Rules
What is the basic rule about singular and plural with Subject/Verb Agreement
Singular subjects go with singular verbs
Plural subjects go with plural verbs
What is the basic rule about phrases and clauses that come between a subject and verb?
They can be thrown out - they don't normally affect the verb.
Name two food pairs made in heaven . . .
Peanut butter and jelly
Steak and potatoes
etc.
Why is syntax (the order of words) a Special Problem with Subject Verb Agreement?
Because sometimes the subject will come after the verb.
How are everyone and anyone always used in a sentence?
Singular
What are two words that are singular but end with "s"
Politics, economics, physics, forensics, etc.
What are the two kinds of clauses?
Independent and Dependent
What is the rule about each and every?
They are singular
Which is correct?
Five pounds of coins was scattered.
Five pounds of coins were scattered.
Were - they are physical pieces of metal.
How are Nobody and Somebody always used in a sentence?
Singular
What is the strange fact about the words "I" and "You"
They can be singular in concept, but they are plural with the way they are used in a sentence.
What is the nonessential phrase in the following sentence?
Few of the chosen men are attending the party.
of the chosen men
What is the deal with "collective nouns" like team and family?
In the US, we treat them as singular
Which is correct?
One or two small scratches don't hurt the appearance of the car.
One or two small scratches doesn't hurt the appearance of the car.
Don't
How are Both and Few always used in a sentence?
Plural
What is the rule about either/or and neither/nor?
Whichever noun is closest to the verb dictates if the verb will be singular or plural.
What is the nonessential clause in the following sentence?
Because I attended the party last time, I decided I won't go tonight.
Because I attended the party last time
What is the deal with sums or amounts of money?
They are singular
Every person in the Classics is going to the Finals.
Every person in the Classics are going to the Finals.
Is
How could "all" be used as singular?
Pair it with a noun that cannot be counted.
What is the weird rule with s's with subjects and verbs?
There is an s at the end of plural subjects, but it is at the end of singular verbs. So, our ear only has to hear one "s" if the grammar is correct.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Holly, with the red shoes, will be playing volleyball, and, if available, basketball.
Due to unforeseen circumstances
with the red shoes
if available
Explain how dollars can be singular or plural
Singular if it is the cost
Plural if referred to them as papers
Which is correct?
Softly and strangely sing the ghost pirate.
Softly and strangely sings the ghost pirate.
Sings.
How could "most" be used as plural in a sentence?
Pair it with something plural.