BASIC SUBJECT-VERB BASIC SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENTAGREEMENT

By: Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar http://www.kau.edu.sa/SBANJER http://wwwdrshadiabanjar.blogspot.com

1Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar

THE BASIC PRINCIPLE

The basic principle behind subject-verb subject-verb agreementagreement is that a singular subject needs a singular verb whereas a plural subject needs a plural verb.

Singular sub. + Singular v. Pl. sub + Pl. v.

2Dr. Shadia Y. Banjar

VERBSUBJECT

=Person Number

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Verb + -s/-es = 3Verb + -s/-es = 3rdrd person singular in the person singular in the simple present tense.simple present tense.

noun + -s/-es = pluralnoun + -s/-es = plural

SINGULAR SINGULAR VERBVERB

PLURAL VERBPLURAL VERB

My My friendfriend livelives s in Boston.in Boston.

My My friendfriendss livelive in Boston.in Boston.

My brother and sister live in Boston.My brother, sister, and cousin live in Boston.

Two or more subjects connected by Two or more subjects connected by and require a plural verb.require a plural verb.

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Every Every man, woman, and child needs needs lovelove..Each Each book and magazine is is listed in the card listed in the card

catalog.catalog.

EXCEPTION:EXCEPTION: EVERY AND EACHEVERY AND EACH

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Every and each are always followed by singular nouns.When there are two or more nouns connected with and the verb is singular

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SINGULAR VERBSINGULAR VERB PLURAL VERBPLURAL VERBThat That bookbook on on political parties political parties isis interesting.interesting.

The The bookbook I bought I bought at the bookstore at the bookstore waswas expensive expensive

The The ideasideas in That in That book book areare interesting.interesting.

The The booksbooks I I bought at the bought at the bookstore bookstore werewere expensiveexpensive

Interrupting structures do not affect basic subject-verb agreement

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Gerund

Subject

A singular Verb is required.

Growing flowers is her hobby.

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