: CHAPTER TWO ',
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When we say that a subject and verb must agree in number, we mean that
both must be sin~ar or both must be plural. Teaming'a singular verb with a
plural subject or a plural 'v erb with a singular subject is an error in agreement.
Although our ears will tell us that "We likes novels" is notcorrect, there are
several type,s of tricky sentences in which our ears are an unsafe guide. We ' may make the mistake of fitting our verb to the wrong word or failing to
recognize which form of the verb is singular and which is plural. The purpose of this chapter is to put you on your guard when using sentences that often
lead to a singular-plural mix-up.
Some people have trouble recognizing which form of a verb in the present tense is
singular and which form is plural.
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, Remember that we don't make a verb plural by adding an s, as
10 with nouns.
' On the contrary, we add an s to a verb in the present tense to form the third person
'Singular-the form of the verb we use when talking about one other person or thing
(Carol works; water freezes; he lives; it floats).
,
The verb don't means "do not" It is always plural in the third person (they don't,'
stores den't). Be sure to use deesn't when making any statement about one other person
'
or thing (Fred doesn't,' she doesn't,' the food doesn't).
EXERCISE Wh~rev~t a prepositional phrase follows the subject, draw a line
through it so that it won't mislead you. Then underline the verb (or helping verb) that
agrees in number with the subject (Add 5 points for each C01.Tect senten~.)
,
A. One of the sleeves (look, ~) too short. B. The biggest bargain (iJ, are) the raincoats.
1.
The operation of these machines (is, are) very simple.
2. A rewwords of encouragement (helps, help) one to succeed.
3.
7
LESSON
A common antidote for many poisons (is, are) egg whites . .
4. (Has, Have) one of the two
th~aters been closed?
5. The new tires (was, were) my biggest expense.
Keep Your Eye on the Subject! 6. My biggest expense (was', were) the new tires. After the subject of a sentence, we often use a prepositional phrase to modify it A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition plus the noun or pronoun that is its
object.
EXAMPLES in the kitchen
with his friends
of them
on the letter
from my cousin
between the schools One (of the windows)
~
10. One cause 'of traffic congestion (is, are) poor planni.ng.
, 11. Mr. Babinski with his wife (operates, operate) a garage.
12. Weather in the nineties (discourages, discourage) str~!nUOUS work. '
13. One of the mempers (supplies, supply) refreshnien1l; for each meeting.
open. ("One is"-not "windows are") The camera (with all its accessories) sells for $50.
14. The proceeds from the concert (goes, go) to charity, ("camera sells" -not "accessories sell")
15. Their greatest concern (is, are) their children. ---
--
The characters (in this novel) hold your interest ' 16. The results of the ~lection (was, were) a tribute t(l Shirley Chisholm.
("characters hold" -not "novel holds")
17. The symptoms of tuberculosis (is, are) easy to detect.
A verb agrees in number with its subject, not with a subject complement
that may follow it.
EXAMPLES 8. The price of diamonds (dep~nds, depend) on ,their slize and quality.
9: Paints (is, are) Judy's only extravagance. A verb agrees in number with its subject, not with a noun or pronoun in
a phrase that follows the subject.
EXAMPLES 7. One of the wheels (doesn't, don't) turn freely.
fruit~
19. One of the letters (has, have) fallen off the sign.
20. ~ot ~ single manuscript of Shakespeare's plays (eXi!sts, exist) tod~y.
Apples are my favorite fruit. (Apples, not fruit, is the subject) ,
My favorite
18. , Our main annoyance (was, were) the mosquitoes.
apples. (Now fruit, not apples, is the subject)
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III each sentence below, cross out the prepositional phrase, find the
subject, and select the appropriate verb from the choice in parentheses. Then write the
subject and verb iJ~ the space provided. (Add 10 points for each correct sentence.) ,
EX E R CIS E A
.. . .V~~ ....
6. The fibers of the wood (is, are) then crushed.
7. Neither of the girls (plays, play) the piano.
A. One of th@ pap@r cups (was, were) leaking.
8. A few of your friends (were, was) here.
1. Cosmic rays in this room (is, are) striking us right
now.
