{"id":26,"date":"2014-07-18T19:26:32","date_gmt":"2014-07-18T19:26:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/successfulwriting\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=26"},"modified":"2014-07-19T04:41:14","modified_gmt":"2014-07-19T04:41:14","slug":"2-2-subject-verb-agreement","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/chapter\/2-2-subject-verb-agreement\/","title":{"raw":"2.2 Subject-Verb Agreement","rendered":"2.2 Subject-Verb Agreement"},"content":{"raw":"&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\"><span class=\"im_title-prefix\">2.2<\/span> Subject-Verb Agreement<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"im_learning_objectives im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_n01\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\n<ol class=\"im_orderedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_l01\">\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\nIn the workplace, you want to present a professional image. Your outfit or suit says something about you when meeting face-to-face, and your writing represents you in your absence. Grammatical mistakes in your writing or even in speaking 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.\r\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Agreement<\/h2>\r\n<span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">Agreement<\/span><\/span> in speech and in writing refers to the proper grammatical match between words and phrases. Parts of sentences must <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">agree<\/span><\/span>, or correspond with other parts, in number, person, case, and gender.\r\n<div class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_n01\">\r\n<ul class=\"im_itemizedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_l01\">\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Number.<\/strong> All parts must match in singular or plural forms.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Person.<\/strong> All parts must match in first person (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">I<\/em>), second person (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">you<\/em>), or third person (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">he, she, it, they<\/em>) forms.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Case.<\/strong> All parts must match in subjective (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">I, you, he, she, it, they, we<\/em>), objective (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">me, her, him, them, us<\/em>), or possessive (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">my, mine, your, yours, his, her, hers, their, theirs, our, ours<\/em>) forms. For more information on pronoun case agreement, see Section 2.5.1 \"Pronoun Agreement\".<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Gender.<\/strong> All parts must match in male or female forms.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSubject-verb agreement describes the proper match between subjects and verbs.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nBecause 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 Section 2.1 \"Sentence Writing\".\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/521f12f5070dd73ec541e504c0c0fd78.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_521f12f5070dd73ec541e504c0c0fd78.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Regular Verbs<\/h2>\r\n<span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">Regular verbs<\/span><\/span> follow a predictable pattern. For example, in the third person singular, regular verbs always end in <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-s<\/em>. Other forms of regular verbs do not end in <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-s.<\/em> Study the following regular verb forms in the present tense.\r\n<div class=\"im_informaltable im_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=\"im_emphasis im_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=\"im_emphasis im_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=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Third Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>He\/She\/It live<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_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=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_n01\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\r\nAdd an <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-es<\/em> to the third person singular form of regular verbs that end in <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-sh<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-x<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-ch<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-s.<\/em> (I wish\/He wishes, I fix\/She fixes, I watch\/It watches, I kiss\/He kisses.)\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/aa3477ca37b975fc5ff0cfa06c3395ce.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_aa3477ca37b975fc5ff0cfa06c3395ce.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nIn these sentences, the verb form stays the same for the first person singular and the first person plural.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/339acfdcdb116179827484f8b4480157.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_339acfdcdb116179827484f8b4480157.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nIn 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=\"im_emphasis\">you<\/em> refers to one person. In the plural form, the pronoun <em class=\"im_emphasis\">you<\/em> refers to a group of people, such as a team.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/28e208fbb93108530557337b61fb3659.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_28e208fbb93108530557337b61fb3659.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nIn this sentence, the subject is <em class=\"im_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.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/fa324f818fdf0890ed2ee18ece0748e2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_fa324f818fdf0890ed2ee18ece0748e2.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nIn this sentence, the subject is <em class=\"im_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.\r\n<div class=\"im_callout im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_n02\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\r\nMany singular subjects can be made plural by adding an <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-s<\/em>. Most regular verbs in the present tense end with an -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">s<\/em> in the third person singular. This does not make the verbs plural.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/c3793b81062cd4b13713ed32fa22afcf.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_c3793b81062cd4b13713ed32fa22afcf.