Page 46 - English (2)

English for Tourism & Hospitality (102) by Prof. Adel AlSheikh

Subject - Verb Agreement

Singular subjects take singular verbs. Plural
subjects take plural verbs. This is easy to do in
simple sentences, but it's harder in complex
sentences.

When the subject and verb are separated, you
have to ignore what's in between and just look at
the subject and the verb. Usually the subject
comes first in a sentence.

When the sentence order is reversed, you
have to look carefully for the subject and verb to
be sure they agree.

Indefinite pronouns (everybody, everyone,
anyone, anything) take a singular verb. Just
remember "-body", "-one", and "- thing.

The pronouns who, which, and that can be
either singular or plural. It depends on the noun
they are taking the place of. When those pronouns
take the place of a singular noun, they need a
singular verb. When they take the place of a plural
noun, they need a plural verb. Select the correct
tense (singular or plural) for the verbs in the
following sentences.

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