English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Use the correct subject or verb
Use the correct subject or verb
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the subject and verb in a given sentence.
Distinguish between singular and plural subjects and verbs.
Apply the basic rule of subject-verb agreement for simple sentences.
Correctly match verbs to subjects when a prepositional phrase separates them.
Identify and correct subject-verb agreement errors in their own writing and in others' texts.
Apply subject-verb agreement rules to ensure clarity and correctness in argumentative writing.
Ever notice how some sentences just sound 'off'? 🤔 It's often because the subject and verb aren't playing nicely together!
In this lesson, you'll learn the essential rules for making sure your subjects and verbs always agree. This skill is crucial for writing clear, strong sentences, e...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
SubjectThe noun or pronoun that performs the action or is described in the sentence. It tells 'who' or 'what' the sentence is about.The *dog* barks loudly. (*Dog* is the subject.)
VerbA word that describes an action, state, or occurrence. It tells 'what the subject does' or 'what is happening to the subject'.The dog *barks* loudly. (*Barks* is the verb.)
SingularRefers to one person, place, thing, or idea.A *cat* (singular subject), *runs* (singular verb).
PluralRefers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea.*Cats* (plural subject), *run* (plural verb).
AgreementWhen the subject and its verb match in number (both singular or both plural).The *student studies* (singular subject with singular verb). The *students study* (p...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Basic Agreement Rule
A singular subject takes a singular verb. A plural subject takes a plural verb.
This is the fundamental rule. Remember that singular verbs in the present tense often end in '-s' (e.g., 'runs,' 'eats'), while plural verbs usually do not (e.g., 'run,' 'eat').
Ignoring Prepositional Phrases
The subject of a sentence is never found inside a prepositional phrase.
When a prepositional phrase comes between the subject and the verb, ignore the words in the phrase to correctly identify the subject and make the verb agree with it.
Compound Subjects with 'And'
When two or more subjects are joined by 'and,' they usually take a plural verb.
Think of 'and' as combining items, m...
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Challenging
Argument: 'Recycling is essential for the environment.' Which sentence provides supporting evidence with correct subject-verb agreement?
A.The pile of plastic bottles take hundreds of years to decompose.
B.study of several communities shows a significant reduction in landfill waste.
C.Every person in our cities produce too much trash.
D.The benefits of this single action is clear to see.
Challenging
One of the most important reasons for citing evidence in an argumentative essay ___ to build credibility with the reader.
A.is
B.are
C.were
D.be
Challenging
Original sentence: 'The data from the experiments and the survey results shows our hypothesis is correct.' Which revision is the most clear and grammatically correct?
A.The data from the experiments and the survey results is showing our hypothesis is correct.
B.The data from the experiment and the survey result shows our hypothesis is correct.
C.The data from the experiments and the survey results has shown our hypothesis is correct.
D.The data from the experiments and the survey results show our hypothesis is correct.
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