10-A. Use a plural verb with one of these _____ In the first example, a statement of wish, not a fact, is expressed; therefore, what we usually consider a plural verb is used with the singular il. (Technically, this is the singular subject of the object put in the subjunctive atmosphere: it was Friday.) Normally, his education would seem terrible to us. However, in the second example, when a request is expressed, the subjunctive setting is correct. Note: Subjunctive mood is losing ground in spoken English, but should still be used in formal oral and written expression. In the above examples, RPM (“revolutions per minute”) refers to a separate number, so it needs a singular verb. HNS (“hazardous and noxious substances”), on the other hand, is used to describe several things, so it needs a plural verb. Examples: Three miles is too far away to walk. Five years is the maximum penalty for this crime. Ten dollars is a high price to pay. BUT ten dollars (i.e.
dollar bills) were scattered across the ground. 9. In sentences that begin with “there is” or “there is”, the subject follows the verb. Since “there” is not the subject, the verb corresponds to the following. However, instead of using two sentences (as above), we can choose to give the above information in one sentence. The subject-verb match rules apply to all personal pronouns except I and you, which, although SINGULAR, require plural forms of verbs. Sometimes two or more topics are associated with a verb. These are called composite subjects. When deciding whether to use a singular or plural verb, consider how the topics are related. This theorem uses a composite subject (two subject nouns that are traversing and connected) and illustrates a new rule on subject-verb correspondence. 3.
Group nouns can be given in the plural to mean two or more units and thus take a plural verb. NOTE: Sometimes, however, ics nouns can have a plural meaning: we can talk about individual parts of this set. In this case, we apply the same rule as for group nouns when we examine the individual members of the group (see section 3.3): We use a plural verb. 1. If the subject of a sentence consists of two or more nouns or pronouns connected by and, use a plural verb. Most indefinite pronouns are treated as singular subjects. However, some are still treated in the plural because they refer to several elements or amounts. If possible, it is best to rephrase these grammatically correct but cumbersome sentences. Rule 2. Two singular subjects related by or, either/or, require a singular verb. Therefore, there are three important rules for the subject agreement that should be recalled when using a group name as a subject: So far, we have examined the topics that can lead to confusion of the subject-verb agreement: composite subjects, group name subjects, singular plural form meaning subjects, and indefinite subjects. Shouldn`t Joe be followed by the what and not by the merchandise, since Joe is singular? But Joe isn`t really there, so let`s say who wasn`t.
The sentence demonstrates the subjunctive mood used to express hypothetical, useless, imaginary, or factually contradictory things. The subjunctive connects singular subjects to what we generally consider plural verbs. The verb in such constructions is obvious. However, the subject does not come BEFORE the verb. Connective, sentences as combined with, coupled with, accompanied, added, with, with and and, do not change the topic number. These sentences are usually delimited by commas. This composite subject therefore requires a singular verb to correspond to it. These names describe abstract concepts or masses that cannot be counted (para.
B example, research, energy, water and vegetation). They take a singular verb. 4. Think of the indefinite pronoun EXCEPTIONS considered in section 3.5, p.18: Some, All, None, All, and Most. The number of these subject words is influenced by a prepositional sentence between the subject and the verb. Rule of thumb. A singular subject (she, Bill, car) takes a singular verb (is, goes, shines), while a plural subject takes a plural verb. 4. Is not a contraction of not and should only be used with a singular subject. Don`t is a contraction of do not and should only be used with a plural subject.
The exception to this rule occurs with the first-person and second-person pronouns I and U. With these pronouns, contraction should not be used. 3. Find the true theme of the sentence and choose a verb that matches it. Article 7. Use a singular verb with distances, periods, sums of money, etc. if you are considered a unit. SUBJECT VERB RULE #2 Two or more SINGULAR subjects that are or (or may not work) by a singular composite subject and therefore take a singular verb to agree. While you`re probably already familiar with basic subject-verb matching, this chapter begins with a brief overview of the basic matching rules. 7.
The titles of individual entities (books, organizations, countries, etc.) are always singular. This sentence refers to the individual efforts of each crew member. The Gregg Reference Manual provides excellent explanations of subject-verb correspondence (section 10:1001). As subjects, the following indefinite pronouns ALWAYS assume singular verbs. Look at them closely. Sometimes, however, a prepositional sentence inserted between the subject and the verb makes it difficult to match. Note: Identifying the real topic can be difficult if you use these sentences in a long sentence, which can be confusing for your readers, so be careful when starting a sentence this way. 3.
If a composite subject contains both a singular and plural noun or pronoun that is connected by or, the verb must correspond to the part of the subject that is closest to the verb. Compound names can act as a composite subject. .
