Subject & Verb Agreement

English Language Arts, Grade 4

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Subject & Verb Agreement Visit www.newpathlearning.com for Online Learning Resources. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 92-4076 The subject of a sentence is the person, thing, or idea that does the action. The verb in a sentence tells the action taken. The action can be existing (any form of the verb to be ). The subject and verb must agree. The subject of a sentence is never found in a prepositional phrase. In addition to my friends, my brother is going on the ski trip. In addition to my friends is a prepositional phrase; therefore, my brother is the subject. Frieda’s dad, as well as her grandma, is waiting for us in the car. Frieda’s dad is the subject; as well as her grandma is a prepositional phrase. A singular subject takes a singular verb. Her cousin Jason plays for the Cincinnati Bearcats. The table was coated with a thick layer of dust. I am glad that you came to visit me. A plural subject takes a plural verb. Six people were sitting around the campfire. The hens were trapped in their cages. They are too loud! A compound subject takes a plural verb. Compound subjects are comprised of two or more nouns and pronouns joined by the word and . Brian and I are going to get some ice cream. Apple, cherry, and chocolate cream are her favorite pies. At first glance, the examples below look like compound subjects, but they are not. The subject joined by or or nor uses a singular verb. In my opinion, blue or green is the best color for this room. Neither Sheila nor Annette is answering her phone. These indefinite pronouns take a singular verb: somebody, nobody, anybody, everybody, someone, no one, anyone, and everyone. Is anyone available to help me in the kitchen? Nobody is more excited than the coach and her team.
Subject & Verb Agreement Visit www.newpathlearning.com for Online Learning Resources. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 92-4076 Underline the subject of the sentence. Write an appropriate present tense verb in the blank. 1. Everyone _________________ to meet us at the ticket booth. 2. Some firefighters ________________ into the burning building. 3. Jake and Ben __________________ the plans for their treehouse. 4. Did Marcy __________________ the contest? 5. Their house ______________ the blue one on the right. 6. Where _______________ everybody? 7. Sarah or Nicole __________________ to babysit on Saturday night. 8. Dolphins ___________________ echolocation to determine the size, shape, and location of prey. 9. In my house, nobody ever ___________________ to the door when the doorbell rings. 10. Neither Buddy nor Nutmeg ___________________ the dog groomer. Buddy Nutmeg