Download agreement - Rowan County Schools

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AGREEMENT RULE 1
When a word refers
to one person or
thing, it is singular
in number. When a
word refers to
more than one, it is
plural in number.
EXERCISE ONE
Number your paper 1-10.
After each number,
write whether the word
is singular or plural.
Lawyer
Bag
3. My
4. Woman
5. Feet
6. Books
7. Ours
8. Weeks
9. Sound
10.Those
1.
2.
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AGREEMENT RULE 2
A verb agrees with
its subject in
number.
(1)Singular Subjects
take singular verbs.
EXAMPLES
My friend likes algebra.
A girl in my
neighborhood plays
in the school band.
(2) Plural subjects take
plural verbs.
EXAMPLES
My friends like algebra.
Several girls in my class
play in the school
band.
Generally, nouns ending
in –s are plural
(friends, girls), but
verbs ending in –s
are singular (likes,
plays).
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AGREEMENT RULE 2
Since the form of the verb used with singular
pronouns I and you is regularly the same as the
plural form, agreement in number presents
problems mainly in third person forms.
SINGULAR
PLURAL
1ST PERSON
I help
We help
2nd PERSON
You help
You help
3rd PERSON
He, she or it helps
They help
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AGREEMENT RULE 2
A verb agrees with
its subject in
number.
(1)Singular Subjects
take singular verbs.
EXAMPLES
My friend likes algebra.
A girl in my neighborhood
plays in the school
band.
(2) Plural subjects take
plural verbs.
EXAMPLES
My friends like algebra.
Several girls in my class
play in the school
band.
EXERCISE TWO
Number your paper 1-10.
Write the verb in
parentheses that agrees
with the subject.
He (was, were)
They (comes, come)
Children (hurries,
hurry)
4. You (has, have)
5. She (is, are)
6. Teachers (does, do)
7. Neighbor (says,
say)
8. It (flies, fly)
9. Players (goes, go)
10.They (looks, look)
1.
2.
3.
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AGREEMENT RULE 3
The number of the
subject is not
changed by a
phrase following
the subject.
Remember that a verb agrees
in number with its subject,
NOT with the object of a
preposition. The subject
is never part of a
prepositional phrase.
Compound prepositions such
as together with, in
addition to, and along with
following the subject do
not affect the number of
the subject.
EXAMPLES
The sign near the glass doors
explains the exhibit.
The paintings of Emilio
Sanchez were hanging in
the gallery.
Anne, together with her
cousins, is backpacking in
Nevada this summer.
Robert, along with Jean and
Tom, has been nominated
for class president.
PREPOSITION
SONG
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AGREEMENT RULE 3
The number of the
subject is not
changed by a
phrase following
the subject.
Remember that a verb agrees
in number with its subject,
NOT with the object of a
preposition. The subject
is never part of a
prepositional phrase.
Compound prepositions such
as together with, in
addition to, and along with
following the subject do
not affect the number of
the subject.
EXERSICE THREE (VERBAL)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
a.
The rules in this textbook are guidelines
for using standard English.
Mastery of these rules leads to
improvement in speaking and writing.
The correct use of verbs is especially
important.
Correct spelling, in addition to correct
usage of verbs, is an essential writing skill.
People in the business world look carefully
at letters of application.
Letters with nonstandard English do not
make a good impression.
Is there a phrase
between the subject
and the verb? (If
so, mark through
it.) Why?
b. What is the subject?
c. What is the verb?
d. Do they agree in
number?
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AGREEMENT RULE 4 - 6
RULE 4:
The following pronouns are
SINGULAR:
each, either, neither,
one, everyone,
everybody, no one,
nobody, anyone,
anybody, someone,
somebody
RULE 5:
The following pronouns are
PLURAL:
several, few, both, many
RULE 6:
The following pronouns may
be either SINGULAR or
PLURAL:
Some, all, most, any, none
Let’s
Practice!!!
How can we tell
which are which?
Singular
Plural
Either
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AGREEMENT RULE 4 - 6
RULE 4:
The following pronouns are
SINGULAR:
each, either, neither,
one, everyone,
everybody, no one,
nobody, anyone,
anybody, someone,
somebody
RULE 5:
The following pronouns are
PLURAL:
several, few, both, many
RULE 6:
The following pronouns may
be either SINGULAR or
PLURAL:
Some, all, most, any, none
EXAMPLES
•







Each of the athletes
runs effortlessly. [each
one runs]
Neither of the women is
ready to start. [neither
one is]
Everyone in my family
has enjoyed the games.
