Subject/Verb Agreement ACT Prep

Front

What is subject-verb agreement?

Back

Subject-verb agreement is the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its verb.

Front

When should a singular verb be used?

Back

A singular verb should be used when the subject is singular, such as 'The dog barks.'

Front

When should a plural verb be used?

Back

A plural verb should be used when the subject is plural, such as 'The dogs bark.'

Front

What is the rule for collective nouns?

Back

Collective nouns can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individuals.

Front

Example of a collective noun with a singular verb:

Back

The team wins the championship.

Front

Example of a collective noun with a plural verb:

Back

The team are arguing among themselves.

Front

What is the effect of phrases that interrupt the subject-verb relationship?

Back

Phrases that interrupt the subject-verb relationship do not change the number of the subject; the verb must still agree with the main subject.

Front

Example of an interrupting phrase:

Back

The book, along with the other items, is on the table.

Front

What is the rule for subjects joined by 'and'?

Back

When subjects are joined by 'and', they typically take a plural verb.

Front

Example of subjects joined by 'and':

Back

Tom and Jerry are friends.