Subject-Verb Agreement: Matching Subjects With Verbs

Ms. Saimona M.
Guyo, LPT, MaEd

SHARIFF KABUNSUAN COLLEGE,INC. -Sarmiento
SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
A subject is a noun or pronoun. A verb is the action performed by the subject.

Matching Subjects with Verbs
Verbs must agree with subjects in number and in person (1st/2nd/3rd).
EXAMPLE: The dog drinks his water every day. “Dog” is a singular subject; “drinks” is a singular present tense verb. A common
mistake in S-V Agreement is to assume that present tense verbs ending in “s” (ex: drinks, runs, dances) are plural. They are in fact
singular. Be careful!
Singular Plural
The girl dances. The girls dance. (No “s” on end of a plural verb!)
The dog drinks. The dogs drink.
The boy runs. The boys run.
She plays. Mary and Laura play.
She plays. They play.
Reminder: Singular present tense verbs end in “s” (Ex: The dog walks).
Plural present tense verbs do not end in “s,” but plural subjects do (Ex: The dogs walk.).
Prepositional Phrases and Why They Matter
Look at the sentence below.
EXAMPLE: The boxes of cake mix are on the shelf.
The verb is “are,” but what is the subject? Is it “boxes” or “cake mix”? In order to figure out the subject, we must eliminate the
prepositional phrase which is often times in between the subject and the verb.
A prepositional phrase is a two - to four - word phrase (sometimes more) that begins with a preposition (above, among, at, below,
beneath, between, in, of, over, to, under). A verb must agree with its subject, not with the object of a prepositional phrase, which
often comes between the subject and the verb.
EXAMPLE: The boxes of cake mix are on the shelf. Since “of” is a preposition, we ignore the prepositional phrase “of cake mix.”
Therefore, “boxes” is the plural subject, which matches perfectly with the plural verb “are.”
Below are some samples of prepositional phrases:
Preposition Object of Prepositional Phrase
above in the trees the lab
among of the flowers the school
at on the movies the bridge
below over the trees the store
beneath to the trees the table
under
EXAMPLE: The teachers in the classroom is/are very experienced.
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Ms. Saimona M. Guyo, LPT, MaEd
Since we know that “in” is a preposition, then it makes sense that “in the classroom” is a prepositional phrase. Cross out “in the
classroom.” You are left with
“The teachers... (is/are) very experienced.” “Teachers” is a plural subject, so it must take the plural verb “are.” However, what if we
have an inverted sentence?
EXAMPLE: Under the tree is/are several flowers. In this case, the verb must be plural (“are”) because the subject (“flowers”) is
plural.
Pronouns and Indefinite Pronouns
Simple pronouns and their numbers (singular/plural) are as follows:
Singular Plural
1st person I dance. We dance
2nd person You dance. You dance.
3rd person He/she/it dances They dance.
Robert dances. Robert and Linda dance.
Singular indefinite pronouns take the singular verb.

EXAMPLE: Everyone in the class supports the teacher. “Everyone” is a singular subject. “In the class” is the prepositional
phrase. “Supports” is the singular present tense verb (notice the “s” on the end).
Other singular indefinite pronouns are anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, neither,
nobody, no one, somebody, someone, something.
EXAMPLE: Every man, woman, and child was/were given a book. (“was”)
Each student is/are required to pass the final exam. (“is”)
Since “Every” and “Each” are both indefinite pronouns, they take singular verbs.
Indefinite pronouns such as few, many, and several are plural and take plural verbs.
EXAMPLE: Both of my dogs has/have collars. (“have”)
Several of my friends is/are sick. (“are”)
Since “Both” and “Several” are plural indefinite pronouns, they take the plural verbs “have” and “are.”
Special Cases
If a sentence has two subjects connected by or/nor, either/or, or neither/nor, the verb must agree with the second subject (the
subject closer to the verb).
EXAMPLE: Neither the dogs nor the cat is going outside.
The singular subject “cat” matches the singular verb “is.”
If we flip the sentence, the verb will change.
EXAMPLE: Neither the cat nor the dogs are going outside.
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“Dogs” is a plural subject that takes the plural verb “are.”

However, if a sentence begins with “neither” or “either” without the “or/nor” combination, the verb is singular.
EXAMPLE: Neither of the two stores is open. Either store is fine with me.
Direction: Choose the correct verb in each sentence by underlining it.
Subject-Verb Agreement Practice Exercises

1. Everyone (has/have) done his or her homework.
2. Each of the students (is/are) responsible for doing his or her work.
3. Either my father or my brothers (is/are) going to sell the car.
4. Neither my sisters nor my mother (is/are) going to sell the house.
5. The samples on the tray in the lab (need/needs) testing.
6. Mary and John usually (plays/play) together.
7. Both of the dogs (has/have) collars.
8. Neither the dogs nor the cat (is/are) very hungry.
9. Either the girls or the boy (walk/walks) in the evening.
10. Either the boy or the girls (walk/walks) in the evening.
11. At the end of the fall (comes/come) the hard tests.
12. The slaughter of animals for their fur (has/have) caused controversy.
13. The student, as well as his teacher, (was/were) going on the field trip.
14. The hard tests (comes/come) at the end of the fall.
15. Both of my roommates (has/have) decided to live in the dorms.
Verbals: Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives

