{"id":363,"date":"2015-04-21T00:32:49","date_gmt":"2015-04-21T04:32:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/chapter\/2-2-subject-verb-agreement\/"},"modified":"2021-01-13T12:19:19","modified_gmt":"2021-01-13T17:19:19","slug":"2-2-subject-verb-agreement","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/chapter\/2-2-subject-verb-agreement\/","title":{"raw":"2.2 Subject-Verb Agreement","rendered":"2.2 Subject-Verb Agreement"},"content":{"raw":"<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_n01\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title\">Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_l01\" class=\"orderedlist\">\r\n \t<li>Define subject-verb agreement.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Identify common errors in subject-verb agreement.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">In the workplace and especially in public relations, you want to present a professional image. Grammatical mistakes in your writing or even in speaking can make a negative impression on coworkers, clients, and potential employers. Subject-verb agreement is one of the most common errors that people make. Having a solid understanding of this concept is critical when making a good impression, and it will help ensure that your ideas are communicated clearly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Agreement<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_p01\" class=\"para editable block\"><span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">Agreement<\/a><\/span> in speech and in writing refers to the proper grammatical match between words and phrases. Parts of sentences must <span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">agree<\/a><\/span>, or correspond with other parts, in number, person, case, and preferred pronouns (e.g. they, he, she).<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_n01\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\r\n<ul id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_l01\" class=\"itemizedlist\">\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Number.<\/strong> All parts must match in singular or plural forms.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Person.<\/strong> All parts must match in first person (<em class=\"emphasis\">I<\/em>), second person (<em class=\"emphasis\">you<\/em>), or third person (<em class=\"emphasis\">he, she, it, they<\/em>) forms.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Case.<\/strong> All parts must match in subjective (<em class=\"emphasis\">I, you, he, she, it, they, we<\/em>), objective (<em class=\"emphasis\">me, her, him, them, us<\/em>), or possessive (<em class=\"emphasis\">my, mine, your, yours, his, her, hers, their, theirs, our, ours<\/em>) forms. For more information on pronoun case agreement, see <a class=\"xref\" href=\"\/?p=188#fresh-ch02_s05_s01\">Section 2.5.1 \"Pronoun Agreement\"<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Gender.<\/strong> All parts must match the preferred pronouns of the people being written about.<a href=\"https:\/\/apastyle.apa.org\/blog\/singular-they\"> APA Style recently welcomed the use of singular \"they.\"<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_p02\" class=\"para\">Subject-verb agreement describes the proper match between subjects and verbs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_p03\" class=\"para editable block\">Because subjects and verbs are either singular or plural, the subject of a sentence and the verb of a sentence must agree with each other in number. That is, a singular subject belongs with a singular verb form, and a plural subject belongs with a plural verb form. For more information on subjects and verbs, see <a class=\"xref\" href=\"\/?p=127\">Section 2.1 \"Sentence Writing\"<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> The <u>cat<\/u> <em>jumps<\/em> over the fence.\r\n<b>Plural:<\/b> The <u>cats<\/u> <em>jump<\/em> over the fence.<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Regular Verbs<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p01\" class=\"para editable block\"><span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">Regular verbs<\/a><\/span> follow a predictable pattern. For example, in the third person singular, regular verbs always end in <em class=\"emphasis\">-s<\/em>. Other forms of regular verbs do not end in <em class=\"emphasis\">-s.<\/em> Study the following regular verb forms in the present tense. Please note that \"they\" can be used in either a singular or plural form depending on context.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"informaltable block\">\r\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th><\/th>\r\n<th>Singular Form<\/th>\r\n<th>Plural Form<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">First Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>I live.<\/td>\r\n<td>We live.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Second Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>You live.<\/td>\r\n<td>You live.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Third Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>He\/She\/They\/It live<strong class=\"emphasis bold\">s<\/strong>.<\/td>\r\n<td>They live.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> I <em>read<\/em> every day.\r\n<b>Plural:<\/b> <u>We<\/u> <em>read<\/em> every day.<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p03\" class=\"para editable block\">In these sentences, the verb form stays the same for the first person singular and the first person plural.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> <u>You<\/u> <em>stretch<\/em> before you go to bed.\r\n<b>Plural:<\/b> <u>You<\/u> <em>stretch<\/em> before every game.<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p04\" class=\"para editable block\">In these sentences, the verb form stays the same for the second person singular and the second person plural. In the singular form, the pronoun <em class=\"emphasis\">you<\/em> refers to one person. In the plural form, the pronoun <em class=\"emphasis\">you<\/em> refers to a group of people, such as a team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> My <u>mother<\/u> <em>walks<\/em> to work every morning.<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p05\" class=\"para editable block\">In this sentence, the subject is <em class=\"emphasis\">mother<\/em>. Because the sentence only refers to one mother, the subject is singular. The verb in this sentence must be in the third person singular form.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Plural:<\/b> My <u>friends<\/u> <em>like<\/em> the same music as I do.<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p06\" class=\"para editable block\">In this sentence, the subject is <em class=\"emphasis\">friends<\/em>. Because this subject refers to more than one person, the subject is plural. The verb in this sentence must be in the third person plural form.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_n02\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\r\n<h4 class=\"title\">Tip<\/h4>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p07\" class=\"para\">Many singular subjects can be made plural by adding an <em class=\"emphasis\">-s<\/em>. Most regular verbs in the present tense end with an -<em class=\"emphasis\">s<\/em> in the third person singular. This does not make the verbs plural.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular subject, singular verb:<\/b> The <u>cat<\/u> <em>races<\/em> across the yard.\r\n<b>Plural subject, plural verb:<\/b> The <u>cats<\/u> <em>race<\/em> across the yard.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_n03\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title\">Exercise 1<\/h3>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p08\" class=\"para\">On your own sheet of paper, write the correct verb form for each of the following sentences.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_l01\" class=\"orderedlist\">\r\n \t<li>I (brush\/brushes) my teeth twice a day.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>You (wear\/wears) the same shoes every time we go out.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>She (kick\/kicks) the soccer ball into the goal.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>They (watch\/watches) foreign films.