Type: Comprehensive Grammar
Title: Subject-Verb Agreement Rules I
Level: 1 - Beginner
Tags: level 1, beginner, subject-verb agreement, verbs, subjects, indefinite pronouns
NOTES TO TRAINER - These notes are for trainers only. They are not visible to learners.
SUGGESTED OBJECTIVES:
To identify subject-verb agreement rules
To identify indefinite pronouns that are always singular
To identify indefinite pronouns that are always plural
To identify indefinite pronouns that may be singular or plural
Subject-Verb Agreement Rules I
rule
example
A singular subject takes a
singular verb.
To make a singular verb,
we usually add “s”.
In dealing with regular
verbs, the only subject that
uses a verb with an "s" is
the third person singular.
All other forms use the
verb without an "s".
Dave jogs every day.
A plural subject takes a
plural verb.
(When a subject is plural,
that means there is more
than one person, animal,
place, idea, or thing.)
The students participate in class
discussions.
The room of the new guests is near
the elevator.
A phrase or clause
between subject and verb
does not change the
number of the subject.
The tellers of the bank serve the
bank's clients.
Something is wrong with the copy
machine.
Singular indefinite
pronouns take the
singular form.
List of Singular Indefinite Pronouns
each
neither
either
one
Plural indefinite
pronouns take the plural
form.
nobody
nothing
anyone
no one
Few pass the interview.
anybody
anything
someone
somebody
something
everything
everybody
everyone
List of Plural Indefinite Pronouns
several, both, few, many
Some of the nail polish is on the
floor.
Some indefinite pronouns
may be singular or
plural, depending on the
object of the preposition.
Some of the pills are on the floor.
List of Indefinite Pronouns That May Be Singular or Plural
some, any, none, all, most