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.
- Singular: When the group acts as a unit.
Let’s Practice!
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)
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!