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_n03\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Exercise 1<\/h3>\r\nOn your own sheet of paper, write the correct verb form for each of the following sentences.\r\n<ol class=\"im_orderedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_l01\">\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>He (kick\/kicks) the soccer ball into the goal.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>She (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 class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Irregular Verbs<\/h2>\r\nNot all verbs follow a predictable pattern. These verbs are called <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">irregular verbs<\/span><\/span>. Some of the most common irregular verbs are <em class=\"im_emphasis\">be<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">have<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">do<\/em>. Learn the forms of these verbs in the present tense to avoid errors in subject-verb agreement.\r\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s01\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Be<\/h2>\r\nStudy the different forms of the verb <em class=\"im_emphasis\">to be<\/em> in the present tense.\r\n<div class=\"im_informaltable im_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=\"im_emphasis im_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=\"im_emphasis im_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=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Third Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>He\/She\/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 class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s02\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Have<\/h2>\r\nStudy the different forms of the verb <em class=\"im_emphasis\">to have<\/em> in the present tense.\r\n<div class=\"im_informaltable im_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=\"im_emphasis im_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=\"im_emphasis im_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=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Third Person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>He\/She\/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 class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Do<\/h2>\r\nStudy the different forms of the verb <em class=\"im_emphasis\">to do<\/em> in the present tense.\r\n<div class=\"im_informaltable im_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=\"im_emphasis im_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=\"im_emphasis im_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=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Third person<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>He\/She\/It does.<\/td>\r\n<td>They do.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03_n01\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Exercise 2<\/h3>\r\nComplete the following sentences by writing the correct present tense form of <em class=\"im_emphasis\">be<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">have<\/em>, or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">do<\/em>. Use your own sheet of paper to complete this exercise.\r\n<ol class=\"im_orderedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03_l01\">\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 class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement<\/h2>\r\nErrors in subject-verb agreement may occur when\r\n<ul class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_l01\">\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=\"im_emphasis\">anyone<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">everyone<\/em>;<\/li>\r\n\t<li>the subject of the sentence is a collective noun, such as <em class=\"im_emphasis\">team<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">organization<\/em>;<\/li>\r\n\t<li>the subject appears after the verb.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nRecognizing 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.\r\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Compound Subjects<\/h2>\r\nA <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">compound subject<\/span><\/span> is formed by two or more nouns and the coordinating conjunctions <em class=\"im_emphasis\">and<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">or<\/em>, or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">nor<\/em>. A compound subject can be made of singular subjects, plural subjects, or a combination of singular and plural subjects.\r\n\r\nCompound subjects combined with <em class=\"im_emphasis\">and<\/em> take a plural verb form.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/21b71a05162726184d3952314f369faf.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_21b71a05162726184d3952314f369faf.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nCompound subjects combined with <em class=\"im_emphasis\">or<\/em> and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">nor<\/em> are treated separately. The verb must agree with the subject that is nearest to the verb.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/10c1cea1e55e1b8be0b08418254743dd.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_10c1cea1e55e1b8be0b08418254743dd.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/4179f6533483e2787e718e0a1b3312e5.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_4179f6533483e2787e718e0a1b3312e5.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01_n01\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\r\nIf you can substitute the word <em class=\"im_emphasis\">they<\/em> for the compound subject, then the sentence takes the third person plural verb form.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s02\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Separation of Subjects and Verbs<\/h2>\r\nAs 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.\r\n\r\nIf 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.\r\n\r\nThe following is an example of a subject and verb separated by a prepositional phrase:\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/5c7ba228557182e2de5d02ab5cd4f2df.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_5c7ba228557182e2de5d02ab5cd4f2df.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nThe following is an example of a subject and verb separated by a dependent clause:\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/0a6caad010d4b4d48bef71e6a383e750.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_0a6caad010d4b4d48bef71e6a383e750.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Indefinite Pronouns<\/h2>\r\n<span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">Indefinite pronouns<\/span><\/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.\r\n\r\nHowever, 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.\r\n<div class=\"im_informaltable im_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=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/7294c5215493c7d450d25ded39ccea80.