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Singular Subject-Verb Agreement

Verb Agreement with Singular Subjects

Singular Subject Verb Agreement

Singular Subject-Verb Agreement     

Play the quick video lesson HERE and click the upper left back arrow to return to this lesson.            

Common Core Language Standard 1

Singular subject-verb agreement probably presents more challenges for the writer than plural subject-verb agreement because of collective nouns and indefinite singular pronouns.

Today’s grammar and usage lesson is on singular subject-verb agreement. Remember that a singular subject noun usually adds an ending s to agree with (match) a singular verb. Collective nouns which refer to a group, such as herd, and indefinite pronouns which end in “_body’ or “_one,” such as anybody or everyone also match singular verbs.

Now let’s read the grammar and usage lesson and study the examples.

Some singular subject subject-verb agreements are tricky:

  • Subject case pronouns must match these helping verbs: I matches am, was, have, and had; He, she, it, and you match is, was, has, and had. Examples: I am, she is
  • When two or more nouns or pronouns are joined by or or nor, use the verb that agrees with (matches) the noun or pronoun closest to the verb. Examples: Joe or Pam eats first; Joe or the children eat first before I do.
  • In clauses beginning with there is (are), the subject follows and the is (are) must agree (match) with that subject. Examples: There is a dog; There are dogs.

Now circle or highlight what is right and revise what is wrong according to grammar and usage lesson.

Practice: Peter or Mick doesn’t seem ready. Their success depend on this. There is little time.

Let’s check the Practice Answers.

Grammar and Usage Practice Answers: Peter or Mick don’t seem ready. Their success depends on this. There is little time.

Now let’s apply what we have learned. 

Writing Application: Write two of your own sentences: the first one with two or more noun or pronoun subjects joined by or or nor and the second one beginning with “There is.”

This writing opener is part of a comprehensive language conventions lesson from the Grammar, Mechanics, Spelling, and Vocabulary   Grades 4‒8 programs.

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