In this handout, the three types of verbals are discussed: gerunds, participles, and infinitives.
Gerunds and participles are also compared and contrasted in a separate section of this handout because they can both end in -ing
but have different functions in a sentence.
Finally, since they can both function as nouns in a sentence despite their different forms, gerunds and infinitives are compared and
contrasted in the last section below.
Throughout this document, occasional example sentences with wording that might be considered nonstandard, ambiguous, or at
least peculiar in formal writing are marked with an asterisk (*).
 Gerunds
A gerund is a verbal that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. The term verbal indicates that a gerund, like the other two kinds of
verbals, is based on a verb and therefore expresses action or a state of being. However, since a gerund functions as a noun, it
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occupies some positions in a sentence that a noun ordinarily would, for example: subject, direct object, subject complement, and
object of preposition.
Gerund as subject:
• Traveling might satisfy your desire for new experiences. • The study abroad program might satisfy your desire for new
experiences.
Gerund as direct object:
• They do not appreciate my singing. • They do not appreciate my assistance.
Gerund as subject complement:
• My cat's favorite activity is sleeping. • My cat's favorite food is salmon.
Gerund as object of preposition:
• The police arrested him for speeding. • The police arrested him for criminal activity.
A Gerund Phrase is a group of words consisting of a gerund and the modifier(s) and/or (pro)noun(s) or noun phrase(s) that function
as the direct object(s), indirect object(s), or complement(s) of the action or state expressed in the gerund, such as:
The gerund phrase functions as the subject of the sentence.

Finding a needle in a haystack would be easier than what Finding (gerund) a needle (direct object of action expressed in
we're trying to do. gerund)
in a haystack (prepositional phrase as adverb)
The gerund phrase functions as the direct object of the verb
I hope that you appreciate my offering you this opportunity. appreciate.
my (possessive pronoun adjective form, modifying the
gerund)
offering (gerund)
you (indirect object of action expressed in gerund)
this opportunity (direct object of action expressed in gerund)
The gerund phrase functions as the subject complement.
Newt's favorite tactic has been lying to his constituents. lying to (gerund)
his constituents (direct object of action expressed in gerund)
The gerund phrase functions as the object of the preposition

You might get in trouble for faking an illness to avoid work. for.
faking (gerund)
an illness (direct object of action expressed in gerund) to
avoid work (infinitive phrase as adverb)
The gerund phrase functions as the subject of the sentence.
Being the boss made Jeff feel uneasy. Being (gerund)
the boss (subject complement for Jeff, via state of being
expressed in gerund)
Exercise on Gerunds:
Underline the gerunds or gerund phrases in the following sentences and label how they function in the sentence (subject, direct
object, subject complement, object of preposition).
1. Swimming keeps me in shape. - ____________________
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2. Swimming in your pool is always fun. - __________________

3. Telling your father was a mistake. - ____________________
4. The college recommends sending applications early. - _______________________
5. He won the game by scoring during the overtime period. - ______________________
6. Her most important achievement was winning the national championship. - _____________________
7. Going to work today took all my energy. - _____________________
8. Fighting for a losing cause made them depressed. - ________________________
Participles
A participle is a verbal that is used as an adjective and most often ends in -ing or -ed. The term verbal indicates that a participle, like
the other two kinds of verbals, is based on a verb and therefore expresses action or a state of being. However, since they function
as adjectives, participles modify nouns or pronouns.
There are two types of participles: present participles and past participles.
Present participles end in -ing.
Past participles end in -ed, -en, -d, -t, or n, as in the words asked, eaten, saved, dealt, and seen.
• The crying baby had a wet diaper.
• Shaken, he walked away from the wrecked car.
• The burning log fell off the fire.
• Smiling, she hugged the panting dog.
A participial phrase is a group of words consisting of a participle and the modifier(s) and/or (pro)noun(s) or noun phrase(s) that
function as the direct object(s), indirect object(s), or complement(s) of the action or state expressed in the participle, such as:
The participial phrase functions as an adjective modifying

Removing his coat, Jack rushed to the river. Jack.
Removing (participle)
his coat (direct object of action expressed in participle)
Delores noticed her cousin walking along the shoreline. cousin.
walking (participle)
along the shoreline (prepositional phrase as adverb)

children.
Children introduced to music early develop strong intellectual introduced (to) (participle)
skills. music (direct object of action expressed in participle) early
(adverb)

