![[B-A] Subject-Verb Agreement](https://images.ctfassets.net/r30ratzbtbbf/5uxar1kuk2ncSbd4SJQvBg/232cc7a689d60caf81a027dc31984ee5/Subject-Verb_Agreement.png)
LET'S READ! 📖
Direction: Read the short passage then answer the questions being asked.
In my first month of college, I feel like I've got it all figured out. It's much easier than high school, and I love the flexibility of choosing my class times, like starting at 11:00 a.m. or later. Although I once blamed my alarm for arriving late to a psychology class, my professor didn't seem impressed.
One major difference from high school is the freedom we have from professors. No more needing permission or hall passes to use the bathroom. In college, when I asked a professor if I could go during a lecture, he gave me a strange smile.
But here's the key: attending class is crucial. If you skip, you'll feel lost. Writing class has been challenging for me. My first essay received a D, but luckily, my teacher allows revisions, which has been helpful. College writing demands hard work, but second chances are available when needed.
Reading is important in college, although I haven't had much time for it. I'm also involved in clubs, like my "Call of Duty" group, which enhances my college experience. I just need to convince my professor that these activities hold value. Overall, college is fun, and I'm confident my parents will be pleased with my grades.
QUESTIONS:
1. Why did the speaker say attending college is a lot easier than what the teachers made it seem?
2. What is the bad part about college according to the speaker? Why?
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
SUBJECT AND VERB AGREEMENT
- If a sentence has a singular subject, it is followed by a singular verb, and if it has a plural subject, it is followed by a plural verb. By doing so, the verb agrees with the subject.
RULES
1. If we use a what clause as a subject, we use a singular verb if the following main noun is singular, and either a singular or a plural verb if the following main noun is plural. A plural verb is preferred in more formal contexts.
-
What worries us is the poor selection process.
-
What is needed are additional resources.
Example:
2. Some nouns with a singular form, referring to groups of some kind, can be used with either a singular or plural form of the verb.
See the difference:
The committee usually raise their hands to vote 'Yes'. NOTThe committee usually raises its hands... | The school is to open next month after having been closed for almost a year. NOT The school are to open .. |
3. Some subjects are followed with a singular or plural verb depending on the quantifier used.
| Use a singular or plural verb: | Examples: |
|---|---|
After one of + plural noun/pronoun + who | He is one of those teachers who insist/insists on pupils sitting silently in class. |
| Use a plural verb: | Examples: |
|---|---|
With a/majority of, a number of, a lot of, plenty of, all (of) or some (of) and a plural noun / pronoun + who | A number of measures were taken to alleviate the problem. |
| Use a singular verb | Examples: |
|---|---|
With the number of | The number of reported crimes is increasing at an alarming rate. |
After one of and a plural noun/pronoun | One of the side effects of the drug is an increased susceptibility to infections. |
With any of, none of, the majority of, a lot of, plenty of, all (of), some (of), and an uncountable noun | The majority of the damage is easy to repair. |
With every or each + singular noun | Every day another batch of papers reaches the manager demanding his attention. |
With everyone, everybody, everything, and similar words beginning any-, some- and no- | Everybody was flabbergasted when I announced I was going to emigrate to Australia. |
4. When the subject has two or more items joined by "and," we usually use a plural verb. However, phrases connected by "and" can also be followed by singular verbs if we think of them as making up a single item.
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Wear and tear has to be expected when you're in the rental business.
-
Corned beef and cabbage was his favorite dish.
Example:
5. When a subject is made up of two or more items joined by "either ... or," or "neither ... nor" , we use a singular verb if the last item is singular and a plural verb if the last item is plural.
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Either he or his assistant is responsible for the payroll.
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Neither the students nor the teachers agree with the proposal.
Example:
6. With a phrase referring to a measurement, amount, or quantity we usually prefer a singular verb. A singular verb must be used when the complement is a singular noun phrase.
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Only there have three meters separates the runners in first and second places.
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Three hours seems a long time to take on the homework.
Examples:
7. When the first noun in a complete subject is a percentage or a fraction the verb agrees with the noun closest to the verb.
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An inflation rate of only 2% makes a difference to exports.
-
About half of the houses need major renovations.
Examples:
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
A. Direction: Talk about a controversial issue or topic that you have strong opinions about.
You should be able to:
- Explain why you feel strongly about it and how it has affected you or your community.
- Clearly state the controversial issue or topic you wish to discuss.
- Present your personal opinions and explain the reasons behind your strong stance.
- Discuss how the issue has impacted you or your community.
- Provide examples or evidence to support your opinions.
