Page 5: Tricky Subject-Verb Agreement
Sometimes it's harder to tell if a subject is singular or plural. Remember these tricky cases:
- Words like "each," "every," and "neither" are usually singular.
- When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the closest subject.
- Collective nouns (like "class" or "group") can be singular or plural depending on context.
Activity 5: Tricky Agreements
Choose the correct verb for these tricky sentences:
1. Every child in the class (was/were) born on Venus.
2. Neither the teachers nor the students (knows/know) when the sun will appear.
3. The class, including Margot, (is/are) waiting for the sun.
4. Each of the students (has/have) a different reaction to the sun.
5. The group of children (runs/run) towards the door.
6. Either the constant rain or the lack of sun (affects/affect) the children's mood.
7. None of the children (remembers/remember) the sun except Margot.
8. The sound of raindrops (is/are) constant on Venus.
9. Everyone in the story (wants/want) to see the sun.
10. The beauty and warmth of the sun (overwhelms/overwhelm) the children.
Answer Key
1. Every child in the class was born on Venus.
2. Neither the teachers nor the students know when the sun will appear.
3. The class, including Margot, is waiting for the sun.
4. Each of the students has a different reaction to the sun.
5. The group of children runs towards the door.
6. Either the constant rain or the lack of sun affects the children's mood.
7. None of the children remember the sun except Margot.
8. The sound of raindrops is constant on Venus.
9. Everyone in the story wants to see the sun.
10. The beauty and warmth of the sun overwhelm the children.