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English Grade 10
Quarter 4 - Module 5

Subject and Verb Agreement

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 Subject - Verb Agreement
Review Subject and Verb Agreement EN1OG-LLA-29

This self-learning module was crafted with a simplified arrangement in such a manner that you can
work on it independently.

The lessons embedded here are offshoot from the competencies embedded in the prescribed Most
Essential Learning Competencies. Hence, you may use our existing textbook in grade 10,
Celebrating Diversity Through World Literature English 10. You may also refer to the cited
references here or you look for other learning resources for you to successfully get through each
phase of this module.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Recall what subject-verb agreement is.
2. Review the rules of subject and verb agreement.
3. Recognize the special problems in subject-verb agreement.
4. Familiarize the hints for subject-verb agreement.
5. Apply the different rules of subject-verb agreement in answering the activities given.
6. Construct own sentences applying the rules of the subject-verb agreement.

I. CONCEPT NOTES
What is subject verb agreement?

Before looking at the rules in subject verb agreement, it is important to understand

what is meant by subject, verb, and subject verb agreement. A subject is the doer of a
sentence. In other words, subject refers to the person or thing that is doing the action the
verb. A verb describes an action, state, or an occurrence. The subject tells us who performed
this action denoted by the verb or who or what is responsible for the state or occurrence
denoted by the verb. Therefore, subject and verb of a sentence should always match, and
this association between the subject and verb is called the subject verb agreement.

How many subject-verb agreements are there?

Twenty may seem like a lot of rules for one subject, but you will quickly notice one ties
into the next. In the end, it will all make sense.

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 Main Rule of Subject Verb Agreement:
Subject and verb must always agree in numbers. Single subjects should take single
verbs, and plural subjects should take plural verbs.

What Are the Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement?

1. Subjects and verbs must agree in number. This is the cornerstone rule that forms the background
of the concept.

The dog growls when he is angry.

The dogs growl when they are angry.

2. Subordinate clauses that come between the subject and verb don't affect their agreement.

The dog, who is chewing on my jeans, is usually very good.

3. Prepositional phrases between the subject and verb usually do not affect agreement.

The colors of the rainbow are beautiful.

4. When sentences start with "there" or "here," the subject will always be placed after the verb. Some
care needs to be taken to identify each part correctly.

There is a problem with the balance sheet.

Here are the papers you requested.

5. Subjects don't always come before verbs in questions. Make sure you accurately identify the
subject before deciding on the proper verb form to use.

Where are the pieces of this puzzle?

6. If two subjects are joined by "and," they typically require a plural verb form.

The cow and the pig are jumping over the moon.

7. The verb is singular if the two subjects separated by "and" refer to the same person or thing as a
whole.

Red beans and rice is my mom's favorite dish.

8. If one of the words "each," "every," or "no" comes before the subject, the verb is singular.

No smoking or drinking is allowed.

Every man and woman is required to check in.

9. If the subjects are both singular and are connected by the words "or," "nor," "neither/nor,"
"either/or," or "not only/but also," the verb is singular.

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 Either Jessica or Christian is to blame for the accident.

10. The only time the object of the preposition decides plural or singular verb forms is when noun
and pronoun subjects like "some," "half," "none," "more," or "all" are followed by a prepositional
phrase. Then the object of the preposition determines the form of the verb.

All of the chicken is gone.

All of the chickens are gone.

11. The singular verb form is usually reserved for units of measurement or time.

Four quarts of oil was required to get the car running.

12. If the subjects are both plural and are connected by the words "or," "nor," "neither/nor,"
"either/or," or "not only/but also," the verb is plural.

Not only dogs but also cats are available at the animal shelter.

13. If one subject is singular and the other is plural, and the words are connected by the words "or,"
"nor," "neither/nor," "either/or," or "not only/but also," use the verb form of the subject that is nearest
the verb.

Either the bears or the lion has escaped from the zoo.
Neither the lion nor the bears have escaped from the zoo.

14. Indefinite pronouns typically take singular verbs (with some exceptions).

Everybody wants to be loved.

15. The exceptions to the above rule include the pronouns "few," "many," "several," "both," "all," and
"some." These always take the plural form.

Few were left alive after the flood.

16. If two infinitives are separated by "and," they take the plural form of the verb.

To walk and to chew gum require great skill.

17. When gerunds are used as the subject of a sentence, they take the singular form of the verb.
However, when they are linked by "and," they take the plural form.

Standing in the water was a bad idea.

Swimming in the ocean and playing drums are my hobbies.

18. A collective noun, such as "team" or "staff," can be either singular or plural depending upon the
rest of the sentence. Typically, they take the singular form, as the collective noun is treated as a
cohesive single unit.

The herd is stampeding.

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19. Titles of books, movies, novels, and other similar works are treated as singular and take a
singular verb.

The Burbs is a movie starring Tom Hanks.

20. Final rule: Remember, only the subject affects the verb! Nothing else matters.

Jacob, who owns sixteen houses, is on his way to becoming a billionaire.

