Subject-Verb agreement FOCUS and INSTRUCTIONS

FOCUS Questions : 

FOCUS Questions Key Rules and Examples

FOCUS Point Questions: Collective Nouns & Compound Subjects : 

FOCUS Point Questions: Collective Nouns & Compound Subjects 1. When is a collective noun singular? A collective noun is singular when it refers to the group as one whole. 2. When is a collective noun plural? A collective noun is plural when it refers to each member within the group 3. When is a compound subject singular? A compound subject is singular when the subjects are joined by either…or, OR neither…nor, & the subject closest to the verb is singular. 4. When is a compound subject plural? a. A compound subject is plural when the subjects are joined by –and. b. A compound subject is plural when the subjects are joined by either…or, OR neither…nor, & the subject closest to the verb is plural.

Plural Collective Nounsvs. Singular Collective Nouns : 

Plural Collective Nounsvs. Singular Collective Nouns A collective noun is singular when it refers to thegroup as one whole ~His family is from Italy. ~The committee submits its report. A collective noun is plural when it refers to each member within the group ~His family are getting their haircuts today. ~The committee submit their names.

Compound Subjects : 

Compound Subjects are was

FOCUS QuestionsMany a…, Each…, and Every… : 

FOCUS QuestionsMany a…, Each…, and Every…

--“Many a…” –“Every…” & “Each…”—When a subject begins with many a, every, or each, whether compound or simple, the subject is always considered SINGULAR. : 

--“Many a…” –“Every…” & “Each…”—When a subject begins with many a, every, or each, whether compound or simple, the subject is always considered SINGULAR.

Slide 7: 

FOCUS Questions: Intervening Phrases ~If a singular subject is linked to other nouns by intervening phrases, the subject is still singular. ~”…as well as…” ~”…in addition to…” ~”…together with…” ~”…accompanied by…” ~These five indefinite pronouns are considered singular when the noun that it refers to is singular. ~These five indefinite pronouns are considered plural when the noun that it refers to is plural. ~some ~all ~any ~most ~none

Slide 8: 

Intervening Phrases ~The simple subject is never in a prepositional phrase. ~If a singular subject is linked to other nouns by intervening phrases, the subject is still singular. The students are in the middle school. The front yard is getting mowed today. Ice makes it dangerous to drive. The singer is entertaining the crowd. The band members are riding on the bus.

Indefinite Pronouns : 

Indefinite Pronouns

Slide 10: 

Singular or Plural Indefinite Pronouns

Slide 11: 

FOCUS Questions When the number, percentage or fraction refers to ONE WHOLE AMOUNT or a singular noun the subject is SINGULAR. Mathematics, molasses, and news, require SINGULAR verbs. When the number, percentage or fraction refers to INDIVIDUAL UNITS or a PLURAL NOUN the subject is PLURAL. Scissors, pants, and binoculars require a PLURAL verb. 1. peanut butter and jelly 2. ham and eggs 3. Spaghetti and meatballs All TITLES are considered SINGULAR, even if words within the title are plural.

Slide 12: 

Special Subjects Nouns of Amount ____________________________________ Titles: Star Wars is my favorite movie.

Slide 14: 

Verbs