Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns

Julie Stig Mayer from Pepperdine University discusses subject-verb agreement, focusing on indefinite pronouns. She explains how singular and plural verbs should match their subjects, using examples and practice exercises. A mini segment covers the correct spelling of 'cite' and 'site'. The session concludes with a preview of the next topic on irregular plural nouns.

What does subject-verb agreement ensure in a sentence?

• That the subject and verb are in different numbers

• That the subject and verb agree in number

• That the verb always precedes the subject

• That the subject is always plural

Which of the following is considered a singular indefinite pronoun?

• Everybody

• Few

• Many

• Both

Which indefinite pronouns are commonly mistaken as plural?

• Everyone and Everybody

• Both

• Several

• Each and Every

What kind of indefinite pronouns refer to more than one item?

• Flexible

• None of the above

• Singular

• Plural

Which example shows a plural use of an indefinite pronoun?

• Both of the impersonators are missing.

• One of the seats was occupied.

• All of the coffee is ruined.

• The rattlesnake was devoured.

How should 'all of the children' be treated in terms of number?

• Neither singular nor plural

• Either, depending on context

• Plural

• Singular

In the sentence 'One of the Elvis impersonators is missing', why is 'is' the correct choice?

• Because 'Elvis impersonators' is plural

• Because 'one' indicates a singular subject

• Because 'missing' requires a singular verb

• Because it is a fixed phrase

Which indefinite pronouns can be either singular or plural?

• All, Any, Some

• None of the above

• Each, Every, Either

• Both, Few, Many

Why is 'all of the coffee is ruined' considered singular?

• Because coffee cannot be counted

• Because 'all' always indicates singularity

• Because coffee is a liquid

• Because 'ruined' is a singular form

What is the correct spelling for citing information from a website?

• Cited from the sight

• Sighted the information

• Sited the information

• Cited the information from the site