Lynn.
Having been a gymnast, Lynn knew the importance of Having been (participle)
exercise. a gymnast (subject complement for Lynn, via state of being
expressed in participle)
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Placement: In order to prevent confusion, a participial phrase must be placed as close to the noun it modifies as possible, and the
noun must be clearly stated.
• Carrying a heavy pile of books, his foot caught on a step. *
• Carrying a heavy pile of books, he caught his foot on a step.
In the first sentence there is no clear indication of who or what is performing the action expressed in the participle carrying.
Certainly foot can't be logically understood to function in this way. This situation is an example of a dangling modifier error since the
modifier (the participial phrase) is not modifying any specific noun in the sentence and is thus left "dangling." Since a person must
be doing the carrying for the sentence to make sense, a noun or pronoun that refers to a person must be in the place immediately
after the participial phrase, as in the second sentence.
Punctuation: When a participial phrase begins a sentence, a comma should be placed after the phrase.
• Arriving at the store, I found that it was closed.
• Washing and polishing the car, Frank developed sore muscles.
If the participle or participial phrase comes in the middle of a sentence, it should be set off with commas only if the information is not
essential to the meaning of the sentence.
• Sid, watching an old movie, drifted in and out of sleep.
• The church, destroyed by a fire, was never rebuilt.
Note that if the participial phrase is essential to the meaning of the sentence, no commas should be used:
• The student earning the highest grade point average will receive a special award.
• The guy wearing the chicken costume is my cousin.
If a participial phrase comes at the end of a sentence, a comma usually precedes the phrase if it modifies an earlier word in the
sentence but not if the phrase directly follows the word it modifies.
• The local residents often saw Ken wandering through the streets. (The phrase modifies Ken, not residents.)
 Tom nervously watched the woman, alarmed by her silence. (The phrase modifies Tom, not woman.)
Points to remember:
1. A participle is a verbal ending in -ing (present) or -ed, -en, -d, -t, or -n (past) that functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or
pronoun.
2. A participial phrase consists of a participle plus modifier(s), object(s), and/or complement(s).
3. Participles and participial phrases must be placed as close to the nouns or pronouns they modify as possible, and those nouns
or pronouns must be clearly stated.
4. A participial phrase is set off with commas when it: a) comes at the beginning of a sentence, b) interrupts a sentence as a
nonessential element, or c) comes at the end of a sentence and is separated from the word it modifies.
Infinitives
An infinitive is a verbal consisting of the word to plus a verb (in its simplest "stem" form) and functioning as a noun, adjective, or
adverb. The term verbal indicates that an infinitive, like the other two kinds of verbals, is based on a verb and therefore expresses
action or a state of being. However, the infinitive may function as a subject, direct object, subject complement, adjective, or
adverb in a sentence. Although an infinitive is easy to locate because of the to + verb form, deciding what function it has in a
sentence can sometimes be confusing.
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Be sure not to confuse an infinitive--a verbal consisting of to plus a verb--with a prepositional phrase beginning with to, which
consists of to plus a noun or pronoun and any modifiers.
Infinitives: to fly, to draw, to become, to enter, to stand, to catch, to belong
Prepositional Phrases: to him, to the committee, to my house, to the mountains, to us, to this address
An Infinitive Phrase is a group of words consisting of an infinitive and the modifier(s) and/or (pro)noun(s) or noun phrase(s) that
function as the actor(s), direct object(s), indirect object(s), or complement(s) of the action or state expressed in the infinitive, such
as:
The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb

We intended to leave early. intended.
to leave (infinitive) early (adverb)
The infinitive phrase functions as an adjective modifying
I have a paper to write before class. paper.
to write (infinitive) before class (prepositional phrase as
adverb)
agreed.
Phil agreed to give me a ride. to give (infinitive) me (indirect object of action expressed in
infinitive)
a ride (direct object of action expressed in infinitive)
asked.
They asked me to bring some food. me (actor or "subject" of infinitive phrase)
to bring (infinitive)
some food (direct object of action expressed in infinitive)
wanted.
Carol (actor or "subject" of infinitive phrase) to be (infinitive)
Everyone wanted Carol to be the captain of the team. the captain (subject complement for Carol, via state of being
expressed in infinitive)
of the team (prepositional phrase as adjective)
Actors: In these last two examples the actor of the infinitive phrase could be roughly characterized as the "subject" of the action
or state expressed in the infinitive.
It is somewhat misleading to use the word subject, however, since an infinitive phrase is not a full clause with a subject and a
finite verb. Also notice that when it is a pronoun, the actor appears in the objective case (me, not I, in the fourth example).
Certain verbs, when they take an infinitive direct object, require an actor for the infinitive phrase; others can't have an actor. Still
other verbs can go either way, as the charts below illustrate.
Verbs that take infinitive objects without actors:

agree begin continue decide
fail hesitate hope intend
learn neglect offer plan
prefer pretend promise refuse
remember start try
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Examples:
Most students plan to study.
We began to learn.
They offered to pay.
They neglected to pay.
She promised to return.
In all of these examples no actor can come between the italicized main (finite) verb and the infinitive direct-object phrase.
Verbs that take infinitive objects with actors:

advise allow convince remind
encourage force hire teach
instruct invite permit tell
implore incite appoint order
Examples:
He reminded me to buy milk.
Their fathers advise them to study.
She forced the defendant to admit the truth.
You've convinced the director of the program to change her position.
I invite you to consider the evidence.
In all of these examples an actor is required after the italicized main (finite) verb and before the infinitive direct-object phrase
Verbs that use either pattern:

ask expect (would) like want
Examples:
I asked to see the records.
I asked him to show me the records.
Trent expected his group to win.
Trent expected to win.
Brenda likes to drive fast.
Brenda likes her friend to drive fast.
In all of these examples the italicized main verb can take an infinitive object with or without an actor.
Punctuation: If the infinitive is used as an adverb and is the beginning phrase in a sentence, it should be set off with a comma;
otherwise, no punctuation is needed for an infinitive phrase.
• To buy a basket of flowers, John had to spend his last dollar.

