the Here (come, comes) the campaign manager.campaign manager.

There (is, was) a missing There (is, was) a missing letter.letter.

Here (is, are) your friends.Here (is, are) your friends.There (was, were) two There (was, were) two reasons for his choice.reasons for his choice.

Here (is,are ) the volunteer. Here (is,are ) the volunteer.

Beware of inverted word order.Beware of inverted word order.

Here is the onions you need for the chili. In the Here is the onions you need for the chili. In the refrigerator is the jalapeño peppers you might refrigerator is the jalapeño peppers you might want to add.want to add.

Cross through prepositional phrases to find the real subject!

Here and there are never the subjects.

The squirrel as well as the pigeons keep an The squirrel as well as the pigeons keep an eye on Sammy, the sneaky cat.eye on Sammy, the sneaky cat.

Beware of these interrupting Beware of these interrupting phrases.phrases.

As well asAs well as Along withAlong with Together withTogether with

IncludingIncluding In addition toIn addition to EspeciallyEspecially

Bad kitty!

This sentence might sound right, but it is completely wrong!

Rule # 4Rule # 4Intervening words or Intervening words or phrases like in addition to, phrases like in addition to, like, such as, together with, like, such as, together with, as well as, accompanied as well as, accompanied by, do not affect the by, do not affect the number of the subject.number of the subject.

The professors, as well as The professors, as well as the students, have the the students, have the same belief.same belief.

Reading, in addition to writing Reading, in addition to writing poems, (interests, interest ) her.poems, (interests, interest ) her.

My friends, together with Karla My friends, together with Karla (likes, like) to go home.(likes, like) to go home.

Kristel, accompanied by her Kristel, accompanied by her sisters, (watches, watch) the sisters, (watches, watch) the volleyball game.volleyball game.

These These indefinite pronounsindefinite pronouns are are always always singularsingular [even when they [even when they seemseem plural]. plural].

Each, either, neitherEach, either, neither Anyone, anybody, anything Anyone, anybody, anything Everyone, everybody, everythingEveryone, everybody, everything No one, nobody, nothingNo one, nobody, nothing Someone, somebody, somethingSomeone, somebody, something

Everyone on Earth = more than one person—billions of people, in

fact.The word everyone,

however, is still singular.

Rule # 5Rule # 5Singular indefinite pronoun takes Singular indefinite pronoun takes

singular verb.singular verb.Anybody, anyone, anything, each, Anybody, anyone, anything, each,

either, everybody, everyone, either, everybody, everyone, everything, much, neither, everything, much, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, nobody, no one, nothing, one, somebody, someone, somethingsomebody, someone, something

Plural indefinite Plural indefinite pronouns take plural pronouns take plural verbverb

Few, both, several, Few, both, several, many, othersmany, others

Few number (atends, attend) Few number (atends, attend) the orientation.the orientation.

Several (invests, invest) in this Several (invests, invest) in this town.town.

Both of them (likes, like) pizza.Both of them (likes, like) pizza. Others (believes, believe) in Others (believes, believe) in

superstitions.superstitions.

Rule #6Rule #6The indefinite pronouns all, many, The indefinite pronouns all, many,

any, more, most, none, some may any, more, most, none, some may take singular or plural verb take singular or plural verb depending on the OF PHRASE.depending on the OF PHRASE.

Some of the reports were written in Some of the reports were written in red ink.red ink.

Some of the report was written in Some of the report was written in red ink.red ink.

Some of the sugar is on the Some of the sugar is on the floor.floor.

Sugar is uncountableSugar is uncountable Some of the marbles are Some of the marbles are

scattered on the floor.scattered on the floor. Marbles is countableMarbles is countable

Some of the beads (was, Some of the beads (was, were) missing.were) missing.

None of the engines (works, None of the engines (works, work).work).

None of the apple (was, were) None of the apple (was, were) eaten.eaten.

Some of the students (arrives, arrive) Some of the students (arrives, arrive) early.early.

Any of the answers (is, are) correct.Any of the answers (is, are) correct.Each (expects, expect) to win.Each (expects, expect) to win.Everybody (helps, help ) in the work.Everybody (helps, help ) in the work.Several (performs, perform) their duties Several (performs, perform) their duties

well.well.All of the pie (was, were) eaten.All of the pie (was, were) eaten.Most of her answers (is, are) correct.Most of her answers (is, are) correct.

Both (make, makes) me Both (make, makes) me happy.happy.

Few (is, are) chosen.Few (is, are) chosen.Several (submits, submit) Several (submits, submit) their reports.their reports.

Nobody (answers, answer) Nobody (answers, answer) the question.the question.

Rule #6Rule #6The verb in the adjective The verb in the adjective clause agrees with the clause agrees with the antecedent of the relative antecedent of the relative pronoun.pronoun.

