Subject-Verb Agreement Introduction

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Feeling like grammar is never straightforward? Subject-verb agreement is here to cut you some slack. (Enjoy the sweet simplicity while it lasts.)

Here's the hard and fast rule:

Subjects must agree with their verbs in number.

Simple, right? Singular nouns take singular verbs. Plural nouns take plural verbs.

Period.

Now, just like any other grammar concern, subject-verb agreement isn't without its tips, tricks, and caveats. And so, it is with great fanfare that we present what we're calling Special Topics in Subject-Verb Agreement, starring (drumroll, please):

  • The "One –S" Rule
  • Compound subjects that use and
  • Compound subjects that use or/nor
  • I and You
  • Measurements
  • Here and There
  • None

Grab your popcorn, Shmooper, and sit back, relax (okay, don't relax too much), and learn more about subject-verb agreement.

Quiz Yourself on Subject-Verb Agreement

1/5

Which of the following sentences are grammatically incorrect?

I. My dad thinks that the police conspires against him, but my mom says he's just been watching too many heist movies.

II. The cattle was grazing peacefully in the pasture at the time, but none of them seemed to notice the 6.2 earthquake that hit.

III. Though people often grow impatient when waiting in long lines, I take the time to relax and meditate on the beauty of life.

(A) I
(B) I and II
(C) III
(D) All of them

How would you correct the grammatical error in these sentences?


Everyone agree that my mother makes the best lasagna in all of western Iowa. That's why she's won our state fair's award for Best Pasta Dish ten years in a row.


(A) Change "everyone" to "all"
(B) Change "agree" to "agrees"
(C) Change "fair's" to "fairs'"
(D) Either A or B

Fill in the blank:


You might be surprised to learn that macaroni and cheese ___________ invented by that versatile statesman and Renaissance man Thomas Jefferson.


(A) were
(B) was
(C) had been
(D) Both A and B

Identify the error in this public service announcement:


Due to severe winds raging through the area, we hereby suspend all airfare for the time being. Anybody who have kites, RC planes, or other dangerous aircraft had better keep them locked up. Don't be the poor soul who has to spend the night in county lock-up because your unicorn kite took out someone's eye.


(A) raging through
(B) who have
(C) had better
(D) locked up

Your job at Renzo's Italian Grill includes proofreading the signs you and your co-workers post around the restaurant. Which sentence on this notice of the House Rules would you correct?

(A) Eating outside food and beverages on the premises are prohibited.
(B) Diners must wear shirts and shoes at all times.
(C) An 18% gratuity will be added to checks for parties of 6 or more.
(D) Please do not use your hands to consume spaghetti.

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