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Catherine (hide\/hides) behind the door.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We (want\/wants) to have dinner with you.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>You (work\/works) together to finish the project.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>They (need\/needs) to score another point to win the game.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>It (eat\/eats) four times a day.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>David (fix\/fixes) his own motorcycle.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Irregular Verbs<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Not all verbs follow a predictable pattern. These verbs are called <span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">irregular verbs<\/a><\/span>. Some of the most common irregular verbs are <em class=\"emphasis\">be<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">have<\/em>, and <em class=\"emphasis\">do<\/em>. Learn the forms of these verbs in the present tense to avoid errors in subject-verb agreement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s01\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Be<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s01_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Study the different forms of the verb <em class=\"emphasis\">to be<\/em> in the present tense. As per APA Style, please note that, <a href=\"https:\/\/apastyle.apa.org\/blog\/singular-they\">\"...when \"they\" is the subject of a sentence, \"they\" takes the plural form regardless of whether \"they\" is is meant to be singular or plural.\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"informaltable block\">\r\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th><\/th>\r\n<th>Singular Form<\/th>\r\n<th>Plural Form<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">First Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>I am.<\/td>\r\n<td>We are.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Second Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>You are.<\/td>\r\n<td>You are.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Third Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>He\/She\/They are\/It is.<\/td>\r\n<td>They are.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s02\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Have<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Study the different forms of the verb <em class=\"emphasis\">to have<\/em> in the present tense.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"informaltable block\">\r\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th><\/th>\r\n<th>Singular Form<\/th>\r\n<th>Plural Form<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">First Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>I have.<\/td>\r\n<td>We have.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Second Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>You have.<\/td>\r\n<td>You have.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Third Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>He\/She\/They have\/It has.<\/td>\r\n<td>They have.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Do<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Study the different forms of the verb <em class=\"emphasis\">to do<\/em> in the present tense.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"informaltable block\">\r\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th><\/th>\r\n<th>Singular Form<\/th>\r\n<th>Plural Form<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">First Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>I do.<\/td>\r\n<td>We do.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Second Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>You do.<\/td>\r\n<td>You do.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Third person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>He\/She\/They do\/It does.<\/td>\r\n<td>They do.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03_n01\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title\">Exercise 2<\/h3>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03_p02\" class=\"para\">Complete the following sentences by writing the correct present tense form of <em class=\"emphasis\">be<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">have<\/em>, or <em class=\"emphasis\">do<\/em>. Use your own sheet of paper to complete this exercise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03_l01\" class=\"orderedlist\">\r\n \t<li>I ________ sure that you will succeed.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>They ________ front-row tickets to the show.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>He ________ a great Elvis impersonation.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We ________ so excited to meet you in person!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>She ________ a fever and a sore throat.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>You ________ not know what you are talking about.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>You ________ all going to pass this class.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>She ________ not going to like that.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>It ________ appear to be the right size.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>They ________ ready to take this job seriously.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Errors in subject-verb agreement may occur when<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_l01\" class=\"itemizedlist editable block\">\r\n \t<li>a sentence contains a compound subject;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>the subject of the sentence is separate from the verb;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>the subject of the sentence is an indefinite pronoun, such as <em class=\"emphasis\">anyone<\/em> or <em class=\"emphasis\">everyone<\/em>;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>the subject of the sentence is a collective noun, such as <em class=\"emphasis\">team<\/em> or <em class=\"emphasis\">organization<\/em>;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>the subject appears after the verb.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">Recognizing the sources of common errors in subject-verb agreement will help you avoid these errors in your writing. This section covers the subject-verb agreement errors in more detail.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Compound Subjects<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">A <span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">compound subject<\/a><\/span> is formed by two or more nouns and the coordinating conjunctions <em class=\"emphasis\">and<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">or<\/em>, or <em class=\"emphasis\">nor<\/em>. A compound subject can be made of singular subjects, plural subjects, or a combination of singular and plural subjects.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">Compound subjects combined with <em class=\"emphasis\">and<\/em> take a plural verb form.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Two singular subjects:<\/b> <u>Alicia<\/u> and <u>Miguel<\/u> <em>ride<\/em> their bikes to the beach.\r\n<b>Two plural subjects:<\/b> The <u>girls<\/u> and the <u>boys<\/u> <em>ride<\/em> their bikes to the beach.\r\n<b>Singular and plural subjects:<\/b> <u>Alicia<\/u> and the <u>boys<\/u> <em>ride<\/em> their bikes to the beach.<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01_p03\" class=\"para editable block\">Compound subjects combined with <em class=\"emphasis\">or<\/em> and <em class=\"emphasis\">nor<\/em> are treated separately. The verb must agree with the subject that is nearest to the verb.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Two singular subjects:<\/b> Neither <u>Elizabeth<\/u> nor <u>Rianna<\/u> <em>wants<\/em> to eat at that restaurant.\r\n<b>Two plural subjects:<\/b> Neither the <u>kids<\/u> nor the <u>adults<\/u> <em>want<\/em> to eat at that restaurant.\r\n<b>Singular and plural subjects:<\/b> Neither <u>Elizabeth<\/u> nor the <u>kids<\/u> <em>want<\/em> to eat at that restaurant.\r\n<b>Plural and singular subjects:<\/b> Neither the <u>kids<\/u> nor <u>Elizabeth<\/u> <em>wants<\/em> to eat at that restaurant.