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_7294c5215493c7d450d25ded39ccea80.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nThe indefinite pronoun <em class=\"im_emphasis\">everybody<\/em> takes a singular verb form because <em class=\"im_emphasis\">everybody<\/em> refers to a group performing the same action as a single unit.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/710a688072c754d0d9c1372d996fd613.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_710a688072c754d0d9c1372d996fd613.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nThe indefinite pronoun <em class=\"im_emphasis\">all<\/em> takes a plural verb form because <em class=\"im_emphasis\">all<\/em> refers to the plural noun <em class=\"im_emphasis\">people<\/em>. Because <em class=\"im_emphasis\">people<\/em> is plural, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">all<\/em> is plural.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/4fb5bdd8b18b5ecfbca87b84c193e1ff.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_4fb5bdd8b18b5ecfbca87b84c193e1ff.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nIn this sentence, the indefinite pronoun <em class=\"im_emphasis\">all<\/em> takes a singular verb form because <em class=\"im_emphasis\">all<\/em> refers to the singular noun <em class=\"im_emphasis\">cake<\/em>. Because <em class=\"im_emphasis\">cake<\/em> is singular, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">all<\/em> is singular.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s04\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Collective Nouns<\/h2>\r\nA <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">collective noun<\/span><\/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=\"im_emphasis\">group<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">team<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">army<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">flock<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">family<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">class<\/em>.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/0ffcdabea27554785e4b93b37dd0ead6.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_0ffcdabea27554785e4b93b37dd0ead6.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nIn this sentence, <em class=\"im_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.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">The Subject Follows the Verb<\/h2>\r\nYou 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.\r\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s01\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Here or There<\/h2>\r\nIn sentences that begin with <em class=\"im_emphasis\">here<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">there<\/em>, the subject follows the verb.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/a94a1a5898684a7081dda842bcf93d6d.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_a94a1a5898684a7081dda842bcf93d6d.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nIf you have trouble identifying the subject and the verb in sentences that start with <em class=\"im_emphasis\">here<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">there<\/em>; it may help to reverse the order of the sentence so the subject comes first.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/afb07464d56bb526bfcca7e912f2c750.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_afb07464d56bb526bfcca7e912f2c750.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Questions<\/h2>\r\nWhen you ask questions, a question word (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">who<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">what<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">where<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">when<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">why<\/em>, or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">how<\/em>) appears first. The verb and then the subject follow.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/2f419c4a847036558f2c9175e54d1f40.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_2f419c4a847036558f2c9175e54d1f40.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_callout im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n01\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\r\nIf you have trouble finding the subject and the verb in questions, try answering the question being asked.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/be8f961412ad47669f0a3919f723d4f8.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_be8f961412ad47669f0a3919f723d4f8.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n02\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Exercise 3<\/h3>\r\nCorrect the errors in subject-verb agreement in the following sentences. If there are no errors in subject-verb agreement, write <em class=\"im_emphasis\">OK<\/em>. Copy the corrected sentence or the word <em class=\"im_emphasis\">OK<\/em> on your own sheet of notebook paper.\r\n<ol class=\"im_orderedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_l01\">\r\n\t<li>My dog and cats chases each other all the time.\r\n\r\n________________________________________________________________<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The books that are in my library is the best I have ever read.\r\n\r\n________________________________________________________________<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Everyone are going to the concert except me.\r\n\r\n________________________________________________________________<\/li>\r\n\t<li>My family are moving to California.\r\n\r\n________________________________________________________________<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Here is the lake I told you about.\r\n\r\n________________________________________________________________<\/li>\r\n\t<li>There is the newspapers I was supposed to deliver.\r\n\r\n________________________________________________________________<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Which room is bigger?\r\n\r\n________________________________________________________________<\/li>\r\n\t<li>When are the movie going to start?\r\n\r\n________________________________________________________________<\/li>\r\n\t<li>My sister and brother cleans up after themselves.\r\n\r\n________________________________________________________________<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Some of the clothes is packed away in the attic.\r\n\r\n________________________________________________________________<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_exercises im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n03\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Exercise 4<\/h3>\r\nCorrect the errors in subject-verb agreement in the following paragraph. Copy the paragraph on a piece of notebook paper and make corrections.