The rules about subject-verb agreement 3



Rami Yu

Rami Yu (43)

Rami Yu
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A whole clause or phrase requires a singular verb

 

 

Running around shouting abuse is not the best way to deal with the problem.

 

 

Some subjects that refer to groups of people can take either singular or plural verbs

 

 

team

The team has arrived.

The team have arrived.

family

Our family is a strange group of people.

Our family are a strange lot.

jury

The jury has not yet reached a verdict.

The jury are coming out of the jury room now.

crowd

The crowd goes wild every time he touches the ball.

The crowd are becoming unmanageable.

class

Our class hasn't so many people in it this year.

Our class are going on a field trip next week.

committee

The committee is meeting at Mary's house this week.

The committee are having trouble making a decision.

 

 

Sometimes the subject is referred to as a singular group but it requires a plural verb

 

 

few

A few of the members disagree with the proposal.

handful

Only a handful of the protesters remain.

 

 

Some words with -s endings look like plurals but require singular verbs.

 

 

physics

Physics is my weakest subject.

mathematics

Mathematics is my strongest subject.

news

The news is not good.

measles

mumps

Measles is a dangerous illness in older people.

So is mumps.

 

 

Titles of written works, films and other works of art require singular verbs, as do the names of companies and words that are referred to as words.

 

 

The Untouchables was a very violent movie.

The X-files is re-screening this evening.

Placemakers is having a sale.

Is dinosaurs spelt dinosaurs or dinasaurs?

 

 

With (there is and there are), the verb depends on what follows.

 

 

There are more things to heaven and earth....

There is a tavern in the town.

 

I'll be back with another one ;)

 

 

maria caoo

maria caoo (18)

maria caoo
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Thanks!! =)

Rami Yu

Rami Yu (43)

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ِAnytime !!

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thx

Rami Yu

Rami Yu (43)

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wlc :)

碧碧

碧碧 (21)

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thx

Rami Yu

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wlc !!

Jeff Armon

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Very helpful. Thanks!

Rami Yu

Rami Yu (43)

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Anytime !

§♣Brokoff♣§

§♣Brokoff♣§

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Thanks !