<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Two singular subjects:<\/b> Either <u>you<\/u> or <u>Jason<\/u> <em>takes<\/em> the furniture out of the garage.\r\n<b>Two plural subjects:<\/b> Either <u>you<\/u> or <u>the twins<\/u> <em>take<\/em> the furniture out of the garage.\r\n<b>Singular and plural subjects:<\/b> Either <u>Jason<\/u> or the <u>twins<\/u> <em>take<\/em> the furniture out of the garage.\r\n<b>Plural and singular subjects:<\/b> Either the <u>twins<\/u> or <u>Jason<\/u> <em>takes<\/em> the furniture out of the garage.<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01_n01\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\r\n<h4 class=\"title\">Tip<\/h4>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01_p04\" class=\"para\">If you can substitute the word <em class=\"emphasis\">they<\/em> for the compound subject, then the sentence takes the third person plural verb form.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s02\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Separation of Subjects and Verbs<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">As you read or write, you may come across a sentence that contains a phrase or clause that separates the subject from the verb. Often, prepositional phrases or dependent clauses add more information to the sentence and appear between the subject and the verb. However, the subject and the verb must still agree.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s02_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">If you have trouble finding the subject and verb, cross out or ignore the phrases and clauses that begin with prepositions or dependent words. The subject of a sentence will never be in a prepositional phrase or dependent clause.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s02_p03\" class=\"para editable block\">The following is an example of a subject and verb separated by a prepositional phrase:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">The <u>students<\/u> with the best grades <em>win<\/em> the academic awards.\r\nThe <u>puppy<\/u> under the table <em>is<\/em> my favorite.<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s02_p04\" class=\"para editable block\">The following is an example of a subject and verb separated by a dependent clause:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">The <u>car<\/u> that I bought <em>has<\/em> power steering and a sunroof.\r\nThe <u>representatives<\/u> who are courteous <em>sell<\/em> the most tickets.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Indefinite Pronouns<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03_p01\" class=\"para editable block\"><span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">Indefinite pronouns<\/a><\/span> refer to an unspecified person, thing, or number. When an indefinite pronoun serves as the subject of a sentence, you will often use a singular verb form.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">However, keep in mind that exceptions arise. Some indefinite pronouns may require a plural verb form. To determine whether to use a singular or plural verb with an indefinite pronoun, consider the noun that the pronoun would refer to. If the noun is plural, then use a plural verb with the indefinite pronoun. View the chart to see a list of common indefinite pronouns and the verb forms they agree with.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"informaltable block\">\r\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Indefinite Pronouns That Always Take a Singular Verb<\/th>\r\n<th>Indefinite Pronouns That Can Take a Singular or Plural Verb<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>anybody, anyone, anything<\/td>\r\n<td>All<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>each<\/td>\r\n<td>Any<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>everybody, everyone, everything<\/td>\r\n<td>None<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>much<\/td>\r\n<td>Some<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>many<\/td>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>nobody, no one, nothing<\/td>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>somebody, someone, something<\/td>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> <u>Everybody<\/u> in the kitchen <em>sings<\/em> along when that song comes on the radio.<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03_p03\" class=\"para editable block\">The indefinite pronoun <em class=\"emphasis\">everybody<\/em> takes a singular verb form because <em class=\"emphasis\">everybody<\/em> refers to a group performing the same action as a single unit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Plural:<\/b> <u>All<\/u> the people in the kitchen <em>sing<\/em> along when that song comes on the radio.<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03_p04\" class=\"para editable block\">The indefinite pronoun <em class=\"emphasis\">all<\/em> takes a plural verb form because <em class=\"emphasis\">all<\/em> refers to the plural noun <em class=\"emphasis\">people<\/em>. Because <em class=\"emphasis\">people<\/em> is plural, <em class=\"emphasis\">all<\/em> is plural.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> <u>All<\/u> the cake <em>is<\/em> on the floor.<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03_p05\" class=\"para editable block\">In this sentence, the indefinite pronoun <em class=\"emphasis\">all<\/em> takes a singular verb form because <em class=\"emphasis\">all<\/em> refers to the singular noun <em class=\"emphasis\">cake<\/em>. Because <em class=\"emphasis\">cake<\/em> is singular, <em class=\"emphasis\">all<\/em> is singular.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s04\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Collective Nouns<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s04_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">A <span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">collective noun<\/a><\/span> is a noun that identifies more than one person, place, or thing and considers those people, places, or things one singular unit. Because collective nouns are counted as one, they are singular and require a singular verb. Some commonly used collective nouns are <em class=\"emphasis\">group<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">team<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">army<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">flock<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">family<\/em>, and <em class=\"emphasis\">class<\/em>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> The <u>class<\/u> <em>is<\/em> going on a field trip.<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s04_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">In this sentence, <em class=\"emphasis\">class<\/em> is a collective noun. Although the class consists of many students, the class is treated as a singular unit and requires a singular verb form.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>The Subject Follows the Verb<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">You may encounter sentences in which the subject comes after the verb instead of before the verb. In other words, the subject of the sentence may not appear where you expect it to appear. To ensure proper subject-verb agreement, you must correctly identify the subject and the verb.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s01\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Here or There<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s01_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">In sentences that begin with <em class=\"emphasis\">here<\/em> or <em class=\"emphasis\">there<\/em>, the subject follows the verb.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">Here <em>is<\/em> my <u>wallet<\/u>!\r\nThere <em>are<\/em> thirty <u>dolphins<\/u> in the water.<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s01_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">If you have trouble identifying the subject and the verb in sentences that start with <em class=\"emphasis\">here<\/em> or <em class=\"emphasis\">there<\/em>; it may help to reverse the order of the sentence so the subject comes first.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">My <u>wallet<\/u> <em>is<\/em> here!