Your mother who (works,work) Your mother who (works,work) in the factory (is, are) here.in the factory (is, are) here.

My friends who ( arrives, arrive) My friends who ( arrives, arrive) (takes, take) a nap.(takes, take) a nap.

The teacher who (attends, The teacher who (attends, attend) the meeting (is, are) attend) the meeting (is, are) asked to report.asked to report.

The people who (lives, live) The people who (lives, live) here (is, are) friendly.here (is, are) friendly.

He is one of the students who He is one of the students who (brings, bring) honor to the (brings, bring) honor to the school.school.

Karen is the only one who Karen is the only one who (speaks, speak) French in class.(speaks, speak) French in class.

The food that (contains, contain) The food that (contains, contain) too much salt (is, are) removed too much salt (is, are) removed from the tray.from the tray.

Bananas which (contains, Bananas which (contains, contain) potassium (is, are) contain) potassium (is, are) sold in the market at a very sold in the market at a very low price.low price.

Which (contains, contain) Which (contains, contain) potassium is the adjective potassium is the adjective clause modifying bananas clause modifying bananas (Plural)(Plural)

The verb agrees with the The verb agrees with the antecedent of the relative antecedent of the relative pronoun whichpronoun which

Since bananas is plural, Since bananas is plural, choose plural verb, containchoose plural verb, contain

Work with a partner. Analyze each of Work with a partner. Analyze each of the given sentences. Write C if the the given sentences. Write C if the verb agrees with its subject. If not, verb agrees with its subject. If not, write the sentence with the correct write the sentence with the correct form of the verb.form of the verb.

Ana who speak clearly is chosen as Ana who speak clearly is chosen as Grade 7 representative.Grade 7 representative.

Answer: Ana who speaks clearly is Answer: Ana who speaks clearly is chosen as Grade 7 representative.chosen as Grade 7 representative.

1.1. Here are the basket of fruits Here are the basket of fruits from your grandma.from your grandma.

2.2. Ms. Cruz who teaches Ms. Cruz who teaches English are with us.English are with us.

3.3. The students walk hurriedly The students walk hurriedly to school.to school.

4.4. Karen bring her laptop in Karen bring her laptop in school.school.

5. Everybody talk in English.5. Everybody talk in English. 6. The parents, together with 6. The parents, together with

their children, join the Brigadatheir children, join the BrigadaEskwela 2015.Eskwela 2015.7. Several assists the teachers 7. Several assists the teachers

in repairing the chairs.in repairing the chairs.

8. Athena gives her Papa a 8. Athena gives her Papa a good night kiss.good night kiss.

9. It make me smile.9. It make me smile.10. One of the paintings are 10. One of the paintings are

missing.missing.11. Most of the galleries in the 11. Most of the galleries in the

museum were closed.museum were closed.

12. Lee play computer on 12. Lee play computer on weekends.weekends.

13. Here come the tourists.13. Here come the tourists.14. The manager, accompanied 14. The manager, accompanied

by the technicians, checks the by the technicians, checks the machine.machine.

15. They pays their order.15. They pays their order.

Assignment: Assignment: A.Underline the correct form of A.Underline the correct form of

the verb.the verb.B. Write C at the end of the B. Write C at the end of the

sentence if the verb agrees with sentence if the verb agrees with its subject. If not, cross out the its subject. If not, cross out the incorrect verb and write the incorrect verb and write the correct form above. (Photocopy correct form above. (Photocopy will be distributed by the will be distributed by the president of your class.)president of your class.)

Two [or more] singular nouns joined Two [or more] singular nouns joined by by andand make a make a pluralplural subject.subject.

The chicken The chicken wingwing and pork and pork ribrib sitsit untouched on Ruth’s plate.untouched on Ruth’s plate.

Because there’s no s at the end of sit, you

know it’s a plural verb.

EveryEvery chicken wing chicken wing andand pork rib sitpork rib sitss untouched on Ruth’s plate.untouched on Ruth’s plate.

When When eacheach or or everyevery precedes two [or precedes two [or more] singular nouns joined by more] singular nouns joined by andand, , you have a you have a singularsingular subject. subject.

Because there is an s at the end of sit,

you know it’s a singular verb.

In this situation, no matter In this situation, no matter how manyhow many singular nouns you join with singular nouns you join with andand, the , the subject is subject is stillstill singular.singular.

EveryEvery chicken wing, pork rib, slice of pepperoni pizza, chicken wing, pork rib, slice of pepperoni pizza, hotdog, hamburger, steak, hotdog, hamburger, steak, andand fried shrimp fried shrimp sitssits untouched on Ruth’s plate.untouched on Ruth’s plate.

XXXX

XX XXXXXXI’m a

vegetarian!