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDear Hiring Manager,\r\n\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\n\r\nThanks,\r\n\r\nFelicia Fellini\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_callout im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n04\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Writing at Work<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"im_figure im_large\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_f01\">\r\n\r\n<span class=\"im_title-prefix\">Figure 2.5<\/span> Advertisement\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/d701c847f967a8dae6cd8c68e2a24300.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_d701c847f967a8dae6cd8c68e2a24300.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nImagine 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.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_key_takeaways im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n05\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\r\n<ul class=\"im_itemizedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_l02\">\r\n\t<li>Parts of sentences must agree in number, person, case, and gender.<\/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.<\/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=\"im_emphasis\">to be<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">to have<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_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=\"im_emphasis\">and<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">or<\/em>, or <em class=\"im_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=\"im_emphasis\">anyone<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">each<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">everyone<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">many<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">no one<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_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=\"im_emphasis\">here<\/em> and <em class=\"im_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 class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n06\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Writing Application<\/h3>\r\nUse your knowledge of subject-verb agreement to write one of the following:\r\n<ol class=\"im_orderedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_l03\">\r\n\t<li>An advertisement for a potential company<\/li>\r\n\t<li>A memo to all employees of a particular company<\/li>\r\n\t<li>A cover letter describing your qualifications to a potential employer<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nBe sure to include at least the following:\r\n<ul class=\"im_itemizedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_l04\">\r\n\t<li>One collective noun<\/li>\r\n\t<li>One irregular verb<\/li>\r\n\t<li>One question<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n&nbsp;","rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\"><span class=\"im_title-prefix\">2.2<\/span> Subject-Verb Agreement<\/h2>\n<div class=\"im_learning_objectives im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_n01\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n<ol class=\"im_orderedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_l01\">\n<li>Define subject-verb agreement.<\/li>\n<li>Identify common errors in subject-verb agreement.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p>In the workplace, you want to present a professional image. Your outfit or suit says something about you when meeting face-to-face, and your writing represents you in your absence. Grammatical mistakes in your writing or even in speaking 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 class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Agreement<\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">Agreement<\/span><\/span> in speech and in writing refers to the proper grammatical match between words and phrases. Parts of sentences must <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">agree<\/span><\/span>, or correspond with other parts, in number, person, case, and gender.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_n01\">\n<ul class=\"im_itemizedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_l01\">\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Number.<\/strong> All parts must match in singular or plural forms.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Person.<\/strong> All parts must match in first person (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">I<\/em>), second person (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">you<\/em>), or third person (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">he, she, it, they<\/em>) forms.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Case.<\/strong> All parts must match in subjective (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">I, you, he, she, it, they, we<\/em>), objective (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">me, her, him, them, us<\/em>), or possessive (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">my, mine, your, yours, his, her, hers, their, theirs, our, ours<\/em>) forms. For more information on pronoun case agreement, see Section 2.5.1 &#8220;Pronoun Agreement&#8221;.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Gender.<\/strong> All parts must match in male or female forms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Subject-verb agreement describes the proper match between subjects and verbs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>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 Section 2.1 &#8220;Sentence Writing&#8221;.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/521f12f5070dd73ec541e504c0c0fd78.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_521f12f5070dd73ec541e504c0c0fd78.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Regular Verbs<\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">Regular verbs<\/span><\/span> follow a predictable pattern. For example, in the third person singular, regular verbs always end in <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-s<\/em>. Other forms of regular verbs do not end in <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-s.<\/em> Study the following regular verb forms in the present tense.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informaltable im_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=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">First Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>I live.<\/td>\n<td>We live.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Second Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>You live.<\/td>\n<td>You live.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Third Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>He\/She\/It live<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">s<\/strong>.<\/td>\n<td>They live.