Subject Verb Agreement

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 do you use a singular verb?

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A singular verb is used when the subject is singular (e.g., 'The dog barks').

Front

When do you use a plural verb?

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A plural verb is used when the subject is plural (e.g., 'The dogs bark').

Front

What is the rule for compound subjects joined by 'or'?

Back

When a compound subject is joined by 'or', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Front

Example of a compound subject with 'or': 'The doctor or the nurse (check, checks) the vital signs.' What is the correct verb?

Back

The correct verb is 'checks' because 'nurse' is singular.

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 a subject joined by 'and': 'Jack and Jill (collects, collect) the pail.' What is the correct verb?

Back

The correct verb is 'collect' because 'Jack and Jill' is plural.

Front

What is the effect of phrases like 'as well as' on subject-verb agreement?

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Phrases like 'as well as' do not change the number of the subject; the verb agrees with the main subject.

Front

Example: 'The teacher, as well as his students, __________ asleep.' What is the correct verb?

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The correct verb is 'was' because 'teacher' is singular.

Front

What is the rule for collective nouns?

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Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on whether the group acts as a single unit or as individuals.