Certainly! Here’s an introduction for your “Subject-Verb Agreement Worksheet”. Understanding subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of writing and speaking in English. It ensures that sentences are clear, grammatically correct, and convey your intended message accurately.
In this worksheet, we will explore the rules and principles of subject-verb agreement, equipping you with the knowledge and practice you need to master this essential skill.
Proper subject-verb agreement is not only a hallmark of good communication but also a key factor in achieving fluency in English. Whether you’re writing an essay, sending an email, or engaging in everyday conversation, knowing how to match subjects with their corresponding verbs is crucial.
In this worksheet, we’ll start with the basics, such as identifying subjects and verbs in sentences. We’ll then delve into singular and plural subjects, irregular verbs, and special cases that require your attention. By the end of this exercise, you’ll be better equipped to construct sentences that flow smoothly and clearly express your ideas.
So, let’s embark on this journey to sharpen your subject-verb agreement skills. Through examples, explanations, and practice exercises, you’ll gain the confidence to write and speak with precision. Let’s get started!
Identifying Subjects and Verbs
In order to master subject-verb agreement, it’s essential to first identify the subjects and verbs within a sentence. The subject is what or whom the sentence is about, and the verb is the action or state of being performed by the subject. Let’s begin by practising how to recognize them.
Example 1:
Sentence: The cat sleeps.
Subject: The cat (singular)
Verb: sleeps (singular)
Example 2:
Sentence: The dogs bark.
Subject: The dogs (plural)
Verb: bark (plural)
Exercise 3:
Identify the subjects and verbs in the following sentences:
She sings beautifully.
The birds chirped loudly.
The book on the shelf is interesting.
They were running in the park.
Once you’re comfortable identifying subjects and verbs, we’ll move on to understanding how they should agree in terms of numbers (singular or plural). Let’s continue sharpening these skills!
Singular and Plural Subjects
ts” for your “Subject-Verb Agreement Worksheet”:
Section 2: Singular and Plural Subjects
Now that you’ve learned how to identify subjects and verbs, let’s explore the concept of subject-verb agreement with regard to singular and plural subjects.
Singular Subjects:
In sentences with singular subjects, the verb should also be in singular form. This means that the verb must match the subject in number.
Example 1:
Sentence: The dog barks.
Subject: The dog (singular)
Verb: barks (singular)
Plural Subjects:
In sentences with plural subjects, the verb should be in plural form. Again, the verb must agree in number with the subject.
Example 2:
Sentence: The dogs bark.
Subject: The dogs (plural)
Verb: bark (plural)
Exercise 3:
Determine whether the following sentences have singular or plural subjects, and ensure that the verbs agree in number with their subjects:
She dances gracefully.
The students study diligently.
The car runs smoothly.
The children play in the garden.
By practising with singular and plural subjects, you’ll become more adept at maintaining subject-verb agreement in your writing and speech. Let’s continue building on this foundation!
Subject-Verb Agreement Rules
Certainly! Here’s a section on “Subject-Verb Agreement Rules” for your “Subject-Verb Agreement Worksheet”:
Subject-verb agreement is governed by several important rules that help ensure the harmony between subjects and verbs in a sentence. Understanding these rules is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences. Let’s explore some of the most common subject-verb agreement rules:
Rule 1: Singular Subjects with Singular Verbs
When you have a singular subject, it should be paired with a singular verb.
Example: *The dog barks.*
Rule 2: Plural Subjects with Plural Verbs
Plural subjects should be matched with plural verbs.
Example: The cats meow.
Rule 3: Compound Subjects
– When two or more subjects are connected by “and,” use a plural verb.
– Example: *Tom and Jerry are friends.*
Rule 4: Compound Subjects with “or” or “nor”
When subjects are connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Example: Neither the cat nor the dog is hungry.
Rule 5: Collective Nouns
Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, committee) can be singular or plural, depending on whether they are acting as a single unit or as individuals. Consider the context.
Example 1: *The team is playing well.* (Singular)
Example 2: *The team are arguing among themselves.* (Plural)
Rule 6: Indefinite Pronouns
Some indefinite pronouns are singular (e.g., everyone, somebody) and require a singular verb, while others are plural (e.g., both, many) and require a plural verb.
Example 1: Everyone is here. (Singular)
Example 2: Many have tried. (Plural)
Rule 7: Agreement with “Each” and “Every”
“Each” and “every” are always singular and require singular verbs.
Example: Each of the students has a textbook.
Rule 8: Agreement with Quantities
When a quantity, such as “a lot,” “a majority,” or “many,” is the subject, the verb should agree with the noun that follows the quantity.
Example: A lot of people are attending the event.
Understanding and applying these subject-verb agreement rules will significantly enhance your ability to write clear and grammatically correct sentences. Practice and reinforcement of these rules will lead to improved communication skills.
Subject-Verb Agreement Worksheet Exercises
Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (singular or plural) to make each sentence grammatically correct.
The cat and the dog __________ playing in the yard.
Answer: are
Every student in the class __________ a textbook.
Answer: has
The team of athletes __________ their best at the competition.
Answer: is
None of the pizza __________ left.
Answer: is
Both the teacher and the students __________ excited about the field trip.
Answer: are
Many of the apples __________ ripe and ready to be picked.
Answer: are
Neither the cake nor the cookies __________ sweet enough.
Answer: are
The herd of cows __________ peacefully in the field.
Answer: is
My favorite color __________ blue.
Answer: is
The concert tickets __________ selling quickly.
Answer: are
The group of musicians __________ rehearsing for hours.
a. has
b. have
Answer: a. has
Neither Sarah nor her friends __________ to the party.
a. is coming
b. are coming
Answer: b. are coming
Many of the flowers __________ in the garden.
a. is blooming
b. are blooming
Answer: b. are blooming
Each of the cookies __________ delicious.
a. taste
b. tastes
Answer: b. tastes
| These exercises will help students practice subject-verb agreement by filling in the blanks with the appropriate verb form, reinforcing their understanding of this important grammar concept. |