Page 47 - English_F5

English

If the subject of the sentence is singular, then the verb must also be singular;
and if one of them is plural, the other must also be plural. This agreement helps
English speakers in preserving clarity and coherence in their speaking and writing,
hence, generating the sentences that are both grammatically accurate and easily
comprehensible. Fluent and native English speakers effortlessly follow the
standard subject-verb agreement. Fluent and native English speakers would easily
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recognise the following combinations: “he talks” instead of “*he talk” and “she
has” instead of “*she have.” Subject-verb agreement dictates that if there is a
third-person singular subject, the verb in the present tense must always end in
“-s” or “-es.” A subject in the third person singular refers to any term that can be
substituted with the pronouns “he,” “she,” or “it.”

(b) Study the following sentences, paying attention to the nouns or pronouns in italics
as they agree with their verbs in bold. Discuss how the subject agrees with its verb
in each sentence.
1. My phone has a unique case.
2. Neema and Mohamed like chips.
3. I like cassava and sweet potatoes.
4. We have known each other for a long time.
5. The six cities of Tanzania are far apart from each other.

(c) Edit the following sentences to address problems with subject-verb agreement and
write the edited sentence. If a sentence is correct, write “correct.”
For example,

Jack’s first days in the infantry was gruelling.
Jack’s first days in the infantry were gruelling.

1. One of the main reasons for elephant poaching are the profits received from
selling the ivory tusks.
2. Not until my interview with the teacher were other possibilities opened to
me.
3. Batik cloth from the DRC, blue and white ceramics from China, and a
colourful ball from Spain has made my room the talk of the dorm.
4. The board of directors, ignoring the wishes of the neighbourhood, has voted
to allow further development.
5. Measles is a contagious childhood disease.
6. The presence of certain bacteria in our bodies are one of the factors that
determines our overall health.
7. Leah is the only one out of the many applicants who are able to step into
this job.
8. Neither the explorer nor his companion were ever seen again.

Form Five 38 Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE)

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