AGREEMENT (Harbrace 291-295)

Singular subjects take singular

verbs.
Plural subjects take plural verbs.
singularplural
1 I like we like
2 you like you like
3 he likes they like
she, it

The number of the

subject(singular or plural)
is not determined by a
phrase or clause following
the subject, so cross out
the phrase or clause and
identify the subject.
The class, comprised
mostly of athletes, is
ready.

1. Each, either, neither,

-one, -body, -thing words
are third person singular.
Ex. Nobody likes him.
Everything is fine.

2. Several, few, both,

many are plural.
Ex. Several of them are
there.

AGREEMENT
singular plural
1 I like we like
2 you like you like
3 he likes they like
she, it
each, either,
several, few,
neither, -one,
both, many
-body, -thing
-----------------------------------------------some, all, most, any, none

3. Some, all, most, any,

and none can be either
singular or plural
depending on the
sentence.
Ex. Some of the cake was
eaten.
Some of the books were
sold.

Bell work:
Use your notes to do
page 92.
Find the subject. Look it
up on your list. (is it
singular or plural?) Make
the verb agree.

COMPOUND SUBJECTS
1. Subjects joined by and
are generally plural.
ex. Frederick and Stephen
know the answer.
* Exception: Red beans
and rice is my favorite
meal.

2. When subjects are

joined by or or nor, make
the verb agree with the
subject closest to it.
Ex. Rita or the players
know the answer.
Ex. The players or Rita
knows the answer.

Use the rules to do the

handout page 93.