• To improve your writing, you must consider your purpose and audience.
Points to remember:
1. An infinitive is a verbal consisting of the word to plus a verb; it may be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
2. An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive plus modifier(s), object(s), complement(s), and/or actor(s).
3. An infinitive phrase requires a comma only if it is used as an adverb at the beginning of a sentence.
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Split infinitives:
Split infinitives occur when additional words are included between to and the verb in an infinitive. Many readers find a single
adverb splitting the infinitive to be acceptable, but this practice should be avoided in formal writing.
Examples:
I like to on a nice day walk in the woods. * (unacceptable)
On a nice day, I like to walk in the woods. (revised)
I needed to quickly gather my personal possessions. (acceptable in informal contexts)
I needed to gather my personal possessions quickly. (revised for formal contexts)
SUMMARY:
What is a verbal? Verbals can be tricky. A verbal is a verb masquerading as another part of speech; it’s a verb in disguise.
Gerunds, participles, and infinitives are all verbals.
Examples
A gerund is a verb form ending in –ing that is used as a noun. Shopping is excellent recreation. (The noun shopping is the subject
of this sentence.)
A participle is a verb form ending in –ed or –ing that is used as an adjective. The butterfly fluttering near the daisy is a monarch.
(The adjective fluttering modifies “butterfly.”)
An infinitive is a verb form introduced by the word “to” that can be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. I plan to read a
book on Saturday. (The infinitive to read is a noun used as a direct object)
EXERCISES:
Directions: In the following paragraph, verbals are underlined. Above each of these words, identify what kind of verbal it is—
gerund, participle, or infinitive.
Tiffany, bored with the usual presents, asked for a pet for her birthday. Walking a dog
of her own had been her dream for a long time. A poodle puppy wagging its tail in a pet store
caught her eye. Hoping for this pet, Tiffany went to the store every day to look at the beloved
pup. On her birthday, Tiffany and her mom hurried to the store to buy the poodle. Tiffany
named the excited puppy Inglebert, which means “unusually intelligent.” Playing fetch and
teaching Inglebert new tricks now take up much of Tiffany’s time.
EXERCISES:
For each of the following sentences, decide if the word or phrase in bold is a participle, gerund, or infinitive. Write a “P” if it is a
participle, a “G” if the word or phrase is a gerund an “I” if the word or phrase is an infinitive.
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1. The children’s singing and laughing woke me up. ___, ___,

2. Mallory likes to dance in the rain. ___
3. There are many ways of breaking a heart. ___
4. A broken heart will mend over time. ____
5. George Burns once said, “Happiness is shaving a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” ____,____
6. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. ____
7. Woody Allen once said, “I don’t want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying.” _____,
_____
8. Woody Allen once said, “I don’t want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying.” _____
9. Gore Vidal once said, “It is not enough to succeed. Other must fail.” ______
10. Succeeding is not enough. Others must fail. _____
Identify the type of verbal for the underlined word. Encircle only the letters of your answer.
1. The thief arrested for the robbery shot at the security guard.
a. gerund b. participle c. infinitive
2. They are sure the extra planning will make a difference in the end.
3. Godzilla made a game of smashing all of the red cars parked near the lake.
4. Delighted with the opportunity to learn, Christine took the internship in New York.
5. The show offers everyone a chance to be a millionaire.

6. Samuel decided that missing the lecture every day was hurting his grade.
7. The swimmer, driven by the need to be the best in the world, made himself sick with anxiety.
8. The marathon runner, pushed to the edge of endurance, collapsed at the finish line.
9. Fred’s arguing every call is getting frustrating.

10. The completed meal was so beautiful that the guests hesitated to eat it.
Phrases and Clauses

PHRASE - A phrase is a group of related words. It does not contain a subject and a verb. There are different types of phrases.
Examples: 1. from the stairs 2. to run 3. playing the piano
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CLAUSE - A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. There are two types of clauses.
Examples: 1. The play was funny. 2. Since the play was funny.
PHRASES - a phrase is a group of related words. It does not contain a subject and a verb. There are different types of phrases.
1. Prepositional Phrase - (prep + noun/pron)

Examples:
1. Most Australians live in large cities.
2. Many cities with large factories have a smog problem.
3. The great dividing range extends across the east side.
4. Mr. Jones presented the award to me.
5. Alice sat near her.
2. Infinitive Phrase - ( to + verb)

Examples:
1. To run daily is healthy.
2. They pretend to speak Latin.
3. Her idea to deliver the package was approved by her mother.
3. Other Phrases - (beginning with an ing, ed, or en word.)