\r\nThirty <u>dolphins<\/u> <em>are<\/em> in the water.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02\" class=\"section\">\r\n<h2>Questions<\/h2>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">When you ask questions, a question word (<em class=\"emphasis\">who<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">what<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">where<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">when<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">why<\/em>, or <em class=\"emphasis\">how<\/em>) appears first. The verb and then the subject follow.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">Who <em>are<\/em> the <u>people<\/u> you are related to?\r\nWhen <em>am<\/em> I going to go to the grocery store?<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n01\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\r\n<h4 class=\"title\">Tip<\/h4>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p02\" class=\"para\">If you have trouble finding the subject and the verb in questions, try answering the question being asked.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">When <em>am<\/em> I going to the grocery store? I <em>am<\/em> going to the grocery store tonight!<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n02\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title\">Exercise 3<\/h3>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p03\" class=\"para\">Correct the errors in subject-verb agreement in the following sentences. If there are no errors in subject-verb agreement, write <em class=\"emphasis\">OK<\/em>. Copy the corrected sentence or the word <em class=\"emphasis\">OK<\/em> on your own sheet of notebook paper.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_l01\" class=\"orderedlist\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"para\">My dog and cats chases each other all the time.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p04\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"para\">The books that are in my library is the best I have ever read.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p05\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"para\">Everyone are going to the concert except me.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p06\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"para\">My family are moving to California.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p07\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"para\">Here is the lake I told you about.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p08\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"para\">There is the newspapers I was supposed to deliver.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p09\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"para\">Which room is bigger?<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p10\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"para\">When are the movie going to start?<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p11\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"para\">My sister and brother cleans up after themselves.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p12\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"para\">Some of the clothes is packed away in the attic.<\/p>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p13\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n03\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title\">Exercise 4<\/h3>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p14\" class=\"para\">Correct the errors in subject-verb agreement in the following paragraph. Copy the paragraph on a piece of notebook paper and make corrections.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_bl01\" class=\"blockquote\">Dear Hiring Manager,\r\nI feels that I am the ideal candidate for the receptionist position at your company. I has three years of experience as a receptionist in a company that is similar to yours. My phone skills and written communication is excellent. These skills, and others that I have learned on the job, helps me understand that every person in a company helps make the business a success. At my current job, the team always say that I am very helpful. Everyone appreciate when I go the extra mile to get the job done right. My current employer and coworkers feels that I am an asset to the team. I is efficient and organized. Is there any other details about me that you would like to know? If so, please contact me. Here are my r\u00e9sum\u00e9. You can reach me by e-mail or phone. I looks forward to speaking with you in person.\r\nThanks,\r\nFelicia Fellini<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n04\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\r\n<h4 class=\"title\">Writing at Work<\/h4>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_f01\" class=\"figure large\">\r\n<p class=\"title\"><span class=\"title-prefix\">Figure 2.5<\/span> Advertisement<\/p>\r\n<a href=\"\/app\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2015\/04\/d701c847f967a8dae6cd8c68e2a24300.jpg\"><img style=\"max-width: 497px\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1233\/2015\/04\/d701c847f967a8dae6cd8c68e2a24300-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Advertisement: Terra Services are dedicated to serving our clients' needs. We settles for nothing less than high quality work, delivered on time. The next time you needs assistance getting your project off the ground, contact Terra Services, where everybody know how important it is that you get the job done right.\" \/><\/a>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p19\" class=\"para\">Imagine that you are a prospective client and that you saw this ad online. Would you call Terra Services to handle your next project? Probably not! Mistakes in subject-verb agreement can cost a company business. Paying careful attention to grammatical details ensures professionalism that clients will recognize and respect.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n05\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\r\n<h3 class=\"title\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\r\n<ul id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_l02\" class=\"itemizedlist\">\r\n \t<li>Parts of sentences must agree in number, person, case, and preferred pronouns.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A verb must always agree with its subject in number. A singular subject requires a singular verb; a plural subject requires a plural verb (an exception is the singular and plural subject uses of \"they\" which always use a plural verb form).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Irregular verbs do not follow a predictable pattern in their singular and plural forms. Common irregular verbs are <em class=\"emphasis\">to be<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">to have<\/em>, and <em class=\"emphasis\">to do<\/em>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A compound subject is formed when two or more nouns are joined by the words <em class=\"emphasis\">and<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">or<\/em>, or <em class=\"emphasis\">nor<\/em>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>In some sentences, the subject and verb may be separated by a phrase or clause, but the verb must still agree with the subject.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Indefinite pronouns, such as <em class=\"emphasis\">anyone<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">each<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">everyone<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">many<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">no one<\/em>, and <em class=\"emphasis\">something<\/em>, refer to unspecified people or objects. Most indefinite pronouns are singular.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A collective noun is a noun that identifies more than one person, place, or thing and treats those people, places, or things one singular unit. Collective nouns require singular verbs.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>In sentences that begin with <em class=\"emphasis\">here<\/em> and <em class=\"emphasis\">there<\/em>, the subject follows the verb.