2. The cause of her troubles (was, were) apparent.
9. The length of these boats (are, is) twenty feet.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10. (Is, Are) one of these notebooks yours?
3. Each of you (has, have) heard this legend.
4. (Do, Does) either of the girls own a bicycle?
5. Everyone in my class (knows, know) that!
Underline the subject and the verb in each of the following
sentences. If the vetb agrees in number with the subject place a plus ( +) before the
sentence. If the ve:rb does not agree with the subject, place a zero (0) before the
sentence and correct the verb. (Add 5 points for each correctly marked sentence.)
EXERCISE B
Write a plus (+) before each correct sentence; write a zero (0)
before each sentence containing an error in agree~ent. Correct each error by crossing
it out and writing the correct form above it. (Add 5 points for each correctly marked
sentence.)
EXERCISE C
+
A. Neither of the boys played his best game.
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B. One of the boys lost -their money.
1. A person is always pleased when you laugh at their jokes.
1. Merchandise on the lower shelves was damaged by flood water.
2. Neither of the children know how to swim.
2. Neither of the reports are clearly written.
3. Each of Cicely Tyson's roles ·is demanding..
3. Notonri! of the ,bills were counterfeit.
4. Ask Lisa and Francesca for their opinions.
4. Both sentences in the paragraph say the same thing.
5. Only a brave person would risk their life in such a heavy sea.
5. A few members of the band was not in unifonn.
6. The trial of the three suspects has been postponed.
6. Neither of the rugs lie flat.
7. Neither Lee rior Bob would reveal their plans. 7. Every Cine of these planes carries fifty passengerS.
8.. I think nobody could do this job by themselves. 8. Only om.e of us have a catcher's mitt.
9. Some of the motorists want a change in the driving laws.
9. All of our supplies were bought at the supermarket.
10. Cora,
a:~ong
with the other freshmen, take gym three times a week.
10. Here's some ballots that have not been counted.
11. Bread and cheese was a customary noon meal.
11. Some members of the team have played professionally.
12. Each of her grandparents live alone.
12. Each of us were acting selfishly.
13. One of her daughters looks exactly like her.
13. Some kinds of shellfish tastes delicious.
14. Both women, when challenged, showed their true character.
14. Each of the organizations have a faculty sponsor.
15. Every one of the games were close.
15. Frank, along with the other students, enjoys this kind of work.
16. Anybody can build their own boat with this kit.
16. Has some of the students already returned?
17. Do either Carmen or Nonna have a driver's license?
17. Traffic on the parkways seems heavy today.
18. The bottom of these cans is made of steel.
18. Empty seats on the bus is rare.
19. Jill or Peg will bring her record player.
19. T
20. We learned not to ask either of the nurses abc
lorks of this writer have always been popular.
20. One of those davs was rainv.
riences.
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REVIEW EXERCISE Underline the subject in each sentt:nce below. Then circle
the correct one ofthe two verbs in parentheses. (Add 5 points fior each correct answer.)
1. One of the most popular literary forms (is, are) the mystery.
EXERCISE A In the following sentences the subject comes after here, there, or
where. Underline the subject and notice whether it is singular or plural. If the verb
agrees with the subject, place a plus ( +) before the sentence. If the subject and verb
do not agree, place a zero (0) before the sentence. Then cross out the incorrect verb
and write. the correct fonn above it. (Add 10 points for each correctly marked
sentence.)
1. Where's Sheila and Julia?
2. Here are the girls.
3. There are numbers on all the parts to be cleaned.
4. Here's some more parts that must be numbered.
5. Where's that yellow chalk?
6. Where are the gasoline and clean rags?
7. There's the rags on that shelf.
8. Where is the bolt that fits here?
9. There's no 'numbers on these cleaned parts!
10. Here's the reason.
EX ERe IS E B The subjects in the following sentences are collective nouns. Think
about the meaning of the sentence. Ask yourself whether the collective noun is
thought of as a unit or as individuals. Then draw a line under the correct verb. (Add 10
points for each correct answer.)