Although these words are formed from verbs, they are not verbs when used without helping words.
Examples
1. Hating homework, Bob put off doing it until late at night.
2. The girl running quickly tripped and fell.
3. Dusting the furniture and washing the floors are tiresome chores.
4. Destroyed by fire, the church was never rebuilt.
5. Eaten quickly, the candies were gone before I arrived.
CLAUSES - a clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.
There are two types of clauses:

1. Independent Clause - expresses a complete thought and has a subject and verb. It is the main thought of a sentence and can
be used alone as a simple sentence.
Examples:
1. Mrs. Smith bakes wonderful pies.
2. During the rainstorm, the children were frightened by the thunder.
3. She enjoys playing the piano.
2. Dependent Clause – has a subject and verb but cannot be used as a simple sentence. A dependent clause is introduced by a
dependent word (subordinating conjunction). See the following list.
after even though so that whatever which

although ever since than when whichever
as how that whenever while
as if if though where who
because in order that unless whereas whom
before since until wherever whose
even if so (that) what whether why
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Whenever a clause begins with one of the above dependent words (unless it is a question, which would never give you any
trouble), it is dependent. If we take an independent clause such as:
We finished the game.
and put one of the dependent words in front of it, it becomes dependent:
After we finished the game

Although we finished the game
As we finished the game
Before we finished the game
If we finished the game
Since we finished the game
That we finished the game
When we finished the game
While we finished the game
The clause can no longer stand alone. As you read it, you can hear that it doesn’t make a complete statement. It leaves the
reader expecting something more. It is an incomplete thought or fragment and must not be punctuated as a sentence.
To correct such an incomplete thought or fragment, simply add an independent clause:
After we finished the game, we went to the clubhouse.

While we finished the game, the others waited.
We gave up the court when we had finished the game.
We were happy that we had finished the game.
In other words, every sentence must have at least one independent clause.
Note in the example above that when a dependent clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, it is followed by a comma. Often
the comma prevents misreading, as in the following:
When he entered, the room became quiet.
Note that sometimes the dependent word is the subject of the dependent clause:
Examples: 1. I took the highway that was finished just last month.
2. The girl who was standing by the window is gone.
Sometimes the dependent clause is in the middle of the independent clause:
Examples: 1. The highway that was finished last month goes to Indianapolis.
2. The book which is on the shelf is excellent.
Note: the word that does not always introduce a dependent clause; it may be a pronoun (That is my book) or a describing word (I
like that book).
Exercises
Phrases and Clauses
A. In the spaces to the left of each number write P for phrase, IC for independent clause, and DC for dependent clause.
Examples: P With their friends

IC It is the only solution
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DC Unless they could borrow the car

Exercise 1:
______ 1. Throwing papers along the streets
______ 2. While debris covered the park
______ 3. With broken glass in the alley
______ 4. Beside old trucks and cars
______ 5. No one lives there
______ 6. For lights on every corner
______ 7. If the expense is too great
______ 8. As he walked home
______ 9. Dragged up the subway steps
______10. Thousands of people walk every day
______11. Racing against the traffic signal
______12. Unless it rains
______13. When a helicopter hovers overhead
______14. Who play basketball in the empty lot
______15. That lives in town
______16. To think intelligently
______17. Except Mary and Tom
______18. No one cared about the party
______19. After the storm ended
______ 20. After the storm on Friday
______ 21. While baking the bread
______ 22. Leaving me behind
______ 23. Which was stolen
______ 24. A few were left
______ 25. Given a new lease on life
B. Underline the dependent clauses and circle the subordinating conjunctions (dependent words) that introduce the
dependent clauses.
Example: You can’t do your best when you are tired.
Exercise 2:
1. I refused to go because I had homework to do.
2. I could make good grades if I studied.
3. After I finish college, I’ll get a job.
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4. They were playing Frisbee while he was studying.
5. Her essay would have been better if she had rewritten it.
6. Unless you return your library book today, you’ll have to pay a fine of ten cents per day.
7. A large vocabulary is the characteristic that most often accompanies outstanding success.
8. He was searching for the money that he had dropped in the snow on Christmas Day.
9. Although he looked a long time, he couldn’t find it.
10. Until you understand subjects and verbs, you cannot understand clauses and their purposes in sentences.
Independent and Dependent Clauses
C. In the following three exercises, if the clause is independent and, therefore, a sentence, put a period after it.
If the clause is dependent and, therefore, a fragment, add an independent clause either before or after it to make it into a
sentence.
***Remember that if the dependent clause comes first in the sentence, it should have a comma after it.
Example: The people flocked around the injured man.

While everyone else was studying, I review my notes.
Exercise 3:
1. As he ran to catch the ball - __________________________________

