2. Singular versus Plural
In
English, we can make words
singular and plural
Singular,
meaning “one”
Plural, meaning “two or more”
Nouns
plural
and verbs can be singular or
4. Singular and Plural Pronouns
Singular Pronouns Plural Pronouns
I
We
You
You
He
They
She
It
5. Singular and Plural Verbs
Some
verbs are always singular:
He
walked, Emily walked
He has walked, Emily has walked
I am, She is
Some
plural:
I
verbs can be singular or
walk, they walk
You are, they are
6. Combining them
Singular
nouns needs singular verbs
Plural nouns need plural verbs
She
always tells the truth.
They always tell the truth.
The
twins always tell the truth.
The twin always tells the truth.
7. Also…
A
phrase or clause that interrupts a
subject and its verb does not affect
subject-verb agreement.
The captain of the guards stands at
attention.
The troopers whom the captain put in
charge of the roadblock stand on either
side.
Do Subject-Verb Agreement A,-B 105-6
8. Indefinite Pronouns
Pronouns
are words used in place of
regular nouns, like “he”, “she”, or “it”.
Some pronouns are “indefinite
pronouns”—they refer to no specific
noun.
Some pronouns are singular, some
are plural, and some can be singular
or plural depending on how they are
used.
9. Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Another
Anybody
Anyone
Anything
Each
Either
Everybody
Everyone
Everything
Little
Much
Neither
Nobody
no one
Nothing
One
Other
Somebody
Someone
Something
13. What is a compound subject?
A
subject is the person or thing
committing the act described in the
verb:
The
author fought during WWII.
A
compound subject links two or
more subjects to one verb:
J.R.R.
Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were in a
literary society.
14. Compound Subject Agreement
A
compound subject joined by “and” is
generally plural and must have a plural
verb.
Penny
and Rose are going to lose.
The boys and the girls are going to have a
rematch.
The twins and Sam are going to have a
rematch.
15. Compound Subject Agreement
Two
or more singular objects joined by
“or” or “nor” must have a singular verb.
Beth
or Sam is going to win.
Neither sleet nor snow can stop us.
Two
or more plural subjects joined by
“or” or “nor” must have a plural verb.
Beth,
Sam, or the twins are going to win.
Either the twins or Sam are going to win.
16. Compound Subject Agreement
If
the parts of the compound item are
thought of as one item, a singular verb is
needed
Bacon
and eggs is my favorite breakfast.
If
a singular and plural subject are joined
by “or” or “nor”, the verb agrees with the
subject nearer the verb.
Neither
the team members nor the coach
has been to the Superbowl.
Do Agreement with Compound Subjects A-B, Page 109-110