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_n01\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\n<p>Add an <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-es<\/em> to the third person singular form of regular verbs that end in <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-sh<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-x<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-ch<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-s.<\/em> (I wish\/He wishes, I fix\/She fixes, I watch\/It watches, I kiss\/He kisses.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/aa3477ca37b975fc5ff0cfa06c3395ce.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_aa3477ca37b975fc5ff0cfa06c3395ce.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>In these sentences, the verb form stays the same for the first person singular and the first person plural.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/339acfdcdb116179827484f8b4480157.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_339acfdcdb116179827484f8b4480157.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>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=\"im_emphasis\">you<\/em> refers to one person. In the plural form, the pronoun <em class=\"im_emphasis\">you<\/em> refers to a group of people, such as a team.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/28e208fbb93108530557337b61fb3659.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_28e208fbb93108530557337b61fb3659.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>In this sentence, the subject is <em class=\"im_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=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/fa324f818fdf0890ed2ee18ece0748e2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_fa324f818fdf0890ed2ee18ece0748e2.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>In this sentence, the subject is <em class=\"im_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 class=\"im_callout im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_n02\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\n<p>Many singular subjects can be made plural by adding an <em class=\"im_emphasis\">-s<\/em>. Most regular verbs in the present tense end with an &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">s<\/em> in the third person singular. This does not make the verbs plural.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/c3793b81062cd4b13713ed32fa22afcf.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_c3793b81062cd4b13713ed32fa22afcf.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_n03\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Exercise 1<\/h3>\n<p>On your own sheet of paper, write the correct verb form for each of the following sentences.<\/p>\n<ol class=\"im_orderedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s01_l01\">\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>He (kick\/kicks) the soccer ball into the goal.<\/li>\n<li>She (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 class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Irregular Verbs<\/h2>\n<p>Not all verbs follow a predictable pattern. These verbs are called <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">irregular verbs<\/span><\/span>. Some of the most common irregular verbs are <em class=\"im_emphasis\">be<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">have<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">do<\/em>. Learn the forms of these verbs in the present tense to avoid errors in subject-verb agreement.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s01\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Be<\/h2>\n<p>Study the different forms of the verb <em class=\"im_emphasis\">to be<\/em> in the present tense.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informaltable im_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=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">First Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>I am.<\/td>\n<td>We are.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Second Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>You are.<\/td>\n<td>You are.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Third Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>He\/She\/It is.<\/td>\n<td>They are.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s02\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Have<\/h2>\n<p>Study the different forms of the verb <em class=\"im_emphasis\">to have<\/em> in the present tense.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informaltable im_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=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">First Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>I have.<\/td>\n<td>We have.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Second Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>You have.<\/td>\n<td>You have.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Third Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>He\/She\/It has.<\/td>\n<td>They have.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Do<\/h2>\n<p>Study the different forms of the verb <em class=\"im_emphasis\">to do<\/em> in the present tense.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informaltable im_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=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">First Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>I do.<\/td>\n<td>We do.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Second Person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>You do.<\/td>\n<td>You do.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Third person<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>He\/She\/It does.<\/td>\n<td>They do.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03_n01\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Exercise 2<\/h3>\n<p>Complete the following sentences by writing the correct present tense form of <em class=\"im_emphasis\">be<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">have<\/em>, or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">do<\/em>. Use your own sheet of paper to complete this exercise.<\/p>\n<ol class=\"im_orderedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s01_s02_s03_l01\">\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 class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement<\/h2>\n<p>Errors in subject-verb agreement may occur when<\/p>\n<ul class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_l01\">\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=\"im_emphasis\">anyone<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">everyone<\/em>;<\/li>\n<li>the subject of the sentence is a collective noun, such as <em class=\"im_emphasis\">team<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">organization<\/em>;<\/li>\n<li>the subject appears after the verb.