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>In questions, the subject follows the verb.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_n01\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\n<h3 class=\"title\">Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_l01\" class=\"orderedlist\">\n<li>Define subject-verb agreement.<\/li>\n<li>Identify common errors in subject-verb agreement.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">In the workplace and especially in public relations, you want to present a professional image. Grammatical mistakes in your writing or even in speaking can make a negative impression on coworkers, clients, and potential employers. Subject-verb agreement is one of the most common errors that people make. Having a solid understanding of this concept is critical when making a good impression, and it will help ensure that your ideas are communicated clearly.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Agreement<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_p01\" class=\"para editable block\"><span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">Agreement<\/a><\/span> in speech and in writing refers to the proper grammatical match between words and phrases. Parts of sentences must <span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">agree<\/a><\/span>, or correspond with other parts, in number, person, case, and preferred pronouns (e.g. they, he, she).<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_n01\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\n<ul id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_l01\" class=\"itemizedlist\">\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Number.<\/strong> All parts must match in singular or plural forms.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Person.<\/strong> All parts must match in first person (<em class=\"emphasis\">I<\/em>), second person (<em class=\"emphasis\">you<\/em>), or third person (<em class=\"emphasis\">he, she, it, they<\/em>) forms.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Case.<\/strong> All parts must match in subjective (<em class=\"emphasis\">I, you, he, she, it, they, we<\/em>), objective (<em class=\"emphasis\">me, her, him, them, us<\/em>), or possessive (<em class=\"emphasis\">my, mine, your, yours, his, her, hers, their, theirs, our, ours<\/em>) forms. For more information on pronoun case agreement, see <a class=\"xref\" href=\"\/?p=188#fresh-ch02_s05_s01\">Section 2.5.1 &#8220;Pronoun Agreement&#8221;<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Gender.<\/strong> All parts must match the preferred pronouns of the people being written about.<a href=\"https:\/\/apastyle.apa.org\/blog\/singular-they\"> APA Style recently welcomed the use of singular &#8220;they.&#8221;<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_p02\" class=\"para\">Subject-verb agreement describes the proper match between subjects and verbs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_p03\" class=\"para editable block\">Because subjects and verbs are either singular or plural, the subject of a sentence and the verb of a sentence must agree with each other in number. That is, a singular subject belongs with a singular verb form, and a plural subject belongs with a plural verb form. For more information on subjects and verbs, see <a class=\"xref\" href=\"\/?p=127\">Section 2.1 &#8220;Sentence Writing&#8221;<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> The <u>cat<\/u> <em>jumps<\/em> over the fence.<br \/>\n<b>Plural:<\/b> The <u>cats<\/u> <em>jump<\/em> over the fence.<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Regular Verbs<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p01\" class=\"para editable block\"><span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">Regular verbs<\/a><\/span> follow a predictable pattern. For example, in the third person singular, regular verbs always end in <em class=\"emphasis\">-s<\/em>. Other forms of regular verbs do not end in <em class=\"emphasis\">-s.<\/em> Study the following regular verb forms in the present tense. Please note that &#8220;they&#8221; can be used in either a singular or plural form depending on context.<\/p>\n<div class=\"informaltable block\">\n<table cellpadding=\"0\" style=\"border-spacing: 0px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><\/th>\n<th>Singular Form<\/th>\n<th>Plural Form<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">First Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>I live.<\/td>\n<td>We live.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Second Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>You live.<\/td>\n<td>You live.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Third Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>He\/She\/They\/It live<strong class=\"emphasis bold\">s<\/strong>.<\/td>\n<td>They live.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> I <em>read<\/em> every day.<br \/>\n<b>Plural:<\/b> <u>We<\/u> <em>read<\/em> every day.<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p03\" class=\"para editable block\">In these sentences, the verb form stays the same for the first person singular and the first person plural.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> <u>You<\/u> <em>stretch<\/em> before you go to bed.<br \/>\n<b>Plural:<\/b> <u>You<\/u> <em>stretch<\/em> before every game.<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p04\" class=\"para editable block\">In these sentences, the verb form stays the same for the second person singular and the second person plural. In the singular form, the pronoun <em class=\"emphasis\">you<\/em> refers to one person. In the plural form, the pronoun <em class=\"emphasis\">you<\/em> refers to a group of people, such as a team.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> My <u>mother<\/u> <em>walks<\/em> to work every morning.<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p05\" class=\"para editable block\">In this sentence, the subject is <em class=\"emphasis\">mother<\/em>. Because the sentence only refers to one mother, the subject is singular. The verb in this sentence must be in the third person singular form.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Plural:<\/b> My <u>friends<\/u> <em>like<\/em> the same music as I do.<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p06\" class=\"para editable block\">In this sentence, the subject is <em class=\"emphasis\">friends<\/em>. Because this subject refers to more than one person, the subject is plural. The verb in this sentence must be in the third person plural form.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_n02\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\n<h4 class=\"title\">Tip<\/h4>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p07\" class=\"para\">Many singular subjects can be made plural by adding an <em class=\"emphasis\">-s<\/em>. Most regular verbs in the present tense end with an &#8211;<em class=\"emphasis\">s<\/em> in the third person singular. This does not make the verbs plural.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular subject, singular verb:<\/b> The <u>cat<\/u> <em>races<\/em> across the yard.<br \/>\n<b>Plural subject, plural verb:<\/b> The <u>cats<\/u> <em>race<\/em> across the yard.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_n03\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3 class=\"title\">Exercise 1<\/h3>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_p08\" class=\"para\">On your own sheet of paper, write the correct verb form for each of the following sentences.<\/p>\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_l01\" class=\"orderedlist\">\n<li>I (brush\/brushes) my teeth twice a day.<\/li>\n<li>You (wear\/wears) the same shoes every time we go out.<\/li>\n<li>She (kick\/kicks) the soccer ball into the goal.<\/li>\n<li>They (watch\/watches) foreign films.<\/li>\n<li>Catherine (hide\/hides) behind the door.<\/li>\n<li>We (want\/wants) to have dinner with you.<\/li>\n<li>You (work\/works) together to finish the project.<\/li>\n<li>They (need\/needs) to score another point to win the game.<\/li>\n<li>It (eat\/eats) four times a day.<\/li>\n<li>David (fix\/fixes) his own motorcycle.