SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
Module 1 Objectives:
After you complete Module 1, you will
A. identify the subject and the verb in a given sentence
B. decide if the subject is singular or plural
C. add -s or -es at the end of the verb
D. understand the subject-verb agreement in the simple present better
First, read the explanation on subject-verb agreement
Second, complete the exercise questions 1-13
Third, visit the three websites to do more exercises
First,
The subject and verb must agree in number: both must be singular, or both must be plural. Problems occur in the present tense because one must add an -s or -es at the end of the verb when the subjects or the entity performing the action is a singular third person: he, she, it, or words for which these pronouns could substitute.
Notice the difference between singular and plural forms in the following examples:
| The student sings. (He or she sings) | Your children sing. (They sing) |
| The bird does migrate. (It does) | Those birds do migrate. (They do) |
In order to find out if your subject and verb agree, you need to be able to identify the subject of your sentence. Here are some helpful hints that will help you to decipher where your subject is and where it is not.
Where is my subject?
- Most likely, your verb will agree with the first noun to the left of the verb:
The Supreme Court judge decides the appropriate penalty. Subject: judge Verb: decides The committee members were satisfied with the resolution. Subject: members Verb: were - Occasionally, a sentence has the subject after the verb instead of before it. This strategy is often used for poetic effect.
Over the ripples glides a small canoe. Subject: a small canoe Verb: glides There was a well-known writer at the meeting. Subject: a well-known writer Verb: was - You will not find the subject in a modifying phrase (MP), a phrase that starts with a preposition, a gerund, or a relative pronoun and that modifies the meaning of the noun or subject under discussion.
The group of students is going on a field trip. Subject: the group MP: of students Verb: is The survey covering seven colleges reveals a growth in enrollment. Subject: the survey MP: covering seven colleges Verb: reveals The speaker whom you saw at the lecture is one of the state senators from Minnesota. Subject: the speaker MP: whom you saw at the lecture Verb: is - If subjects are joined by and, they are considered plural.
The quarterback and the coach are having a conference. Subject: the quarterback and the coach Verb: are having - If subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb should agree with the closer subject.
Either the actors or the director is at fault. Subjects: actors, director Verb: is Either the director or the actors are at fault. Subjects: director, actors Verb: are - The relative pronouns (who, whom, which, and that) are either singular or plural, depending on the words they refer to.
The sales manager is a good researcher who spends a great amount of time surfing the Web for information. Subject: the sales manager Verbs: is, spends Sales managers are good researchers who spend a great amount of time surfing the Web for information. Subject: sales managers Verbs: are, spend - Indefinite pronouns (someone, somebody, each, either one, everyone, or anyone) are considered singular and need singular verbs although they convey plural meaning.
Anyone who wants to pursue higher education has to pass entrance exams. Subject: anyone Verbs: wants, has Everyone on the committee is welcome to express his/her ideas. Subject: everyone Verb: is - A few nouns can be either plural or singular, depending on whether they mean a group or separate individuals. These words are rarely used as plurals in modern writing.
The jury is sequestered. Subject: jury Verb: is The jury are having an argument. Subject: jury Verb: are having - A few subjects look plural but are really singular or vice versa.
The news of the discovery is spreading. Subject: news Verb: is The mass media have publicized the facts. Subject: mass media Verb: have publicized The data amaze everyone. Subject: data Verb: amaze
Second,
Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence.
| 1. Either the physicians in this hospital or the chief administrator ____ going to have to make a decision. is are |
2. ______ my boss or my sisters in the union going to win this grievance?
Is
Are
3. Some of the votes __________ to have been miscounted.
seem
seems
4. The tornadoes that tear through this county every spring _____ more than just a nuisance.
are
is
5. Everyone selected to serve on this jury _____ to be willing to give up a lot of time.
have
has
| 6. Kara Wolters, together with her teammates, _________ a formidable opponent on the basketball court. presents present |
7. He seems to forget that there __________ things to be done before he can graduate.
are
is
| 8. There _______ to be some people left in that town after yesterday's flood. have has |
9. Some of the grain __________ to be contaminated.
appear
appears
10. Three-quarters of the students __________ against the tuition hike.
is
are
11. Three-quarters of the student body __________ against the tuition hike.
is
are
12. A high percentage of the population _________ voting for the new school.
is
are
13. A high percentage of the people _________ voting for the new school.
was
were
Third,
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR/quizzes/svagr2.htm
http://www.cityu.edu.hk/elc/quiz/subverb1.htm
http://wwwnew.towson.edu/ows/exercisesub-verb.htm