2. He finally caught it - _______________________________________
3. She couldn’t find the necessary reference material - _______________________________
4. Because no one had told me about the new ruling - ________________________________
5. When I make up my mind to work - _____________________________
6. I’m going to stay at home tonight - _____________________________
7. If I can just spend a couple of hours on my math - __________________________
8. I should study my psychology - __________________________________
9. When I’m finished with both of them - _____________________________
10. I’ll feel confident for those tests - _______________________________
Capitalization and Punctuation
Capital Letters:
We must use Capital letters in the following situations:
1. The first word of every sentence
2. The first word of every direct quotation
He said, “We’ve jogged two miles.”
“We’ve jogged two miles,” he said, “and I feel great.” (The and is not capitalized because it does not begin a new sentence.).
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“We’ve jogged two miles,” he said. “It makes me feel great.” (It is capitalized because it begins a new sentence.)
3. The first, last, and very important word/s in a title
I’ve been reading Bulfinch’s The Age of Fable.
4. Proper names of people, places, languages, races and nationalities
Grandfather Brown Japan Oriental
Uganda English Indian
5. A title of relationship if it takes the place of the person’s name, but not otherwise
If my (or similar word) is in front of the word, a capital is not used.
I think Mother wrote to her.
I think my mother wrote to her.
6. Names of particular people or things, but not general ones
I spoke to Professor Smith.
I spoke to the professor.
7. Names of months, days of the week, and special days, but not the seasons
February First of July but spring
Wednesday Thanksgiving summer
Now it’s your turn. Add capital letters where necessary. Write only “Correct” if the sentence doesn’t need any changes and re write
each sentence if you think it needs to add capital letters.
Exercise 4
1. I discussed the matter with my professor. -
2. We were studying Robert Frost’s poem “The death of the hired man”. -
3. All grade 12 students take history and english. -
4. Usually college classes begin the day after labour day. -
5. You know, dad, I haven’t had the car all week. -
6. He shouted, “what’s happening?” -
7. The doctor sent her to the hospital last wednesday. -
8. After graduating from high school, he went to Vancouver island university. -
9. My aunt is president of her club this fall. -
10. My cousin plays hockey for simon fraser university. –
Exercise 5
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1. The sugar maple and the hemlock are both native to canada. -
2. She graduated from vancouver island university and now is attending ubc -
3. My mother likes plane travel, but dad would rather drive. -
4. Last spring we took a trip through the rocky mountains. -
5. His mother bakes the best cookies, but aunt angela makes the best pies. -
6. We’re studying about world war II in history now. -
7. I’ve always liked literature and have decided to make it my major. -
8. Next semester I’m going to take psychology 112, history 112, and English 200; then the following semester I’ll take math
and physics. -
9. The team from pearson college was on our campus last weekend. -
10. “I’d rather be a big duck in a little pond,” she said, “than a little duck in a big pond.
-
Commas
1. Use a comma before these joining words when you are constructing a compound sentence. (Hint: Remember the word
formed downward by the first letters of each joining word.)
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
In the examples following, underlined spaces indicate that a comma is needed.

e.g. I want to go _,_ but you want to stay. He died before she was born _,_ so she never knew him.
2. Put a comma between items in a series.

a The sting of a bee , wasp , or hornet can cause a severe reaction.
b Soon the students will return , the halls will be buzzing , and the studyingwill begin.
3. A comma goes after an introductory expression or before an expression that follows the sentence but is somewhat
separated from the rest of the sentence (doesn’t flow easily into the sentence).
a Well , I haven’t seen anyone yet.
b When the time comes , we will be ready.
c It’s tiring to go to school all day , isn’t it?
4. Put commas around the name of a person spoken to or addressed.

a Rick , bring that into the classroom.
b I know , Jan , that you are missing your family.
5. Put commas around an expression that interrupts the flow of the sentence.
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a The facts , therefore , do not support your argument.

b I wish , however , that I could go south for the weekend.
6. Put commas around non-essential material.

a The students , who passed with flying colours , headed to La Cantina.
b Cannery Row , a novel by John Steinbeck , is a favourite among English instructors.
Exercises 6
Insert commas where they belong:
1. Although I liked what you wrote about caring for your pet rat I have a suggestion you might want to consider.
2. Ever since you asked my opinion about the soccer field battle I’ve been mulling the situation over trying to determine a
logical consequence.
3. I don’t usually give unsolicited advice but this seems to me to be a special case.
4. I wouldn’t ordinarily presume to tell you how to behave but I’m concerned.
5. Check for accuracy spelling and punctuation before sending your e-mail.
6. It was Coach Tom who came up with the idea of recruiting players from other schools.
7. When returning items that don’t fit please remember to return them within 20 days of your purchase.
8. My teacher who was talking to all of us said, “If everyone passes this test we’ll all get a free period.”
9. “I didn’t see the falling star” Jane said “but I sure wish I had.”
10. Melissa bought a new graduation dress and she wore it to the graduation ceremony.
Quotation Marks:
Quotation Marks are used:
A. to identify the exact words of the speaker
B. to set off the titles of short works of writing
Punctuation Rules for using Quotation Marks:
A. To identify the exact words of the speaker:
1. Start the quotation with a capital letter. He screamed, “Get lost!”
2. If the quotation is split into 2 parts, the 2nd part does not begin with a capital letter unless it begins a 2nd
sentence.
“Would you please,” he said, “just get lost!”
“Get lost,” he said. “I’ve had enough.”
Note: A comma follows the end of the 1st part of the quotation. A comma precedes the 2nd part of the quotation, unless a
new sentence is begun.
3. Use quotation marks ( “ ” ) to start and end the quoted part of the sentence.
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As the wise one always says, “Love heals all problems.”