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Irregular Verbs<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Not all verbs follow a predictable pattern. These verbs are called <span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">irregular verbs<\/a><\/span>. Some of the most common irregular verbs are <em class=\"emphasis\">be<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">have<\/em>, and <em class=\"emphasis\">do<\/em>. Learn the forms of these verbs in the present tense to avoid errors in subject-verb agreement.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s01\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Be<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s01_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Study the different forms of the verb <em class=\"emphasis\">to be<\/em> in the present tense. As per APA Style, please note that, <a href=\"https:\/\/apastyle.apa.org\/blog\/singular-they\">&#8220;&#8230;when &#8220;they&#8221; is the subject of a sentence, &#8220;they&#8221; takes the plural form regardless of whether &#8220;they&#8221; is is meant to be singular or plural.&#8221;<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"informaltable block\">\n<table cellpadding=\"0\" style=\"border-spacing: 0px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><\/th>\n<th>Singular Form<\/th>\n<th>Plural Form<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">First Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>I am.<\/td>\n<td>We are.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Second Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>You are.<\/td>\n<td>You are.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Third Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>He\/She\/They are\/It is.<\/td>\n<td>They are.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s02\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Have<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Study the different forms of the verb <em class=\"emphasis\">to have<\/em> in the present tense.<\/p>\n<div class=\"informaltable block\">\n<table cellpadding=\"0\" style=\"border-spacing: 0px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><\/th>\n<th>Singular Form<\/th>\n<th>Plural Form<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">First Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>I have.<\/td>\n<td>We have.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Second Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>You have.<\/td>\n<td>You have.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Third Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>He\/She\/They have\/It has.<\/td>\n<td>They have.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Do<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Study the different forms of the verb <em class=\"emphasis\">to do<\/em> in the present tense.<\/p>\n<div class=\"informaltable block\">\n<table cellpadding=\"0\" style=\"border-spacing: 0px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><\/th>\n<th>Singular Form<\/th>\n<th>Plural Form<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">First Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>I do.<\/td>\n<td>We do.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Second Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>You do.<\/td>\n<td>You do.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"emphasis bold\">Third person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>He\/She\/They do\/It does.<\/td>\n<td>They do.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03_n01\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3 class=\"title\">Exercise 2<\/h3>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03_p02\" class=\"para\">Complete the following sentences by writing the correct present tense form of <em class=\"emphasis\">be<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">have<\/em>, or <em class=\"emphasis\">do<\/em>. Use your own sheet of paper to complete this exercise.<\/p>\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03_l01\" class=\"orderedlist\">\n<li>I ________ sure that you will succeed.<\/li>\n<li>They ________ front-row tickets to the show.<\/li>\n<li>He ________ a great Elvis impersonation.<\/li>\n<li>We ________ so excited to meet you in person!<\/li>\n<li>She ________ a fever and a sore throat.<\/li>\n<li>You ________ not know what you are talking about.<\/li>\n<li>You ________ all going to pass this class.<\/li>\n<li>She ________ not going to like that.<\/li>\n<li>It ________ appear to be the right size.<\/li>\n<li>They ________ ready to take this job seriously.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">Errors in subject-verb agreement may occur when<\/p>\n<ul id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_l01\" class=\"itemizedlist editable block\">\n<li>a sentence contains a compound subject;<\/li>\n<li>the subject of the sentence is separate from the verb;<\/li>\n<li>the subject of the sentence is an indefinite pronoun, such as <em class=\"emphasis\">anyone<\/em> or <em class=\"emphasis\">everyone<\/em>;<\/li>\n<li>the subject of the sentence is a collective noun, such as <em class=\"emphasis\">team<\/em> or <em class=\"emphasis\">organization<\/em>;<\/li>\n<li>the subject appears after the verb.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">Recognizing the sources of common errors in subject-verb agreement will help you avoid these errors in your writing. This section covers the subject-verb agreement errors in more detail.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Compound Subjects<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">A <span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">compound subject<\/a><\/span> is formed by two or more nouns and the coordinating conjunctions <em class=\"emphasis\">and<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">or<\/em>, or <em class=\"emphasis\">nor<\/em>. A compound subject can be made of singular subjects, plural subjects, or a combination of singular and plural subjects.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">Compound subjects combined with <em class=\"emphasis\">and<\/em> take a plural verb form.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Two singular subjects:<\/b> <u>Alicia<\/u> and <u>Miguel<\/u> <em>ride<\/em> their bikes to the beach.<br \/>\n<b>Two plural subjects:<\/b> The <u>girls<\/u> and the <u>boys<\/u> <em>ride<\/em> their bikes to the beach.<br \/>\n<b>Singular and plural subjects:<\/b> <u>Alicia<\/u> and the <u>boys<\/u> <em>ride<\/em> their bikes to the beach.<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01_p03\" class=\"para editable block\">Compound subjects combined with <em class=\"emphasis\">or<\/em> and <em class=\"emphasis\">nor<\/em> are treated separately. The verb must agree with the subject that is nearest to the verb.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Two singular subjects:<\/b> Neither <u>Elizabeth<\/u> nor <u>Rianna<\/u> <em>wants<\/em> to eat at that restaurant.<br \/>\n<b>Two plural subjects:<\/b> Neither the <u>kids<\/u> nor the <u>adults<\/u> <em>want<\/em> to eat at that restaurant.<br \/>\n<b>Singular and plural subjects:<\/b> Neither <u>Elizabeth<\/u> nor the <u>kids<\/u> <em>want<\/em> to eat at that restaurant.<br \/>\n<b>Plural and singular subjects:<\/b> Neither the <u>kids<\/u> nor <u>Elizabeth<\/u> <em>wants<\/em> to eat at that restaurant.<\/div>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Two singular subjects:<\/b> Either <u>you<\/u> or <u>Jason<\/u> <em>takes<\/em> the furniture out of the garage.<br \/>\n<b>Two plural subjects:<\/b> Either <u>you<\/u> or <u>the twins<\/u> <em>take<\/em> the furniture out of the garage.<br \/>\n<b>Singular and plural subjects:<\/b> Either <u>Jason<\/u> or the <u>twins<\/u> <em>take<\/em> the furniture out of the garage.<br \/>\n<b>Plural and singular subjects:<\/b> Either the <u>twins<\/u> or <u>Jason<\/u> <em>takes<\/em> the furniture out of the garage.<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01_n01\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\n<h4 class=\"title\">Tip<\/h4>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01_p04\" class=\"para\">If you can substitute the word <em class=\"emphasis\">they<\/em> for the compound subject, then the sentence takes the third person plural verb form.