Verb And Subject Agreement Worksheet

Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement: A Comprehensive Worksheet and Guide

Subject-verb agreement, the cornerstone of grammatical correctness, often trips up even seasoned writers. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of subject-verb agreement, providing clear explanations, practical examples, and a detailed worksheet to solidify your understanding. Mastering this skill will significantly enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing. This guide is perfect for students, writers, and anyone looking to refine their grammar skills.

Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement simply means that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. This seems straightforward, but numerous complexities arise, making it a crucial area to master. A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Example:

• Singular: The dog barks loudly.
• Plural: The dogs bark loudly.

Common Challenges in Subject-Verb Agreement

Several factors can complicate subject-verb agreement. Let's explore some common challenges:

1. Intervening Phrases

Phrases placed between the subject and the verb can sometimes confuse the agreement. Ignore these intervening phrases when determining subject-verb agreement.

Example:

• The box of chocolates, along with the flowers, is a lovely gift. (The subject is "box," which is singular.)

2. Compound Subjects

Compound subjects joined by "and" generally take a plural verb.

Example:

• My brother and sister are going to the movies.

However, if the compound subject refers to a single entity, a singular verb is used.

Example:

• Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.

3. Subjects Joined by "or" or "nor"

When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Examples:

• Neither the cats nor the dog wants to go outside.
• Either the dog or the cats want to go outside.

4. Collective Nouns

Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, group) can be singular or plural depending on context. If the group acts as a single unit, use a singular verb; if the members act individually, use a plural verb.

Examples:

• The team is playing well together. (Acting as a unit)
• The team are arguing amongst themselves. (Acting individually)

5. Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, someone, anybody) are always singular and take singular verbs.

Examples:

• Everyone is invited to the party.
• Somebody has left their keys.

6. Pronouns with Linking Verbs

Pronouns following linking verbs (e.g., is, are, was, were) must agree with the subject.

Example:

• The winner of the contest was she.

7. Inverted Sentence Structure

In sentences with inverted word order (e.g., questions), the verb still agrees with the subject.

Example:

• There are many books on the shelf.

8. "Number" and "Amounts"

The words "number" and "amount" require careful consideration.

• Number refers to countable things (and is usually plural): A number of students are protesting.
• Amount refers to uncountable things (and is usually singular): The amount of rain is incredible.

Subject-Verb Agreement Worksheet

Now let's put your knowledge to the test with a comprehensive worksheet. Choose the correct verb form for each sentence. The answers are provided at the end.

Instructions: Select the correct verb form in parentheses to complete each sentence.

1. The cat (sleeps, sleep) on the sofa.
2. My friends and I (goes, go) to the beach every summer.
3. Neither the birds nor the squirrel (eats, eat) the seeds.
4. The flock of geese (flies, fly) south for the winter.
5. Everyone in the class (is, are) ready for the test.
6. The committee (debates, debate) the issue thoroughly.
7. The box of crayons (is, are) missing.
8. Neither rain nor snow (stops, stop) the mail carrier.
9. Either my brother or my sisters (is, are) going to the game.
10. My family (is, are) planning a vacation.
11. The team (wins, win) most of their games.
12. A number of students (was, were) absent today.
13. The amount of homework (is, are) overwhelming.
14. There (is, are) many reasons to celebrate.
15. Here (comes, come) the bus!
16. The news (is, are) always exciting.
17. Mathematics (is, are) my favorite subject.
18. Measles (is, are) a highly contagious disease.
19. Twenty dollars (is, are) a lot of money.
20. The police (is, are) investigating the crime.

Answers to Worksheet

1. sleeps
2. go
3. eat
4. fly
5. is
6. debates
7. is
8. stops
9. are
10. is
11. win
12. were
13. is
14. are
15. comes
16. is
17. is
18. is
19. is
20. are

Advanced Considerations: More Complex Cases

The examples above cover the most common scenarios. However, certain situations require a deeper understanding of grammatical nuances.

Subject-Verb Agreement with Relative Clauses

When a relative clause (a clause beginning with who, whom, which, that) modifies the subject, the verb in the main clause still agrees with the main subject.

Example:

• The student who scores the highest gets a prize. (The main subject is "student," which is singular.)

Subject-Verb Agreement with Titles and Phrases

Titles of books, movies, and other works, even if plural in form, are treated as singular. Similar rules apply to phrases that function as the subject.

Example:

• "The Grapes of Wrath" is a classic novel.

Subject-Verb Agreement with Expressions of Quantity

Expressions of quantity (e.g., a lot of, a great deal of, a number of) follow specific rules based on the noun they modify. Countable nouns take plural verbs; uncountable nouns take singular verbs.

Example:

• A great deal of money was spent on the project. (Money is uncountable)
• A number of students were absent. (Students is countable)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are some common mistakes in subject-verb agreement?

A: Common mistakes include incorrect agreement with intervening phrases, compound subjects, collective nouns, and indefinite pronouns. Failing to identify the true subject of a sentence is also a frequent error.

Q: How can I improve my subject-verb agreement skills?

A: Practice is key! Work through numerous exercises, read widely to observe correct usage, and seek feedback on your writing. This guide and worksheet provide a great starting point.

Q: Are there any resources besides this worksheet to help me learn?

A: While I cannot provide external links, searching online for "subject-verb agreement exercises" will yield many helpful resources. Grammar textbooks and online grammar tutorials are also excellent aids.

Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective communication. This comprehensive guide and worksheet provide a strong foundation. Remember to pay close attention to the subject of your sentence, consider any intervening phrases, and carefully handle collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and compound subjects. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you can confidently navigate the complexities of subject-verb agreement and elevate the quality of your writing. Keep practicing, and you'll become a subject-verb agreement expert in no time!