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html

Summary
The main verb of a sentence must always agree with the noun in that sentence. The basic rule of
subject verb agreement is that verb and subject must always agree in number; when the subject is
singular, the verb must be singular and when the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. In
addition, there are some rules that must be adhered to in subject verb agreement.

The verb must be singular when,

• every or no comes before the subject

• the subject is a collective noun
• the subject is a unit of measurement.
• the subject is an indefinite pronoun
• two singular subjects are connected by or

https://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement/

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http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Packet
6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf

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Problems in Agreement

In the previous exercise, it was easy to make the subjects and verbs agree because
the verbs followed their subjects closely and the number of the subject was clear. However,
a phrase may come between the subject and verb, creating an agreement problem, or the
subject may be a pronoun, the number of which is hard to determine.

A. Phrases between subject and verb

I. Sometimes a prepositional phrase comes between the subject and verb in a
sentence. Remember - the subject is not in the prepositional phrase. Therefore, put ( ) around
the prepositional phrase. Then locate the subject and agree the verb with the subject.
Examples: The special effects (in the movie) were particularly original.
The lights (in the stadium) have been dimmed.

II. Sometimes phrases other than prepositional ones follow the subject. Usually they
are set off by commas and are introduced by words and phrases like including, with, in
addition to, together with, as well as, or accompanied by. The subject cannot be found in any
of these phrases. Therefore, cross out any phrase set off by commas. Then locate the subject
and agree the verb with the subject.
Examples: Mother, along with Aunt Sue, (has, have) left for Canada.
The successful candidate, including two of her aides, (has, have) entered
the auditorium.

B. Compound Subjects

A compound subject, you will recall, consists of two or more connected subjects having
the same verb. When two subjects are connected by and, even if they are both singular, they
are followed by a plural verb. Subjects joined by and took a plural verb.

Hint: If the subject is plural, substitute the pronoun they for the plural subject they
Examples:
A dictionary and a one-volume encyclopedia make a good beginning for
a reference library.
(they) Mr. Duffy and his daughter have gone fishing.

Exception: A compound subject that refers to a single person or to two or more things
considered as a unit (one thing) takes a singular verb.
Examples: Gin and tonic is a popular drink. (Gin and tonic are considered one
drink.)
A mother and homemaker have a challenging job. (One person is meant.)

C. Subjects connected by “or” or “nor”

The verb agrees with the subject closer to it. Hint: Draw a straight line after or nor,
ignoring the words before the line. Begin reading the sentence after this line. Examples: The
chief geologists or their assistant is due to arrive tonight. Neither a rabbit nor raccoons do
that kind of damage in a garden.

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D. Indefinite Pronouns

I. The following common words are singular: each, either, neither one, everyone,
everybody, no one, nobody, anyone, anybody, someone, somebody. Examples: Anyone
(without tickets) is asked to see Mrs. Harris. Each (of the newcomers) was welcomed (to the
city.) No one understands a person who mumbles.

II. The following common words are plural: both, few, many, several. Examples: Few
(of my neighbors) have parakeets. Many (of them) keep dogs as pets.

Special Problems in Agreement

There are a few other constructions that may pose special problems in agreement of subject
and verb. This section will cover some of these.

A. Collective Nouns
Some nouns that are singular in form name a group of people or things: class, family,
team, group, flock, for example. These nouns are called collective nouns. Examples: The jury
was dismissed by the judge. The class has decided to have a science table in the room. The
family is coming for dinner.

B. Sentences beginning with HERE, THERE, or WHERE

When the subject follows the verb, as in sentences beginning with there, here, or
where, be careful to locate the subject and make sure that the verb agrees with it.
Introductory words, such as here, there, and where are never subjects of sentences.
In these sentences, the subject usually follows the verb. Examples: Here (come, comes)
Stephanie and her brother.
C. Words Stating Amount
Some words that are plural in form may be singular in meaning if they mean an amount
of something. Examples: Thirty-five cents is enough for lunch today. (Although thirty-five
cents is plural in form, it means a single amount of money. It takes a singular verb, is.) Two
weeks never seems long enough for vacation. (Although two weeks is plural, it is thought of
here as a single unit of time. It takes a singular verb, seems.)
D. Titles, organizations, or countries
A title, organization, or country, even when plural in form, usually takes a singular verb.
Example: “Murders in the Rue Morgue” is an intriguing mystery.

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 E. Don’t and Doesn’t
The words don’t and doesn’t (contractions of do not and does not) must, like all other
verbs, agree with their subjects. Mistakes are often made with these forms. HINT: To avoid
mistakes, use do and does (take off the n’t). Remember the singular verb ends is s.
Examples: Lena doesn’t exercise enough. (Lena does exercise enough.) Those answers
don’t make sense. (Those answers do make sense.)

F. Plural-looking nouns
A few nouns, though plural in form, take a singular verb. Examples: Mathematics
seems easy this year. Mumps is certainly an uncomfortable disease. The news was not good.