1. A squadron of navy planes (were, was) flying overhead.
2. Ourherd of Ayrshire cattle (is, are) the largest in the state.
3. The class (was, were) not in their seats when the bell rang.
4. The flock of wild geese flying above us (were, was) a beautiful sight.
5. Behind closed doors the jury (were, was) arguing among themselves.
6. The committee (was, were) angered by our refusal of its offer.
7. The faculty (are, is) not in agreement with one another.
8. The club (meet, meets) every Friday.
9. The entire team (has, have) been declared ineligible.
10. A group of pilots (was, were) discussing the weather among themselves.
. 2. The first mysteries in English (was, were) written hy Wilkie Collins.
3. The Moonstone, the most successful of Collins' novels, (was, were) written
in 1868.
4. Its plot complications and involvements (is, are)
f~iScinating
to readers.
5. Edgar Allan Poe, author of short stories, poems, and essays, (is, are)
credited with developing the character of the modem detective.
6. The solution 'to the crimes (is, are) found by M. Dup.in through ratiocina­
tion, or the process of logical thinking.
7. Neither the stories of Collins nor those of Poe (is, are) as widely read as
those of Arthur Conan Doyle.
8. The facts of the case (presents, present) an elementary solution to his
inimitable detective, Sherlock Holmes.
9. (Has, Have) either England or the United States produced a current
mystery writer as much in the reading public's faVJor as Conan Doyle?
10. (Is, Are) there anyone who has not read or seen a movie version of at least
one mystery by Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayers?
EXERCISE The following sentences contain compound subjects. In some of the
sentences the verb and subject agree. In others, they do not ~lgree. Place a plus (+)
before the correct sentences and a zero (0) before the incorrect sentences. Then cross '
out each incorrect verb and write the correct form above it. (Add 10 points for each
correctly marked sentence.)
1. Either Felicia or Ellen is planning a hobo party.
2. Both Dot and Avery have suggested a wiener roast.
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_. 3. Harry or Bea trice always lead our class discu~)sions.
4. Either Jan or Alison are going to meet us. . 5. Have either Andrea or Edna spoken to you? 6. The winner and new champion is Lynn Contrucci!
7. The team and the coach has already left.
8. Franks and beans is a popular Saturday night meal.
9. Bob and Glenda probably has the directions.
10. Neither her books nor her papers was recovereo.
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EX E R CIS E A Circle the subject of each verb in parentheses; tl- -"'{elect the correct
verb within the parentheses and write it in the space at the left. (
ppoints for each
correct answer.)
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EXERCISE A In the sentences in this exercise, the pronouns and their antecedents
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are printed in italics. Draw a line through each pronoun that does not agree with its
antecedent and write the correct pronoun above it. (Add 10 points for each correctly
marked sentence.)
A. (Does, Do)
§yon~ have
any ideas for the freshman class
party?
1. There (is, are) several themes that have been suggested.
2. If one of them (is, are) chosen today, we can start making
1. If you see either of my sisters, ask them to call me.
plans.
2. Remember to correct the pronouns that do not agree with their ante­
3. The best of the themes suggested (is, are) characters from
cedents.
movies.
3. Neither student has completed their assignment.
4. Everyone wore their costume to the party.
4. The members of the committee (has, have) chosen this idea.
5. Not one of my friends asked his parents.
5. Lloyd and Ted (is, are) making pioneer costumes.
6. Each of the dogs was looking for its trainer.
6. Either Pilar or Rona (wants, want) to go as Dorothy.
7. Anyone who thought that deserved what they got.
7. Several students in my homeroom (is, are) dressing as munch­
kins.
8. Neither of them would lend me their book.
8. Even the faculty (is, are) designing their own costumes.
9. A student should accept her responsibilities.
9. The teachers in the science department (is, are) coming as
10. Nobody in the class has done their assignment very well.
monsters from science fiction movies.
EXERCISE B Fill the blank in each of the following sentences with a pronoun
which will agree with its antecedent. Draw a line under the antecedent. (Add 10 points
for each correct sentence.)
