Verb Agreement: Complex Subjects (compound subjects, collective nouns)

Subject-Verb Agreement: Beyond the Basics

We’ve already learned that verbs need to match their subjects in number (singular/plural). But what happens when the subject is more complicated?

1. Compound Subjects:

• Joined by “and”: When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” they usually take a plural verb.

  • Example: The cat and the dog are playing.

• Joined by “or” or “nor”: When two or more subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

  • Example: The cat or the dogs are playing.
  • Example: Neither the cat nor the dog is playing.

2. Collective Nouns:

• What are they? Nouns that name a group of people or things.

  • Examples: team, family, class, audience

• Agreement: Collective nouns can be tricky because they can be singular OR plural.

  • Singular: When the group acts as a unit.
    • Example: The team is winning the game.
  • Plural: When the individuals in the group act separately.
    • Example: The team are arguing about the strategy.

Let’s Practice!

1. Choose the Correct Verb:

   • The teacher and the students (is/are) discussing the book. (are)
   • Either the cat or the dogs (has/have) eaten the food. (have)
   • The jury (is/are) deliberating the verdict. (is)
   • The flock of birds (is/are) flying south for the winter. (is)

2. Correct the Mistakes:

   • The team is arguing about who should be captain.
   • The class is going on a field trip to the museum.

Challenge:

Write a paragraph about a group of friends on a road trip. Use both compound subjects and collective nouns, and make sure your verbs agree correctly!