4. Commas, periods, question marks, exclamation points that come at the end of a quotation should go inside the
quotation marks.
Carol questioned, “Aren’t you coming?”
5. If the words are not the speaker’s exact words, do not use quotation marks.
He said that he was willing to go. He said, “I am willing to go.”
Bill told them he could do it. Bill told them, “I can do it.”
B. To set off the titles of short works of writing:
Use Quotation Marks Use Underlines
- the song, “Isn’t it a Pity?” - on the album(longer work), All Things Must Pass
- the episode of Cheers, “Diane’s Worst Day” - the television show, Cheers
- the article, “Does Money Really Count?” - the magazine, Lifestyles
Note: Usually the quotation marks within other quotation marks are reduced to 1 (‘) instead of 2 (“) to distinguish them
from one another.
Exercise 7
Insert the quotation marks where needed. Correct any punctuation that may need to be altered.
1. He read an article called Finding Answers on the Internet to the group, and then he turned to the class and said do you
believe that.
2. You must listen to her the lawyer shouted. She wrote an article called Legal Practice in B.C. about courts. She knows
her stuff.
3. Did you really believe that another day of waiting would make it easier to give that speech, asked her friend. It is still
called the hazards of not preparing for public speaking and it is still the most popular speech in the text called speeches for
notoriety.
Semicolons:
There are three situations where a semicolon is the best punctuation choice:
1. Use a semicolon to join two independent (stand-alone) statements which are closely related. The statements should be
closely related enough that you could use a FANBOYS word (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) instead of a semicolon.
My daughter was quite sick; I called the doctor right away.
2. Use between independent statements linked with a transitional phrase or word. Put a comma after the transition word
or phrase.
I am nervous about the test; however, I know I have prepared as well as possible.  Gary did not want to leave the party;
nevertheless, it was getting very late.
18
Note: If a FANBOYs word (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) connects the two statements, use a comma instead of a
semicolon.  Gary did not want to leave the party, but it was getting very late.
3. Use between items in a series that contains internal punctuation:
Strategies for staying healthy include eating well, to ensure proper nutrition; exercising regularly, to maintain
heart health; and living a balanced lifestyle, to reduce stress.
In the above, the three different examples contain commas as internal punctuation. Without the semicolons, the reader
could have difficulty sorting out the idea groups.
Exercise 8
Put in the appropriate semicolons:
1. Eating healthy helps you lose weight staying fit keeps you healthy.
2. I’ll need to do the following today: take out the trash pay my hydro bill water my plants and shop for
groceries.
3. My dog hates dog food he loves eating my dinner.
4. I hate doing math homework I love doing art homework.
5. This summer I’m: going hiking taking a cruise and relaxing!
6. I don’t like orange soda I much prefer a cola.
7. I got an A on my English assignment I really studied hard.
8. I don’t like going to the gym in fact, I cancelled my membership.
9. I had to use my brother’s golf clubs I forgot my clubs at home.
10. Neither of us can speak French we had to get a translator.
11. I live in the city I’m not a rural person.
12. The weather forecaster was right it rained all day.
Colons:
1. Use a colon after an independent statement to signal a list:
He had several chores to do on Saturday: washing the car, picking up groceries, and paying the bills.
Note: If you introduce the list with “including”, “such as”, or “for example”, do not use a colon.
He had several jobs to do on Saturday, including washing the car, picking up groceries, and paying the bills.
2. Use a colon to start a quotation that has been formally introduced with a full statement.
Consider my father’s advice: “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.”
If the quotation begins with a short expression such as “he said”, then use a comma.
My friend said, “You should listen to your father’s advice.”
3. Use a colon between independent statements if the second one summarizes or explains the first.
19
The children were whining and fussing: it was well past their bedtime.
4. Use a colon after the greeting in a formal letter, to indicate hours and minutes, to show a ratio, or between the title and subtitle of
a book:
Dear Sir:
8:30 a.m.
The ratio of adults to children was 3:1.
Student Success: How to Thrive at University
Exercise 9
Circle the correct answer:
1. Which one of these is correct?
a) The potion contained: fruit, biscuits and glue.
b) The potion contained fruit, biscuits and glue.
c) The potion: contained fruit, biscuits and glue.

a) You have only one choice: leave now while you can.
b) You have only one choice leave now while you can.
c) You have only one choice. Leave now while you can.

a) I can see only one thing: the old lighthouse.
b) I can see only one thing the old lighthouse.
c) I can see: only one thing the old lighthouse.
4. Which of these is correct?

a) In the bag were: scissors, a hairbrush and her address book.
b) In the bag were the following: scissors, a hairbrush and her address book.
c) In the bag there were: scissors, a hairbrush and her address book.

a) Mankind has only one choice left stop burning fossil fuel.
b) Mankind has only one choice left, stop burning fossil fuel.
c) Mankind has only one choice left: stop burning fossil fuel.

a) My favorite breakfast cereals are: corn flakes, frosties and golden nuggets.
b) These are my favorite breakfast cereals: corn flakes, frosties and golden nuggets.
c) My favorite breakfast cereals: corn flakes, frosties and golden nuggets.
7. Circle the correctly punctuated sentences.

a) I have only one thing to say to you: 'Get off my land.'
b) The pot contained: sausages, mushrooms and beans.
c) My favorite books are: 'On the Road' and 'The Naked Lunch'.
d) My teacher used to say this: 'Always work hard but not too hard.'
20

a) These are a few of my favorite things: sausages, beans and more sausages.
b) For breakfast I would like: sausages, beans and more sausages.
c) This would be my favorite breakfast: sausages, beans and more sausages.
d) Could you bring me: sausages, beans and more sausages?

