English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Use the correct verb – with compound subjects
Use the correct verb – with compound subjects
What you'll learn
- Identify at least 4 out of 5 coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) correctly in a given sentence.
- Explain how a coordinating conjunction connects two words, phrases, or independent clauses in a sentence with 100% accuracy.
- Apply knowledge of coordinating conjunctions to combine two simple sentences into one compound sentence using a comma and a coordinating conjunction, with correct punctuation in 3 out of 4 attempts.
- Analyze a paragraph and correctly identify all coordinating conjunctions used, achieving 80% accuracy.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify compound subjects in various sentence structures.
Distinguish between singular and plural compound subjects based on their conjunctions.
Correctly apply the subject-verb agreement rule for compound subjects joined by 'and'.
Correctly apply the subject-verb agreement rule for compound subjects joined by 'or' or 'nor'.
Choose the appropriate verb form (singular or plural) to agree with a given compound subject.
Explain the reasoning behind their verb choice when working with compound subjects.
Revise sentences to correct subject-verb agreement errors involving compound subjects.
Ever wonder why sometimes 'and' makes things plural, but 'or' doesn't always? 🤔 Let's unlock the mystery of v...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
SubjectThe noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb or is described by the verb.The *student* reads a book.
VerbA word that describes an action, state, or occurrence.The student *reads* a book.
Compound SubjectTwo or more subjects that share the same verb, typically joined by a conjunction like 'and', 'or', or 'nor'.*The dog and the cat* chase the ball.
ConjunctionA word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause (e.g., and, but, or, nor).The book *and* the pen are on the table.
Subject-Verb AgreementThe grammatical rule that states a subject and its verb must match in number (singular subjects take singular verbs; plural subjects take plural verbs).The *student reads* (singular); The *stud...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Rule 1: Compound Subjects Joined by 'And'
When two or more subjects are joined by 'and', the compound subject is almost always plural and requires a plural verb.
This rule applies when the subjects are distinct entities. For example, 'The dog and the cat' are two separate animals, so the verb must be plural.
Rule 2: Compound Subjects Joined by 'Or' or 'Nor'
When two or more subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
This rule is crucial for correctly matching the verb. If the closest subject is singular, use a singular verb. If the closest subject is plural, use a plural verb.
Rule 3: 'Either...or' and 'Neither...nor' Constructions
Simila...
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Challenging
A student argues, 'In the sentence "The effects of the storm or the subsequent flooding is devastating," the verb 'is' is correct.' Based on the tutorial's rules, why is this reasoning flawed?
A.The reasoning is correct; 'is' agrees with the single event concept.
B.The verb should be 'are' because 'effects' is the first subject and is plural.
C.The reasoning is flawed because the verb must agree with the closest subject ('flooding'), which is singular, so 'is' is correct for the wrong reason.
D.The reasoning is flawed because 'or' always requires a plural verb.
Challenging
The main argument of the essay and the supporting evidence, which the author gathered from numerous historical archives, ___ a compelling case for the new theory.
A.make
B.makes
C.is making
D.was making
Challenging
Which sentence correctly requires a plural verb?
A.Neither the map nor the compass works.
B.The producer and director of the film is here.
C.The author or the editors review the manuscript.
D.Either the five dogs or the single cat is in the yard.
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What grade level is "Use the correct verb – with compound subjects"?
Use the correct verb – with compound subjects is a Grade 8 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Use the correct verb – with compound subjects?
You'll be able to: Identify at least 4 out of 5 coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) correctly in a given sentence; Explain how a coordinating conjunction connects two words, phrases, or independent clauses in a….
Is "Use the correct verb – with compound subjects" free to practice?
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How many practice questions are included with Use the correct verb – with compound subjects?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.