Ms. hi!
I would like you answer for me one question that I just don't get it from my English homework and if you can explain me what is a subject-verb agreement in a simple way maybe a tip or something in order that I learn how to figure it out by myself next time... the question is:
16. In which sentence do you find subject-verb agreement?
A. Neither the clarinets nor the trumpets plays the melody correctly.
B. Where is your keys to my car?
C. If you look carefully, you'll see tomatoes is on that aisle.
D. Farley or Farley's brother is helping me with the project.
Thank you beforehand!!
Hi Shayna,
A singular subject always has a singular verb. A plural subject always has a plural verb.
Examples:
he is
they are
she has
the girls have
Mr. Jones lives here.
My friends live there.
Your sentences involve deciding whether a subject is singular or plural.
This site explains singular and plural subjects.
http://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp
Note that Rule 3 explains A.
Since "trumpets" is closest to the verb, the correct verb should be "play."
B. The subject is "keys." The correct verb should be "are."
C. Should be "tomatoes are."
D. This is the correct answer. The two subjects are joined by "or." Only one person is helping me.
Thank you Ms. Sue!...very helpful!!
You're very welcome. :-)
Hello! I'd be happy to help you with your question and also explain subject-verb agreement. Let's break it down!
Subject-verb agreement refers to the matching of a verb with its subject in terms of number. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural.
Now, let's analyze the sentences to find the one with subject-verb agreement:
A. Neither the clarinets nor the trumpets plays the melody correctly.
In this sentence, the subject is "neither the clarinets nor the trumpets," which is plural. The verb "plays" is singular, so this sentence does not demonstrate subject-verb agreement.
B. Where is your keys to my car?
In this sentence, the subject is "keys," which is plural. However, the verb "is" is singular, so this sentence does not have subject-verb agreement.
C. If you look carefully, you'll see tomatoes is on that aisle.
In this sentence, the subject is "tomatoes," which is plural. The verb "is" is singular, so this sentence also lacks subject-verb agreement.
D. Farley or Farley's brother is helping me with the project.
In this sentence, the subject is "Farley or Farley's brother," which is singular. The verb "is" is also singular, making this sentence an example of subject-verb agreement.
So, the correct answer is D. The sentence "Farley or Farley's brother is helping me with the project" shows subject-verb agreement because the singular subject matches the singular verb.
Remember, when checking for subject-verb agreement, make sure the number (singular or plural) of the subject and the verb match.
I hope this explanation was helpful, and now you have a better understanding of subject-verb agreement! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.