Someone in the
audience was waving a
large flag.
Few of the athletes have
qualified.
Several of the runners
are exercising.
Many on the team
practice daily.
Were both of the games
postponed?
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AGREEMENT RULE 6
RULE 6:
The following pronouns may
be either SINGULAR or
PLURAL:
Some, all, most, any, none
So, how can these
words be either
singular or plural?
These pronouns are singular
when they refer to a
singular word and plural
when they refer to a plural
word.
RULE 6 EXPLANATION
EXAMPLES
Some of the show is
funny. [Some refers to
singular show.]
Some of the entertainers
are funny. [Some refers
to plural entertainers.]
All of the cast looks
young. [It looks.]
All of the performers look
young. [They look.]
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AGREEMENT RULE 6
RULE 6:
The following pronouns may
be either SINGULAR or
PLURAL:
Some, all, most, any, none
So, how can these
words be either
singular or plural?
These pronouns are singular
when they refer to a
singular word and plural
when they refer to a plural
word.
RULE 6 EXPLANATION
EXAMPLES
Most of his jokes sound
familiar. [They sound.]
Was any of the criticism
positive?
Were any of the reviews
positive?
None of the music is
catchy.
None of the tunes are
catchy.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
EXERCISE 5
Complete
Exercise 5.
Fold your paper
in half hotdogstyle when you
are through.
Be quiet and wait
until everyone
is done.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
EXERCISE 5
Complete Practice
over Rules
4,5,and 6
(Indefinite
Pronouns).
Fold your paper
in half hotdogstyle when you
are through.
Be quiet and wait
until everyone
is done.
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RULES 7 AND 8:
THE COMPOUND SUBJECT
RULE 7:
Subjects joined by and take a
plural verb.
The following compound
subjects joined by and
name more than one person
or thing and must take
plural verbs.
EXAMPLES
Leslie Silko and Mari Evans are
poets. [Two persons are]
Imagery and metaphor help poets
express their feelings. [Two
things help.]
If a compound subject names
only one person or thing,
the verb must be singular.
EXAMPLES
My pen pal and best friend is
my cousin. [One person is]
Pumpkin seeds and raisins
makes a tasty snack. [The one
combination makes.]
In the sentences above, the
compound subjects are
thought of as units (one
person, one snack) and are
therefore singular.
Rule 8: Singular subjects
joined by or or nor take a
singular verb.
EXAMPLES
After dinner, either Anne or
Tony loads the dishwasher.
[Either Anne or Tony loads the
dishwasher, not both.]
Neither the coach nor the
principal is happy with the
team’s performance. [Neither
one is happy.]
PRACTICE:
EXERCISE 6
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RULES 9:
THE COMPOUND SUBJECT
RULE 9:
When a singular
subject and a
plural subject
are joined by or
or nor, the verb
agrees with the
subject nearer
the verb.
ACCEPTABLE:
Neither the losers nor
the winner was happy
with the outcome of
the match.
ACCEPTABLE:
Neither the winner
nor the losers were
happy with the
outcome of the
match.
Study for Quiz over
these rules.
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RULES 10:
RULE 10:
Don’t and Doesn’t
must agree with
their subjects.
With the subjects I
and you and with
plural subjects,
use don’t (do
not).
With other
subjects, use the
singular doesn’t
(does not).
EXERCISE 8
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
She _____ influence
me.
This _____ taste
sweet.
He says he ______
want to play.
These _____ impress
me.
It _____ look like
snow.
One of them _____
plan to go.
They _____ want to
help.
Harold _____ know
about the party.
One of you _____
have the right
answer.
Dorothy and Elise
_____ like the new
band uniforms.
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RULE 11
COLLECTIVE NOUNS:
RULE 11:
Collective nouns
may be either
singular or
plural.
Collective nouns
are singular in
form, but they
name a group of
persons or
things.
EXAMPLES
Group
Club
Flock
Swarm
Jury
Audience
Class
Faculty
Committee
Family
Herd
Public
Army
Assembly
Team
Feet
Collective nouns are used
with plural verbs when
the speaker or writer is
referring to the individual
parts or members of the
group acting separately.
They are used with
singular verbs when the
statement refers to the
group acting together as
a unit.
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RULE 11
COLLECTIVE NOUNS:
RULE 11:
Collective nouns
may be either
singular or
plural.