10. Everybody in the math department (is, are) dressing as a
.
k ... skates.
.
B. Only one of the girls brought . .k
.... tennis racket.
robot.
A. Everyone brought . ..
1. Many of the parents voiced . . ....... .. opinions. EXERCISE B Circle the antecedentes) in each sentence. Then select the correct
pronoun from the pair in parentheses and write it in the space provided. (Add 5 points
for each correct answer.)
2. No one wanted ... . ....... name mentioned in the paper. . . ~.
.
A. \fveryo® there offered (his, their) help.
3. Each student was given a locker for .. . .. .... .. equipment.
1. Nan and Aretha boltght (her, their) own tickets.
4. If everyone had . . ....... . . way, we'd never get anything done. 2. She or Sally will lend you (her, their) books.
5. Both Mrs. Larson and Mr. Feldman took ...... .. ... classes on a trip.
3. One of the men forgot to bring (his, their) tools.
6. Everybody said what . . ..... . . . . thought.
4. The head of the detective team proposed (her, their) solution.
7. Neither wanted to have ...... . .... picture taken.
5. Each new student has a guide assigned to (him, them).
8. Some of the group expressed ....... . ... opinions quite frankly. 6. Both of the girls had (her, their) notes handy.
9. Both the carpenter and the welder finished ........... work yesterday. 7. Neither of the boys finished (his, their) job. .
10. A person should be careful of . . . . . . . . . . . English.
8. All citizens should accept (his, their) responsibilities.
9. Few boys on the team did (their, his) best.
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EXERCISE A In the sentences in this exercise, the pronouns and their antecedents
are printed in italics. Draw a line through each pronoun that does not agree with its
antecedent and write the correct pronoun above it. (Add 10 points for each correctly
marked sentence.)
EX ERC IS E A Circle the subject of each verb in parentheses; t1- -\~elect the correct
verb within the parentheses and write it in the space at the left (
J5 points for each
correct answer.)
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A. (Does, Do)
§yon~ have
any ideas for the freshman class
party?
1. There (is, are) several themes that have been suggested.
2. If one of them (is, are) chosen today, we can start making
1. If you see either of my sisters, ask them to call me.
plans.
2. Remember to correct the pronouns that do not agree with their ante­
3. The best of the themes suggested (is, are) characters from
cedents.
movies.
3. Neither student has completed their assignment.
4. Everyone wore their costume to the party.
4. The members of the committee (has, have) chosen this idea.
5. Not one of my friends asked his parents.
5. Lloyd and Ted (is, are) making pioneer costumes.
6. Each of the dogs was looking for its trainer.
6. Either Pilar or Rona (wants, want) to go as Dorothy.
7. Anyone who thought that deserved what they got.
7. Several students in my homeroom (is, are) dressing as munch­
kins.
8. Neither of them would lend me their book.
8. Even the faculty (is, are) designing their own costumes.
9. A student should accept her responsibilities.
9. The teachers in the science department (is, are) coming as
10. Nobody in the class has done their assignment very well.
EXERCISE B Fill the blank in each of the following sentences with a pronoun
which will agree with its antecedent. Draw a line under the antecedent. (Add 10 points
for each correct sentence.)
k ... skates.
A. Everyone brought ...
k .... tennis racket.
B. Only one of the girls brought . .
1. Many of the parents voiced ... . . .. .. .. opinions.
2. No one wanted ........... name mentioned in the paper. monsters from science fiction movies.
. . . . . . . .. 10. Everybody in the math department (is, are) dressing as a
robot.
EXERCISE B Circle the antecedent(s) in each sentence. Then select the correct
pronoun from the pair in parentheses and write it in the space provided. (Add 5 points
for each correct answer.)
. . ~.
.
