English Language Arts
Grade 10
15 min
Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects
Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify compound subjects in complex sentences from world literature and academic texts.
Differentiate between the agreement rules for compound subjects joined by 'and', 'or', and 'nor'.
Apply the correct verb form (singular or plural) to agree with various types of compound subjects.
Analyze sentences to locate and correct errors in subject-verb agreement involving compound subjects.
Construct sophisticated sentences using compound subjects with correct verb agreement in their own analytical and research writing.
Explain the grammatical reasoning behind their corrections, citing specific rules.
In your research paper, would you write 'The data and the conclusion supports my thesis' or 'support my thesis'...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Subject-Verb AgreementThe grammatical rule that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.Incorrect: The author write. Correct: The author writes. (Singular subject, singular verb)
Compound SubjectTwo or more subjects joined by a conjunction (like 'and', 'or', 'nor') that share the same verb.In the sentence 'The novel and the film explore similar themes,' the compound subject is 'The novel and the film'.
Coordinating ConjunctionA word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. For compound subjects, the most common are 'and', 'or', and 'nor'.The student or the teacher will answer the question.
Singular SubjectA subject that refers to one person, place, thing, or ide...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The 'And' Rule
Subject + and + Subject = Plural Verb
When two or more subjects are joined by the conjunction 'and', they are treated as a plural subject and require a plural verb. This is the most common rule for compound subjects.
The 'Or/Nor' Proximity Rule
Neither/Either Subject 1 + nor/or + Subject 2 = Verb agrees with Subject 2
When subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb must agree with the subject that is closest to it in the sentence. Look at the last subject listed before the verb to determine if the verb should be singular or plural.
The 'Each/Every' Exception
Each/Every + Compound Subject = Singular Verb
When the words 'each' or 'every' precede a compound subject, the su...
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Challenging
Which sentence is grammatically INCORRECT and misapplies a rule from the tutorial?
A.Neither the supporting evidence nor the arguments presented in the final chapter is convincing.
B.The rhythm and the rhyme of the poem work together to create a powerful effect.
C.Each of the primary sources and secondary interpretations has been cited correctly.
D.The researcher, along with her assistants, have published the findings.
Challenging
A student argues that the verb in 'Neither the teacher nor the students, who were all well-prepared, was ready for the technical difficulties' is correct. Which statement best refutes this argument by citing a specific rule?
A.The argument is flawed because 'Neither' always takes a plural verb.
B.The argument is flawed because the Proximity Rule dictates the verb should be 'were' to agree with the plural subject 'students'.
C.The argument is flawed because the intervening clause 'who were all well-prepared' makes the entire subject plural.
D.The argument is flawed because the 'And' Rule applies, requiring a plural verb.
Challenging
Which of the following complex sentences correctly synthesizes and applies the rules for compound subjects for an advanced academic audience?
A.The theoretical framework and the practical application, which form the core of the thesis, presents a new paradigm.
B.Every piece of conflicting data and each outlier, despite initial concerns, has been accounted for in the final analysis.
C.Neither the quantitative results nor the qualitative interviews provides a conclusive answer on their own.
D.The lead historian, in addition to her research associates, believe the manuscript is authentic.
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