Mastering Subject Verb Agreement Rules

This video tutorial covers the topic of subject-verb agreement in English grammar. It begins with an overview of basic subject-verb agreement rules, explaining how subjects and verbs must agree in number and person. The tutorial then delves into more complex scenarios, such as compound subjects, interrupters, and inverted sentences. It also addresses tricky subjects like collective nouns, titles, phrases, and indefinite pronouns, providing guidance on how to handle these cases. The lesson aims to clarify common confusions and ensure proper subject-verb agreement in various contexts.

What is the basic rule of subject-verb agreement?

• Subjects can be either singular or plural, regardless of the verb.

• Verbs must always be in the plural form.

• Verbs must agree with subjects in number and person.

• Verbs do not need to match the subject.

What happens to the verb when two singular subjects are joined by 'and'?

• It can be either singular or plural.

• It becomes plural.

• No change is needed.

• It becomes singular.

What is an example of a compound subject treated as singular?

• Macaroni and cheese

• President and cabinet

• Boys and girls

• Cats and dogs

How should you handle verbs when the subject is interrupted by additional phrases?

• The verb should agree with the nearest noun.

• Always use a singular verb.

• Change the verb to plural.

• Ignore the interruptions.

What is the effect of 'each' or 'every' on a compound subject?

• It has no effect on the verb.

• It requires a singular verb.

• It requires a plural verb.

• It allows for either singular or plural verbs.

What should you do when a sentence is inverted?

• Always use a plural verb.

• Change the verb to match the first noun.

• Keep the verb consistent with the main subject.

• Invert the verb as well.

Which type of nouns can be particularly tricky in subject-verb agreement?

• Abstract nouns

• Indefinite pronouns

• Collective nouns

• Proper nouns

How should titles be treated in terms of verb agreement?

• Always plural

• Treated as plural if prestigious

• Always singular

• Depends on the context

What is true about singular plurals?

• They are always treated as plural.

• They refer to groups acting as units.

• They do not exist in English.

• They are always treated as singular.

Which pronouns require special attention in subject-verb agreement?

• Relative pronouns

• None of the above

• Personal pronouns

• Demonstrative pronouns