A. (gveryo§> there offered (his, their) help.
3. Each student was given a locker for .. ........ . equipment. 1. Nan and Aretha bOlfght (her, their) own tickets.
4. If everyone had ........... way, we'd never get anything done. 2. She or Sally will lend you (her, their) books.
5. Both Mrs. Larson and Mr. Feldman took . . .. . . .. ... classes on a trip.
3. One of the men forgot to bring (his, their) tools.
6. Everybody said what .... .. ..... thought.
4. The head of the detective team proposed (her, their) solution.
7. Neither wanted to have .. ......... picture taken. 5. Each new student has a guide assigned to (him, them).
8. Some of the group expressed . ....... . .. opinions quite frankly. 6. Both of the girls had (her, their) notes handy.
9. Both the carpenter and the welder finished . ... .... ... work yesterday.
7. Neither of the boys finished (his, their) job..
10. A person should be careful of . . . . . . . . . . . English.
8. All citizens should accept (his, their) responsibilities.
9. Few boys on the team did (their, his) best.
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EX E R CIS E A In the sentences in this exercise, the pronouns and their antecedents
are printed in italics. Draw a line through each pronoun that does not agree with its
antecedent and write the correct pronoun above it. (Add 10 points for each correctly
marked sentence.)
1. If you see either of my sisters, ask them to call me.
EXERCISE A Circle the subject of each verb in parentheses; t1---'\~elect the correct
p points for each
verb within the parentheses and write it in the space at the left. (
correct answer.)
.u.~.
A. (Does, Do)
@lyon~ have
any ideas for the freslunan class
party?
1. There (is, are) several themes that have been suggested.
2. If one of them (is, are) chosen today, we can start making
2. Remember to correct the pronouns that do not agree with their ante­
plans.
3. The best of the themes suggested (is, are) characters from
cedents.
movies.
3. Neither student has completed their assignment.
4. Everyone wore their costume to the party.
4. The members of the committee (has, have) chosen this idea.
5. Not one of my friends asked his parents.
5. Lloyd and Ted (is, are) making pioneer costumes.
6. Each of the dogs was looking for its trainer.
6. Either Pilar or Rona (wants, want) to go as Dorothy.
7. Anyone who thought that deserved what they got.
7. Several students in my homeroom (is, are) dressing as munch­
kins.
8. Neither of them would lend me their book.
8. Even the faculty (is, are) designing their own costumes.
9. A student should accept her responsibilities.
10. Nobody in the class has done their assignment very well.
EXERCISE B Fill the blank in each of the following sentences with a pronoun
which will agree with its antecedent. Draw a line under the antecedent. (Add 10 points
for each correct sentence.)
A. Everyone brought
,.,~ ...
skates.
9. The teachers in the science department (is, are) coming as
monsters from science fiction movies.
.. . ..... . 10. Everybody in the math department (is, are) dressing as a
robot.
.
k ... . tennis racket.
B. Only one of the girls brought . .
1. Many of the parents voiced ... .. , .... . opinions.
2. No one wanted, .... .. .... name mentioned in the paper.
EXERCISE B Circle the antecedent(s) in each sentence. Then select the correct
pronoun from the pair in parentheses and write it in the space provided. (Add 5 points
for each correct answer.)
. . ~.. A. \§:veryo§> there offered (his, their) help.
3. Each student was given a locker for ., , .. , . , , . . equipment.
1. Nan and Aretha boqght (her, their) own tickets.
4. If everyone had ... , ....... way, we'd never get anything done. 2. She or Sally will lend you (her, their) books.
5. Both Mrs. Larson and Mr. Feldman took . , . .. , . .. , . classes on a trip.
3. One of the men forgot to bring (his, their) tools.
6. Everybody said what ......... , ' thought. 4. The head of the detective team proposed (her, their) solution.
7. Neither wanted to have .. , .. . , , ... picture taken.
5. Each new student has a guide assigned to (him, them).
8. Some of the group expressed ........... opinions quite frankly. 6. Both of the girls had (her, their) notes handy.
9. Both the carpenter and the welder finished . ........ . . work yesterday. 7. Neither of the boys finished (his, their) job. .
10. A person should be careful of . . . . . . . . . . . English.
8. All citizens should accept (his, their) responsibilities.
9. Few boys on the team did (their, his) best.
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