SUBJECT vs. Object
Sentence is a group of words that express a complete thought. It contains a subject and a predicate
(the verb).
Example: Our puppy brings my sons' socks to me to play with as a chew toy.
Subject- __________________________________________________________________
Objects- __________________________________________________________________
Direct Objects- directly receives the action of the verb.
Answers question: ______________________
Indirect Objects- additional nouns and pronouns indirectly affected by the verb.
Answers question: ______________________
Pronouns change case depending on whether they are in the subject of the sentence or an object.
Subject/Verb Agreement
A subject and a verb must always agree. If you have a singular subject you must have a
singular verb. Plural subjects take plural verbs.
Ex. The dog plays outside everyday. The dogs play outside.
S
V
S V
Rules:
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
a. Neither the dogs nor the cat _______ allowed inside.
b. Neither the cat nor the dogs _______ allowed inside.
The following words and phrases take SINGULAR verbs.
a.
g.
b.
h.
c.
i.
d.
j.
e.
k.
f.
l.
The words below always take PLURAL verbs.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Hints: Subject/Verb Agreement
1. Ignore interrupting phrases between the subject and the verb.
a.
Cross them out on your test. Re-read the sentence to make
sure the S/V agree.
2. The subject comes after the verb in sentences or phrases beginning with THERE.
a.
Once the bell rang there were students running out the door.
3. Some sentences have an INVERTED sentence structure. In these sentences the subject
is after the verb.
a. Turn the sentence around and re-read it.
b. Match the subject and the verb.
c. Behind the girl's soccer field are the bleachers for the softball fields.
4. Remember the words neither or either should always be singular. BUT if it is paired with
nor/or the verb matches the closest subject.
Subject-Verb Agreement Practice
Directions: Choose the correct verb for each sentence.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5
Directions: Write whether the subject and verb agree or disagree on the line. If they disagree, please
write down the appropriate verb.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Exercise A- please write down the subject and the Correct verb:
Exercise B- please write down the subject and the Correct verb:
To make sure your sentences use pronouns correctly, ask yourself two questions:
1.
Does the pronoun agree with its antecedent in:
a.
Number- singular or plural
b.
i.
Ex: They (plural antecedent) lost their (plural pronoun) dog.
ii.
Ex: She (singular antecedent) lost her (singular pronoun) dog.
Gender
i.
Ex: Billy (male antecedent) lost his (male pronoun) dog.
ii.
Ex: Sally (female antecedent) lost her (female pronoun) dog.
2.
Is the antecedent of the pronoun clearly evident?
a.
Make sure that the antecedent of each pronoun is clear. In doubt, use a noun instead.
i.
Ex: Sally lost her dog and boyfriend last week. What will she do without him?
b.
Which noun (dog or boyfriend) does the pronoun “him” replace? This is an example of an
unclear antecedent. To correct, replace “him” with “boyfriend” or “dog”.
Pronoun/Antecedent Agreement Worksheet
Directions: Underline the antecedent in each sentence and circle its pronoun. If the sentence correct,
write correct. If there is an error, replace the pronoun.
1.
One of the boys had tears in their eyes.
2.
Somebody left their books on the counter.
3.
A student should see an advisor if they have any questions.
4.
A student should see an advisor if you have questions.
5.
Everyone has his or her own way of studying.
6.
Teachers are responsible for providing their students with accurate grades.
7.
Someone had blocked the driveway with their car.
8.
Each woman must do their best to take care of their health.
9.
Each of the apartment owners had his or her apartment repainted.
10.
As the weather got colder everyone wished they had brought a coat.
Pronoun exercise 1-8
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.