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s02\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Separation of Subjects and Verbs<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">As you read or write, you may come across a sentence that contains a phrase or clause that separates the subject from the verb. Often, prepositional phrases or dependent clauses add more information to the sentence and appear between the subject and the verb. However, the subject and the verb must still agree.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s02_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">If you have trouble finding the subject and verb, cross out or ignore the phrases and clauses that begin with prepositions or dependent words. The subject of a sentence will never be in a prepositional phrase or dependent clause.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s02_p03\" class=\"para editable block\">The following is an example of a subject and verb separated by a prepositional phrase:<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">The <u>students<\/u> with the best grades <em>win<\/em> the academic awards.<br \/>\nThe <u>puppy<\/u> under the table <em>is<\/em> my favorite.<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s02_p04\" class=\"para editable block\">The following is an example of a subject and verb separated by a dependent clause:<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">The <u>car<\/u> that I bought <em>has<\/em> power steering and a sunroof.<br \/>\nThe <u>representatives<\/u> who are courteous <em>sell<\/em> the most tickets.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Indefinite Pronouns<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03_p01\" class=\"para editable block\"><span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">Indefinite pronouns<\/a><\/span> refer to an unspecified person, thing, or number. When an indefinite pronoun serves as the subject of a sentence, you will often use a singular verb form.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">However, keep in mind that exceptions arise. Some indefinite pronouns may require a plural verb form. To determine whether to use a singular or plural verb with an indefinite pronoun, consider the noun that the pronoun would refer to. If the noun is plural, then use a plural verb with the indefinite pronoun. View the chart to see a list of common indefinite pronouns and the verb forms they agree with.<\/p>\n<div class=\"informaltable block\">\n<table cellpadding=\"0\" style=\"border-spacing: 0px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Indefinite Pronouns That Always Take a Singular Verb<\/th>\n<th>Indefinite Pronouns That Can Take a Singular or Plural Verb<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>anybody, anyone, anything<\/td>\n<td>All<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>each<\/td>\n<td>Any<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>everybody, everyone, everything<\/td>\n<td>None<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>much<\/td>\n<td>Some<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>many<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>nobody, no one, nothing<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>somebody, someone, something<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> <u>Everybody<\/u> in the kitchen <em>sings<\/em> along when that song comes on the radio.<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03_p03\" class=\"para editable block\">The indefinite pronoun <em class=\"emphasis\">everybody<\/em> takes a singular verb form because <em class=\"emphasis\">everybody<\/em> refers to a group performing the same action as a single unit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Plural:<\/b> <u>All<\/u> the people in the kitchen <em>sing<\/em> along when that song comes on the radio.<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03_p04\" class=\"para editable block\">The indefinite pronoun <em class=\"emphasis\">all<\/em> takes a plural verb form because <em class=\"emphasis\">all<\/em> refers to the plural noun <em class=\"emphasis\">people<\/em>. Because <em class=\"emphasis\">people<\/em> is plural, <em class=\"emphasis\">all<\/em> is plural.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> <u>All<\/u> the cake <em>is<\/em> on the floor.<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03_p05\" class=\"para editable block\">In this sentence, the indefinite pronoun <em class=\"emphasis\">all<\/em> takes a singular verb form because <em class=\"emphasis\">all<\/em> refers to the singular noun <em class=\"emphasis\">cake<\/em>. Because <em class=\"emphasis\">cake<\/em> is singular, <em class=\"emphasis\">all<\/em> is singular.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s04\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Collective Nouns<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s04_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">A <span class=\"margin_term\"><a class=\"glossterm\">collective noun<\/a><\/span> is a noun that identifies more than one person, place, or thing and considers those people, places, or things one singular unit. Because collective nouns are counted as one, they are singular and require a singular verb. Some commonly used collective nouns are <em class=\"emphasis\">group<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">team<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">army<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">flock<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">family<\/em>, and <em class=\"emphasis\">class<\/em>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\"><b>Singular:<\/b> The <u>class<\/u> <em>is<\/em> going on a field trip.<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s04_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">In this sentence, <em class=\"emphasis\">class<\/em> is a collective noun. Although the class consists of many students, the class is treated as a singular unit and requires a singular verb form.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>The Subject Follows the Verb<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">You may encounter sentences in which the subject comes after the verb instead of before the verb. In other words, the subject of the sentence may not appear where you expect it to appear. To ensure proper subject-verb agreement, you must correctly identify the subject and the verb.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s01\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Here or There<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s01_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">In sentences that begin with <em class=\"emphasis\">here<\/em> or <em class=\"emphasis\">there<\/em>, the subject follows the verb.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">Here <em>is<\/em> my <u>wallet<\/u>!<br \/>\nThere <em>are<\/em> thirty <u>dolphins<\/u> in the water.<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s01_p02\" class=\"para editable block\">If you have trouble identifying the subject and the verb in sentences that start with <em class=\"emphasis\">here<\/em> or <em class=\"emphasis\">there<\/em>; it may help to reverse the order of the sentence so the subject comes first.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">My <u>wallet<\/u> <em>is<\/em> here!<br \/>\nThirty <u>dolphins<\/u> <em>are<\/em> in the water.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02\" class=\"section\">\n<h2>Questions<\/h2>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p01\" class=\"para editable block\">When you ask questions, a question word (<em class=\"emphasis\">who<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">what<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">where<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">when<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">why<\/em>, or <em class=\"emphasis\">how<\/em>) appears first. The verb and then the subject follow.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">Who <em>are<\/em> the <u>people<\/u> you are related to?<br \/>\nWhen <em>am<\/em> I going to go to the grocery store?<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n01\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\n<h4 class=\"title\">Tip<\/h4>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p02\" class=\"para\">If you have trouble finding the subject and the verb in questions, try answering the question being asked.