Collective nouns
are singular in
form, but they
name a group of
persons or
things.
EXAMPLES
The class has elected its officers.
[Class is thought of as a unit.]
The class have completed their
projects.
[Class is thought of as
individuals.]
USAGE NOTE:
Be sure that any pronoun
referring to the collective
noun has the same number
as the noun (its in the first
example above, their in the
second.
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RULE 11
COLLECTIVE NOUNS:
RULE 11:
Collective nouns
may be either
singular or
plural.
Collective nouns
are singular in
form, but they
name a group of
persons or
things.
EXERCISE 9
WRITING SENTENCES
WITH COLLECTIVE
NOUNS.
Select five collective nouns
and write five pairs of
sentences showing clearly
how the nouns you choose
may be either singular or
plural.
EXAMPLE
1. The jury is ready.
The jury are still arguing
about themselves.
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RULE 12
PREDICATE NOMINATIVES:
RULE 12:
A verb agrees with
its subject, not
with its predicate
nominative.
The predicate
nominative is
a noun or pronoun
which follows the
verb and describes
or renames the
subject. It is
another way of
naming the subject.
It follows a linking
verb.
When the predicate
nominative and the
subject are of
different numbers,
you should always
remember that the
verb agrees with its
subject.
STANDARD
The marching bands are
the main attraction.
STANDARD
The main attraction is
the marching bands.
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RULE 13
INVERTED ORDER:
RULE 13:
When the subject
follows the verb,
as in sentences
beginning with
there and here
and in questions,
be careful to
determine the
subject and make
sure that the verb
agrees with it.
Each of the following
subjects agrees with its
verb.
EXAMPLES
 Here is a list of
addresses.
 Here are two lists of
addresses.
 There is my notebook.
 There are my notebooks.
 Where is Helen? Where is
Walter?
 Where are Helen and
Walter?
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RULE 13
INVERTED ORDER:
Contractions
such as here’s,
where’s, how’s,
and what’s
include the
contracted
form of is. Do
not use one of
these
contractions
unless a
singular
subject follows
it.
NONSTANDARD
There’s some
important
announcements on the
bulletin board.
STANDARD
There are some
important
announcements on
the bulletin board.
STANDARD
There’s a bulletin
board covered with
important
announcements.
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RULE 14
WORDS STATING AMOUNT
Words stating
amount are
usually
singular.
A word or group of
words stating a
weight, a
measurement, or an
amount of money or
time is usually
considered as one
item and takes a
singular verb.
EXAMPLES
Twenty dollars is
too much for
concert tickets.
Two hours is a long
time to wait.
Three fourths of
the show is over.
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RULE 14
WORDS STATING AMOUNT
Words stating
amount are
usually
singular.
Sometimes, however,
the amount is
thought of as
individual pieces or
parts. If so, a
plural verb is used.
EXAMPLES
Five of the dollars
were borrowed.
Two of the hours
were spent in line.
Three fourths of
the songs are
new.
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RULE 15
TITLES
The title of a
work of art,
literature, or
music, even
when plural in
form, takes a
singular verb.
In the examples,
notice that each
title, as the subject,
takes a singular
verb, since it is only
one work of art.
EXAMPLES
Great Expectations
is one of my favorite
novels. [one book]
Blue Lines is an early
painting by Georgia
O’Keefe. [one work
of art]
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RULE 16
EVERY AND MANY A
Every or many
a before a
subject calls
for a singular
verb.
EXAMPLES
Every homeowner
and storekeeper
has joined the
clean-up drive.
Many a litterbug
was surprised by
the stiff fines.
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RULE 17
THE EXCEPTION
A few nouns,
although
plural in form,
take a
singular verb.
Some nouns end in s
yet are considered
singular in meaning.
The word news, for
example, takes a
singular verb.
EXAMPLES
The news of the
nominee for VicePresident was a
surprise to many
observers.
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RULE 17
THE EXCEPTION
A few nouns,
although
plural in form,
take a
singular verb.
Names of certain
diseases also end in
s but are singular
nouns:
measles, mumps,
rickets
EXAMPLES
Rickets is a serious
problem in some
countries.
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RULE 17
THE EXCEPTION
A few nouns,
although
plural in form,
take a
singular verb.
Words ending in –ics
are generally used
with a singular verb:
athletics,
mathematics,
physics, civics,
economics, politics.
EXAMPLES
Politics is a
controversial topic