Use the correct subject or verb

Learning Objectives Identify the simple subject and main verb in a sentence. Match a singular subject with a singular verb. Match a plural subject with a plural verb. Correctly use verbs with compound subjects joined by 'and'. Identify and correct sentences with subject-verb agreement errors. Why do we say 'The dog barks' but 'The dogs bark'? 🐾 Let's solve this grammar mystery together! This lesson will teach you how to make sure your subjects and verbs agree, or match. This is a key skill that makes your writing clear and sound professional. Getting it right helps your reader understand exactly what you mean. Real-World Applications Writing clear and persuasive essays for class. Sending professional-sounding emails to teachers. Cre...

TermDefinitionExample SubjectThe person, place, thing, or idea that is doing or being something in a sentence. It's who or what the sentence is about.In 'The cat sleeps,' the subject is 'cat'. VerbA word that shows an action (like run, jump) or a state of being (like is, are, was).In 'The cat sleeps,' the verb is 'sleeps'. SingularMeans there is only one of something.One book, one student, one idea. PluralMeans there is more than one of something.Many books, two students, several ideas. AgreementWhen the subject and verb in a sentence match in number. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.Correct: 'The bird sings.' Incorrect: 'The bird sing.'

Singular Subjects Match Singular Verbs A singular subject takes a singular verb. Singular verbs in the present tense often end in -s or -es. Use this rule when the subject of your sentence is just one person, place, or thing. Think 'S' for singular subject and 'S' on the verb. Plural Subjects Match Plural Verbs A plural subject takes a plural verb. Plural verbs in the present tense usually do not end in -s. Use this rule when the subject is more than one person, place, or thing. The plural subject usually has an -s, but the verb does not. Compound Subjects with 'And' Two or more subjects joined by the word 'and' are usually plural and take a plural verb. When you see 'and' connecting two subjects, treat them as a grou...