1 Subject & Verb Agreement: Compound Subjects and Indefinite Pronouns EQ: How can I make sure that the subjects in a sentence agree with the verbs?

2 Compound Subjects Joined by “or” or “nor” Two or more singular subjects joined by or or nor require a singular verb. Two or more singular subjects joined by or or nor require a singular verb. Examples: Examples: Vivian or Carl writes the editorial. Vivian or Carl writes the editorial. Neither Dwayne nor Mark remembers his name. Neither Dwayne nor Mark remembers his name.

3 Compound Subjects Joined by “or” or “nor” If one part of a compound subject joined by or or nor is plural, the verb agrees with the closest subject. If one part of a compound subject joined by or or nor is plural, the verb agrees with the closest subject. Examples: Examples: Neither the coach nor the players are here. Neither the coach nor the players are here. Neither the players nor the coach is here. Neither the players nor the coach is here.

4 Compound Subjects Joined by “and” A compound subject joined by “and” requires a plural verb: A compound subject joined by “and” requires a plural verb: Spring and summer are my favorite seasons. Spring and summer are my favorite seasons. There are two exceptions to this rule: There are two exceptions to this rule: 1. When the parts of the subject are considered one thing: Macaroni and cheese is on the menu. 2. When the subject is modified by each or every: Each boy and girl receives a souvenir.

5 Subject Verb Agreement Practice During WWII, US troops in the Pacific (A. was; B. were) locked in battle with Japanese troops. During WWII, US troops in the Pacific (A. was; B. were) locked in battle with Japanese troops. Sam and his brother (A. have; B. has) always wondered why Nazi Germany carried out the Holocaust. Sam and his brother (A. have; B. has) always wondered why Nazi Germany carried out the Holocaust.

6 How should you approach indefinite pronouns? Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific persons or things. Though some of the following indefinite pronouns seem to have plural meanings, treat them as singular: Anybody, anyone, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, no one, someone, something Ex: Everyone should respect his or her teacher. (Instead of using the plural their, use the singular option, his or her, when you do not know the gender of the person.)

7 Reflection Section (Use the information in your notes to help you answer the following questions.) 1. Everyone in our house loves pizza. What is the pronoun: Verb: Do the pronoun and verb agree? If not, how can you fix it? 2. Many of our students is going on the field trip. What is the pronoun: Verb: Do the pronoun and verb agree? If not, how can you fix it? Everyoneloves ManyIs going yes No! “is” should be “are”