Use caution with these three Use caution with these three conjunctions: conjunctions: either … oreither … or, , neither … norneither … nor, , and and not only … but alsonot only … but also..

Not only the employees but also Not only the employees but also their their boss wish the shift would endboss wish the shift would end..Not only the employees but also Not only the employees but also their their bossboss wisheswishes the shift would endthe shift would end..Not only the boss but also her Not only the boss but also her employeesemployees wishwish the shift would end.the shift would end.

You’ll have two subjects, but only the closer one — in this

case boss — counts!

If you flip the two subjects, so that employees is next to the verb, then wish will

work!

Quick TestQuick Test

Directions:Directions: In the items that follow, choose In the items that follow, choose the option that corrects an error in the the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.”“No change is necessary.”

Show me what you

know.

Item 1Item 1

In the cabinet is the tools that you will need to In the cabinet is the tools that you will need to

unclog the bathroom sink; I have found that a unclog the bathroom sink; I have found that a

plunger and a prayer often do the trick.plunger and a prayer often do the trick.

A.A.areareB.B.hashasC.C.doesdoesD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.

In the cabinet In the cabinet isis the tools that you will need to the tools that you will need to AAunclog the bathroom sink; I unclog the bathroom sink; I havehave found that a found that a BBplunger and a prayer often plunger and a prayer often dodo the trick. the trick. CC


In the cabinet In the cabinet areare the tools that you will need to the tools that you will need to AAunclog the bathroom sink; I unclog the bathroom sink; I havehave found that a found that a BBplunger and a prayer often plunger and a prayer often dodo the trick. the trick. CC


Item 2Item 2Here are the books that Thomas and Darlene Here are the books that Thomas and Darlene

need for their research, and here is the earplugs need for their research, and here is the earplugs

that you’ll require once they both doze off in that you’ll require once they both doze off in

boredom and start snoring.boredom and start snoring.

A.A.isisB.B.areareC.C.dozesdozesD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.

Here Here areare the books that Thomas and Darlene the books that Thomas and Darlene AAneed for their research, and here need for their research, and here isis the earplugs the earplugs BBthat you’ll require once they both that you’ll require once they both dozedoze off in off in CCboredom and start snoring.boredom and start snoring.


Here Here areare the books that Thomas and Darlene the books that Thomas and Darlene AAneed for their research, and here need for their research, and here areare the earplugs the earplugs BBthat you’ll require once they both that you’ll require once they both dozedoze off in off in CCboredom and start snoring.boredom and start snoring.


Item 3Item 3Jasmine and Rodney have decided to double the Jasmine and Rodney have decided to double the

number of cupcakes that they are baking since number of cupcakes that they are baking since

everyone love moist cake and chocolate frosting.everyone love moist cake and chocolate frosting.

A.A.hashasB.B.isisC.C.loveslovesD.D.No change is necessary. No change is necessary.

Jasmine and Rodney Jasmine and Rodney havehave decided to double the decided to double the AAnumber of cupcakes that they number of cupcakes that they areare baking since baking since BBeveryone everyone lovelove moist cake and chocolate frosting. moist cake and chocolate frosting. CC


Jasmine and Rodney Jasmine and Rodney havehave decided to double the decided to double the AAnumber of cupcakes that they number of cupcakes that they areare baking since baking since BBeveryone everyone lovesloves moist cake and chocolate frosting. moist cake and chocolate frosting. CC


Item 4Item 4Not only those students but also their professor Not only those students but also their professor

look forward to the final exam; everyone has look forward to the final exam; everyone has

exciting vacation plans that start next Monday.exciting vacation plans that start next Monday.

A.A.lookslooksB.B.havehaveC.C.startsstartsD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.

Not only those students but also their professor Not only those students but also their professor

looklook forward to the final exam; everyone forward to the final exam; everyone hashas AA BBexciting vacation plans that exciting vacation plans that startstart next Monday. next Monday. CC


Not only those students but also their professor Not only those students but also their professor

lookslooks forward to the final exam; everyone forward to the final exam; everyone hashas AA BBexciting vacation plans that exciting vacation plans that startstart next Monday. next Monday. CC


Item 5Item 5At the pet store, each iguana, mouse, and gerbil At the pet store, each iguana, mouse, and gerbil

try to climb the walls of its glass cage while try to climb the walls of its glass cage while

humans hover outside like giant predators who are humans hover outside like giant predators who are

ready to strike.ready to strike.

A.A.triestriesB.B.hovershoversC.C.isisD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.

At the pet store, each iguana, mouse, and gerbil At the pet store, each iguana, mouse, and gerbil

trytry to climb the walls of its glass cage while to climb the walls of its glass cage while AAhumans humans hoverhover outside like giant predators who outside like giant predators who areare BB CCready to strike.ready to strike.