G. Nouns ending in -ing

Occasionally the -ing form of the verb can be used as a noun and, therefore, as the
subject of a sentence. This -ing subject takes a singular verb. Examples: Learning to drive is
an exciting experience. Building wooden tables was my dad's favorite hobby.

H. I and you
I and you take the plural form of the verb. The only exception to this rule is the singular
verb am which is used exclusively with the pronoun I. Examples: I am going to school. You
are going to school.

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms
/Packet6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf

Exceptions to the Rules

What would a grammar lesson be without a few exceptions to the rule? Let's review some of the
most notable exceptions:

• "Anyone," "everyone," "someone," "no one," and "nobody" always require singular verbs.
• "Neither" and "either” require singular verbs even though they seem to be referring to two
separate things.
• When a sentence compounds a positive and a negative subject and only one is plural, the
verb should agree with the positive subject.
• Words that indicate portions of a whole, such as "percent," "fraction," "some," "none," and
"remainder" require a singular verb only if the object of the preposition is singular.
• "Who," "that," and "which" can be singular or plural, according to the noun directly in front of
them.
• The phrase introduced by "as well as" or "along with" modifies the earlier word but doesn't
compound the subjects.
• Modifiers between the subject and verb do not affect whether the verb is singular or plural.
• Just because a word ends in -s doesn't automatically make it plural.

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II. Learning Tasks
A. One in a Many…
Direction: The subjects and verbs that follow agree. If an item is singular, write S before it. If
it is plural, write P.
_____ 1. people think
_____ 2. night arrives
_____ 3. gates open
_____ 4. she tries
_____ 5. we practice

B. Do it Right!
Direction: Reach each sentence carefully and underline the correct verbs to use in the
sentence applying the rules of subject-verb agreement.
1. Someone with three dogs (walk, walks) by our house each day.
2. The group (was, were) going on a trip.
3. Two cups of flour (seems, seem) too much for that recipe.
4. Aerobics (is, are) a fun activity for most youngsters.
5. Running a few miles each day (is, are) a good form of exercise.

C. Writing Section
1. Write a sentence with a singular subject using one of the following 2 verbs: HOPE,
HOPES. ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

2. Write a sentence with a plural subject using one of the following 2 verbs: SEEM, SEEMS.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

3. Write a sentence with an “either-or” subject, placing a singular subject after or. Use one
of the following 2 verbs: WRITE, WRITES.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

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 4. Write a sentence with a “neither-nor” subject, placing a plural subject after nor. Use one
of the following 2 verbs: ALLOW, ALLOWS.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

5. Write a sentence using a collective noun as the subject. Use one of the following 2
verbs: TRAVEL, TRAVELS.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

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subject-verb-agreement.pdf

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III. Reflection

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IV. References

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html

https://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement

http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html
Almonte, Liza R., et. Al., Celebrating Diversity through World Literature – Grade 10 English -
Learner’s Material. First Edition. 2015. p. 372.

https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html
http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf
https://download.oliveboard.in/pdf/English-Grammar-Rules.pdf
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar/sentences/what-is-the-subject-of-a-sentence.html
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/verbs/what-is-a-verb.html
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-dependent-clauses.html
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/prepositions/Prepositional-Phrases.html
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/interrogative-sentence-examples.html
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/prepositions/rules-for-prepositions.html
https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.htmlAlmonte
http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdfhttps://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-
verb-agreement.html
http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-
agreement.htmlhttps://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html
http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdfReflection
http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.htmlLearning
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html

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https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules-and-tips/misplaced-modifiers.html
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules-and-tips/11-rules-of-grammar.html
http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdfExceptions
http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf
http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdfProblems
http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf
http://images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/AL/MobileCounty/SemmesMiddle/Uploads/Forms/Pack
et6-subject-verb-agreement.pdf
https://pediaa.com/rules-in-subject-verb-agreement/
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.htmlSummary
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/20-rules-of-subject-verb-agreement.html
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/nouns/collective-nouns.html
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/gerund-examples.html
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/verbs/infinitive-verb.html
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/pronouns/types-of-pronouns.html
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-indefinite-pronouns.html
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/prepositions/rules-for-prepositions.html
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/interrogative-sentence-examples.html
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/interrogative-sentence-examples.html
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/prepositions/Prepositional-Phrases.html
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-dependent-clauses.html
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-dependent-clauses.html
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/verbs/what-is-a-verb.html
https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar/sentences/what-is-the-subject-of-a-sentence.html
https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp

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15
Editor: Emilia A. Ngujo
Compiled by: Lelibeth M. Aque
Learning Task A
1. P
2. S
3. P
4. S
5. P
Learning Task B
1. walks
2. was
3. seems
4. is
5. is
Learning Task C
1. Answers may vary.
2. Answers may vary.
3. Answers may vary.
4. Answers may vary.
5. Answers may vary.
V Answer Key