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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 class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Compound Subjects<\/h2>\n<p>A <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">compound subject<\/span><\/span> is formed by two or more nouns and the coordinating conjunctions <em class=\"im_emphasis\">and<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">or<\/em>, or <em class=\"im_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>Compound subjects combined with <em class=\"im_emphasis\">and<\/em> take a plural verb form.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/21b71a05162726184d3952314f369faf.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_21b71a05162726184d3952314f369faf.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Compound subjects combined with <em class=\"im_emphasis\">or<\/em> and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">nor<\/em> are treated separately. The verb must agree with the subject that is nearest to the verb.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/10c1cea1e55e1b8be0b08418254743dd.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_10c1cea1e55e1b8be0b08418254743dd.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/4179f6533483e2787e718e0a1b3312e5.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_4179f6533483e2787e718e0a1b3312e5.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s01_n01\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\n<p>If you can substitute the word <em class=\"im_emphasis\">they<\/em> for the compound subject, then the sentence takes the third person plural verb form.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s02\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Separation of Subjects and Verbs<\/h2>\n<p>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>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>The following is an example of a subject and verb separated by a prepositional phrase:<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/5c7ba228557182e2de5d02ab5cd4f2df.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_5c7ba228557182e2de5d02ab5cd4f2df.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>The following is an example of a subject and verb separated by a dependent clause:<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/0a6caad010d4b4d48bef71e6a383e750.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_0a6caad010d4b4d48bef71e6a383e750.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s03\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Indefinite Pronouns<\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">Indefinite pronouns<\/span><\/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>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=\"im_informaltable im_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=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/7294c5215493c7d450d25ded39ccea80.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_7294c5215493c7d450d25ded39ccea80.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>The indefinite pronoun <em class=\"im_emphasis\">everybody<\/em> takes a singular verb form because <em class=\"im_emphasis\">everybody<\/em> refers to a group performing the same action as a single unit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/710a688072c754d0d9c1372d996fd613.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_710a688072c754d0d9c1372d996fd613.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>The indefinite pronoun <em class=\"im_emphasis\">all<\/em> takes a plural verb form because <em class=\"im_emphasis\">all<\/em> refers to the plural noun <em class=\"im_emphasis\">people<\/em>. Because <em class=\"im_emphasis\">people<\/em> is plural, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">all<\/em> is plural.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/4fb5bdd8b18b5ecfbca87b84c193e1ff.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_4fb5bdd8b18b5ecfbca87b84c193e1ff.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>In this sentence, the indefinite pronoun <em class=\"im_emphasis\">all<\/em> takes a singular verb form because <em class=\"im_emphasis\">all<\/em> refers to the singular noun <em class=\"im_emphasis\">cake<\/em>. Because <em class=\"im_emphasis\">cake<\/em> is singular, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">all<\/em> is singular.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s04\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Collective Nouns<\/h2>\n<p>A <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">collective noun<\/span><\/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=\"im_emphasis\">group<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">team<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">army<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">flock<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">family<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">class<\/em>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/0ffcdabea27554785e4b93b37dd0ead6.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_0ffcdabea27554785e4b93b37dd0ead6.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>In this sentence, <em class=\"im_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 class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">The Subject Follows the Verb<\/h2>\n<p>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 class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s01\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Here or There<\/h2>\n<p>In sentences that begin with <em class=\"im_emphasis\">here<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">there<\/em>, the subject follows the verb.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/a94a1a5898684a7081dda842bcf93d6d.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_a94a1a5898684a7081dda842bcf93d6d.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>If you have trouble identifying the subject and the verb in sentences that start with <em class=\"im_emphasis\">here<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">there<\/em>; it may help to reverse the order of the sentence so the subject comes first.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/afb07464d56bb526bfcca7e912f2c750.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_afb07464d56bb526bfcca7e912f2c750.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_section\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Questions<\/h2>\n<p>When you ask questions, a question word (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">who<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">what<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">where<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">when<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">why<\/em>, or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">how<\/em>) appears first. The verb and then the subject follow.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/2f419c4a847036558f2c9175e54d1f40.