At the pet store, each iguana, mouse, and gerbil At the pet store, each iguana, mouse, and gerbil

triestries to climb the walls of its glass cage while to climb the walls of its glass cage while AAhumans humans hoverhover outside like giant predators who outside like giant predators who areare BB CCready to strike.ready to strike.


Item 6Item 6Tyrone, as well as his cousins, hope that Grandma Tyrone, as well as his cousins, hope that Grandma

brings her famous brownies and peach pie that brings her famous brownies and peach pie that

drip with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.drip with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.

A.A.hopeshopesB.B.bringbringC.C.dripsdripsD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.

Tyrone, as well as his cousins, Tyrone, as well as his cousins, hopehope that Grandma that Grandma AAbringsbrings her famous brownies and peach pie that her famous brownies and peach pie that BBdripdrip with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. CC


Tyrone, as well as his cousins, Tyrone, as well as his cousins, hopeshopes that Grandma that Grandma AAbringsbrings her famous brownies and peach pie that her famous brownies and peach pie that BBdripdrip with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. CC


Item 7Item 7

Either the dogs or the cat sleep on the bed while Either the dogs or the cat sleep on the bed while

everyone is out; Lorraine always finds an everyone is out; Lorraine always finds an

indentation in the center of her comforter.indentation in the center of her comforter.

A.A.sleepssleepsB.B.areareC.C.findfindD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.

Either the dogs or the cat Either the dogs or the cat sleepsleep on the bed while on the bed while AAeveryone everyone isis out; Lorraine always out; Lorraine always findsfinds an an BB CCindentation in the center of her comforter.indentation in the center of her comforter.


Either the dogs or the cat Either the dogs or the cat sleepssleeps on the bed while on the bed while AAeveryone everyone isis out; Lorraine always out; Lorraine always findsfinds an an BB CCindentation in the center of her comforter.indentation in the center of her comforter.


Item 8Item 8Meryl, together with her friends Beatrice and Laverne, Meryl, together with her friends Beatrice and Laverne,

plans a daily trip for ice cream, for these womenplans a daily trip for ice cream, for these women

have discovered that the calories is worth seeinghave discovered that the calories is worth seeing

Theo scoop their servings with his muscular arms.Theo scoop their servings with his muscular arms.

A.A.planplanB.B.hashasC.C.areareD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.

Meryl, together with her friends Beatrice and Laverne, Meryl, together with her friends Beatrice and Laverne,

plansplans a daily trip for ice cream, for these women a daily trip for ice cream, for these women AAhavehave discovered that the calories discovered that the calories isis worth seeing worth seeing BB CCTheo scoop their servings with his muscular arms.Theo scoop their servings with his muscular arms.


Meryl, together with her friends Beatrice and Laverne, Meryl, together with her friends Beatrice and Laverne,

plansplans a daily trip for ice cream, for these women a daily trip for ice cream, for these women AAhavehave discovered that the calories discovered that the calories areare worth seeing worth seeing BB CCTheo scoop their servings with his muscular arms.Theo scoop their servings with his muscular arms.


Item 9Item 9The scissors are sharp, so neither the cousins nor The scissors are sharp, so neither the cousins nor

Timmy is allowed to play with them, even when the Timmy is allowed to play with them, even when the

boys needs to finish a school project.boys needs to finish a school project.

A.A.isisB.B.areareC.C.needneedD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.

The scissors The scissors areare sharp, so neither the cousins nor sharp, so neither the cousins nor AATimmy Timmy isis allowed to play with them, even when the allowed to play with them, even when the BBboys boys needsneeds to finish a school project. to finish a school project. CC


The scissors The scissors areare sharp, so neither the cousins nor sharp, so neither the cousins nor AATimmy Timmy isis allowed to play with them, even when the allowed to play with them, even when the BBboys boys needneed to finish a school project. to finish a school project. CC


Item 10Item 10

Each fork, spoon, and knife are scarred from the Each fork, spoon, and knife are scarred from the

disposal since Drew refuses to check the drain disposal since Drew refuses to check the drain

before he throws the switch.before he throws the switch.

A.A.isisB.B.refuserefuseC.C.throwthrowD.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.

Each fork, spoon, and knife Each fork, spoon, and knife areare scarred from the scarred from the AAdisposal since Drew disposal since Drew refusesrefuses to check the drain to check the drain BBbefore he before he throwsthrows the switch. the switch. CC


Each fork, spoon, and knife Each fork, spoon, and knife isis scarred from the scarred from the AAdisposal since Drew disposal since Drew refusesrefuses to check the drain to check the drain BBbefore he before he throwsthrows the switch. the switch. CC


The End.The End.

Bad kitty!

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Making the verbs agree with their subjects (Rules 1-6)