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">When <em>am<\/em> I going to the grocery store? I <em>am<\/em> going to the grocery store tonight!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n02\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3 class=\"title\">Exercise 3<\/h3>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p03\" class=\"para\">Correct the errors in subject-verb agreement in the following sentences. If there are no errors in subject-verb agreement, write <em class=\"emphasis\">OK<\/em>. Copy the corrected sentence or the word <em class=\"emphasis\">OK<\/em> on your own sheet of notebook paper.<\/p>\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_l01\" class=\"orderedlist\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"para\">My dog and cats chases each other all the time.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p04\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"para\">The books that are in my library is the best I have ever read.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p05\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"para\">Everyone are going to the concert except me.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p06\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"para\">My family are moving to California.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p07\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"para\">Here is the lake I told you about.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p08\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"para\">There is the newspapers I was supposed to deliver.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p09\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"para\">Which room is bigger?<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p10\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"para\">When are the movie going to start?<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p11\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"para\">My sister and brother cleans up after themselves.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p12\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"para\">Some of the clothes is packed away in the attic.<\/p>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p13\" class=\"para\">________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n03\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3 class=\"title\">Exercise 4<\/h3>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p14\" class=\"para\">Correct the errors in subject-verb agreement in the following paragraph. Copy the paragraph on a piece of notebook paper and make corrections.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_bl01\" class=\"blockquote\">Dear Hiring Manager,<br \/>\nI feels that I am the ideal candidate for the receptionist position at your company. I has three years of experience as a receptionist in a company that is similar to yours. My phone skills and written communication is excellent. These skills, and others that I have learned on the job, helps me understand that every person in a company helps make the business a success. At my current job, the team always say that I am very helpful. Everyone appreciate when I go the extra mile to get the job done right. My current employer and coworkers feels that I am an asset to the team. I is efficient and organized. Is there any other details about me that you would like to know? If so, please contact me. Here are my r\u00e9sum\u00e9. You can reach me by e-mail or phone. I looks forward to speaking with you in person.<br \/>\nThanks,<br \/>\nFelicia Fellini<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n04\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\n<h4 class=\"title\">Writing at Work<\/h4>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_f01\" class=\"figure large\">\n<p class=\"title\"><span class=\"title-prefix\">Figure 2.5<\/span> Advertisement<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/app\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2015\/04\/d701c847f967a8dae6cd8c68e2a24300.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"max-width: 497px\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1233\/2015\/04\/d701c847f967a8dae6cd8c68e2a24300-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Advertisement: Terra Services are dedicated to serving our clients' needs. We settles for nothing less than high quality work, delivered on time. The next time you needs assistance getting your project off the ground, contact Terra Services, where everybody know how important it is that you get the job done right.\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_p19\" class=\"para\">Imagine that you are a prospective client and that you saw this ad online. Would you call Terra Services to handle your next project? Probably not! Mistakes in subject-verb agreement can cost a company business. Paying careful attention to grammatical details ensures professionalism that clients will recognize and respect.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n05\" class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\n<h3 class=\"title\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n<ul id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_l02\" class=\"itemizedlist\">\n<li>Parts of sentences must agree in number, person, case, and preferred pronouns.<\/li>\n<li>A verb must always agree with its subject in number. A singular subject requires a singular verb; a plural subject requires a plural verb (an exception is the singular and plural subject uses of &#8220;they&#8221; which always use a plural verb form).<\/li>\n<li>Irregular verbs do not follow a predictable pattern in their singular and plural forms. Common irregular verbs are <em class=\"emphasis\">to be<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">to have<\/em>, and <em class=\"emphasis\">to do<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>A compound subject is formed when two or more nouns are joined by the words <em class=\"emphasis\">and<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">or<\/em>, or <em class=\"emphasis\">nor<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>In some sentences, the subject and verb may be separated by a phrase or clause, but the verb must still agree with the subject.<\/li>\n<li>Indefinite pronouns, such as <em class=\"emphasis\">anyone<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">each<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">everyone<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">many<\/em>, <em class=\"emphasis\">no one<\/em>, and <em class=\"emphasis\">something<\/em>, refer to unspecified people or objects. Most indefinite pronouns are singular.<\/li>\n<li>A collective noun is a noun that identifies more than one person, place, or thing and treats those people, places, or things one singular unit. Collective nouns require singular verbs.<\/li>\n<li>In sentences that begin with <em class=\"emphasis\">here<\/em> and <em class=\"emphasis\">there<\/em>, the subject follows the verb.<\/li>\n<li>In questions, the subject follows the verb.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":515,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":"cc-by-nc-sa"},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[61],"license":[56],"class_list":["post-363","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","contributor-author-removed-at-request-of-original-publisher","license-cc-by-nc-sa"],"part":352,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/363","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/515"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/363\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":436,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/363\/revisions\/436"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/352"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/363\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=363"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=363"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=363"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/writingforpublicrelations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=363"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}