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_2f419c4a847036558f2c9175e54d1f40.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"im_callout im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n01\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\n<p>If you have trouble finding the subject and the verb in questions, try answering the question being asked.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/be8f961412ad47669f0a3919f723d4f8.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_be8f961412ad47669f0a3919f723d4f8.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n02\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Exercise 3<\/h3>\n<p>Correct the errors in subject-verb agreement in the following sentences. If there are no errors in subject-verb agreement, write <em class=\"im_emphasis\">OK<\/em>. Copy the corrected sentence or the word <em class=\"im_emphasis\">OK<\/em> on your own sheet of notebook paper.<\/p>\n<ol class=\"im_orderedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_l01\">\n<li>My dog and cats chases each other all the time.\n<p>________________________________________________________________<\/li>\n<li>The books that are in my library is the best I have ever read.\n<p>________________________________________________________________<\/li>\n<li>Everyone are going to the concert except me.\n<p>________________________________________________________________<\/li>\n<li>My family are moving to California.\n<p>________________________________________________________________<\/li>\n<li>Here is the lake I told you about.\n<p>________________________________________________________________<\/li>\n<li>There is the newspapers I was supposed to deliver.\n<p>________________________________________________________________<\/li>\n<li>Which room is bigger?\n<p>________________________________________________________________<\/li>\n<li>When are the movie going to start?\n<p>________________________________________________________________<\/li>\n<li>My sister and brother cleans up after themselves.\n<p>________________________________________________________________<\/li>\n<li>Some of the clothes is packed away in the attic.\n<p>________________________________________________________________<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_exercises im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n03\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Exercise 4<\/h3>\n<p>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<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Dear Hiring Manager,<\/p>\n<p>I 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.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks,<\/p>\n<p>Felicia Fellini<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_callout im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n04\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Writing at Work<\/h3>\n<div class=\"im_figure im_large\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_f01\">\n<p><span class=\"im_title-prefix\">Figure 2.5<\/span> Advertisement<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_06\/d701c847f967a8dae6cd8c68e2a24300.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_d701c847f967a8dae6cd8c68e2a24300.jpg#fixme\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>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 class=\"im_key_takeaways im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n05\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"im_itemizedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_l02\">\n<li>Parts of sentences must agree in number, person, case, and gender.<\/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.<\/li>\n<li>Irregular verbs do not follow a predictable pattern in their singular and plural forms. Common irregular verbs are <em class=\"im_emphasis\">to be<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">to have<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">to do<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>A compound subject is formed when two or more nouns are joined by the words <em class=\"im_emphasis\">and<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">or<\/em>, or <em class=\"im_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=\"im_emphasis\">anyone<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">each<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">everyone<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">many<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">no one<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_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=\"im_emphasis\">here<\/em> and <em class=\"im_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 class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_n06\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Writing Application<\/h3>\n<p>Use your knowledge of subject-verb agreement to write one of the following:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"im_orderedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_l03\">\n<li>An advertisement for a potential company<\/li>\n<li>A memo to all employees of a particular company<\/li>\n<li>A cover letter describing your qualifications to a potential employer<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Be sure to include at least the following:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"im_itemizedlist\" id=\"fresh-ch02_s02_s02_s05_s02_l04\">\n<li>One collective noun<\/li>\n<li>One irregular verb<\/li>\n<li>One question<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-26\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Successful Writing. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Anonymous. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Anonymous. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/books\/successful-writing\/\">http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/books\/successful-writing\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":5,"menu_order":8,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Successful Writing\",\"author\":\"Anonymous\",\"organization\":\"Anonymous\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/books\/successful-writing\/\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-26","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":238,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/26","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/26\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":272,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/26\/revisions\/272"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/238"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/26\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=26"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=26"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=26"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}