Subject/Verb Agreement Compound subjects and Indefinite Pronouns subjects

Compound Subjects Contains two or more simple subjects. Compound subjects can take either singular or plural verbs. When the parts are joined by AND, the verb is plural When the parts are joined by OR or NOR, the verb agrees with the closest part

For example… Joe and Bob are best friends. Neither Joe nor Bob is a friend of mine. (Bob is closest and singular) But… Either cake or Doritos are my favorite snack. (Doritos is closest to verb, therefore plural)

Practice and Apply Try out page 161 exercise #3, numbers 1-5. Write the verb form that agrees with the subject.

Indefinite Pronoun Subjects When used as subjects, some indefinite pronouns are ALWAYS SINGULAR, some are ALWAYS PLURAL, and some can be EITHER singular or plural, depending on how they’re used. (gee…that sounds clear…NOT!)

Singular pronouns that take singular verbs: another anybody anyone anything each either everybody everyone everything much neither nobody no one nothing one somebody someone something

Examples of singular pronuns, singular verbs Everybody has a good idea on how to solve the problem. No one knows why Brett Favre threw an interception.

Plural pronouns that always take a plural verb Both Few Many Several Ex: Both of my friends are nice. Several are going out to the concert.

Pronouns that are either singular or plural all any more most none some Examples: All of the students are late. All of this pasta is burned. Most of the players are good. Most of my essay is finished.

Practice and Apply Try out page 163 activity #3, numbers 1-5. Choose the verb that agrees with the subject.