a) We have to stop: polluting the rivers, burning fossil fuels and using our cars.
b) We have to stop doing these harmful things: polluting the rivers, burning fossil fuels and using our cars.
c) These things cause environmental damage: polluting the rivers, burning fossil fuels and using our cars.
d) Our quality of life is damaged by: polluting the rivers, burning fossil fuels and using our cars so much.
a) The new house was: modern, spacious and luxurious.
b) Our new house looked: modern, spacious and luxurious.
c) I like a new house to be all of the following: modern, spacious and luxurious.
d) All the houses on the new estate were: modern, spacious and luxurious.
Apostrophes:
These punctuation marks are used in two situations:
a) in contractions
b) to show ownership
a) in contractions:
A contraction results when two words are combined together to make one word.
have + not = haven’t I + will = I’ll who + is = who’s
Here is a list of commonly used contractions (include the examples above):
I + am = I’m it + has = it’s I + have = I’ve I + had = I’d
Do + not = don’t Did + not = didn’t It + is = it’s is + not = isn’t
could + not = couldn’t I + would = I’d they + are = they’re we + will = we’ll
b) to show ownership:
the jacket that belongs to Ruth Ruth’s jacket
the paws of the dog the dog’s paws
When a singular word or name ends in “s”, just add an apostrophe after the “s” to show possession.
James’ book Iris’ desk Ferris’ day off
When a plural word ends in “s”, show possession by adding an apostrophe after the “s”.
College instructors’ cars are often old.
Many students’ lockers were raided.
All of the soldiers’ rations were spoiled.
Note: No apostrophe is used with possessive pronouns such as:
hers, his, its, theirs, yours, ours
Note: For plural words, just add an “s” to the word, but don’t add an apostrophe.
His book is ruined. His books are ruined.
Note: Some words are already plural in an unusual form. Add an apostrophe plus “s”.
children’s toys, men’s clothes, women’s work
Example Hes been going to school for months, but Tonys marks are still better than his.
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Added Apostrophes: He’s been going to school for months, but Tony’s marks are still better than his.
The meaning of the sentence:

He has been going to school for more than one month, but the marks Tony has are better than his marks.
Exercise 10:
Add an apostrophe where needed.
1. Weve been working on Davids car for days. -
2. Todays leftovers will go to Iris dogs. -
3. Most dogs breath is smelly. -
4. Theyre ready to clean Phyllis moms bedrooms. -
5. Heres a long list of students complaints about Mondays meeting. -
22

Subject-Verb Agreement: Matching Subjects With Verbs

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Subject-Verb Agreement: Matching Subjects With Verbs

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Ms. Saimona M.

Guyo, LPT, MaEd

A subject is a noun or pronoun. A verb is the action performed by the subject.

EXAMPLE: The teachers in the classroom is/are very experienced.

Singular indefinite pronouns take the singular verb.

“Dogs” is a plural subject that takes the plural verb “are.”

Subject-Verb Agreement Practice Exercises

Verbals: Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives

The gerund phrase functions as the subject of the sentence.

The gerund phrase functions as the object of the preposition

2. Swimming in your pool is always fun. - __________________

The participial phrase functions as an adjective modifying

The participial phrase functions as an adjective modifying

The participial phrase functions as an adjective modifying

Infinitives: to fly, to draw, to become, to enter, to stand, to catch, to belong

The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb

Verbs that take infinitive objects without actors:

Verbs that take infinitive objects with actors:

Verbs that use either pattern:

• To buy a basket of flowers, John had to spend his last dollar.

teaching Inglebert new tricks now take up much of Tiffany’s time.

1. The children’s singing and laughing woke me up. ___, ___,

5. The show offers everyone a chance to be a millionaire.

9. Fred’s arguing every call is getting frustrating.

Phrases and Clauses

Examples: 1. from the stairs 2. to run 3. playing the piano

1. Prepositional Phrase - (prep + noun/pron)

2. Infinitive Phrase - ( to + verb)

3. Other Phrases - (beginning with an ing, ed, or en word.)

CLAUSES - a clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.

There are two types of clauses:

after even though so that whatever which

We finished the game.

After we finished the game

To correct such an incomplete thought or fragment, simply add an independent clause:

After we finished the game, we went to the clubhouse.

When he entered, the room became quiet.

Examples: P With their friends

DC Unless they could borrow the car

1. I refused to go because I had homework to do.

2. I could make good grades if I studied.

3. After I finish college, I’ll get a job.

4. They were playing Frisbee while he was studying.

9. Although he looked a long time, he couldn’t find it.

Example: The people flocked around the injured man.

1. As he ran to catch the ball - __________________________________

1. I discussed the matter with my professor. -

3. All grade 12 students take history and english. -

4. Usually college classes begin the day after labour day. -

5. You know, dad, I haven’t had the car all week. -

6. He shouted, “what’s happening?” -

7. The doctor sent her to the hospital last wednesday. -

8. After graduating from high school, he went to Vancouver island university. -

9. My aunt is president of her club this fall. -

10. My cousin plays hockey for simon fraser university. –

3. My mother likes plane travel, but dad would rather drive. -

4. Last spring we took a trip through the rocky mountains. -

6. We’re studying about world war II in history now. -

7. I’ve always liked literature and have decided to make it my major. -

In the examples following, underlined spaces indicate that a comma is needed.

2. Put a comma between items in a series.

4. Put commas around the name of a person spoken to or addressed.

a The facts , therefore , do not support your argument.

1. The children’s singing and laughing woke me up. _, _,