Page 48 - English_F5

English

DID YOU ?
KNOW

In addition to grasping the fundamental rule of ensuring number agreement
between the subject and verb in a sentence, specific rules govern subject-verb
agreement. By practising both the general and specialised rules of subject-verb
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
agreement, you will master this crucial aspect of grammar, making it much easier
for you to form correct sentences.

(d) Read each of the rules and the example(s) provided. Then, construct sentences
to demonstrate your understanding of the respective rule of the subject-verb
agreement.

1. Make the verb agree with its subject, not with the word in between. For
example, consider the sentence High levels of pollution cause damage to the
respiratory tract. The important noun in the subject is levels, not pollution.

2. With subjects joined with or, either…or, or neither… nor, make the verb
agree with the part of the subject nearer to the verb. For example, A driver’s
license or credit card is required. The noun phrase “driver’s license” was
not considered in making the subject-verb agreement. Instead, the noun
phrase “credit card” was used. Another example: Neither the lab assistant
nor the students were able to download the information. The noun phrase
“the lab assistant” is not used in making the subject-verb agreement, but
“students” since it is close to the verb.

3. Treat most indefinite pronouns as singular.

Anybody Each Everyone Nobody Somebody
Anyone Either Everything No one Someone
Anything Everybody Neither Nothing Something

For example, Everybody who signed up for the French short course was taking
lessons, or Everyone on the team supports the coach.

4. A few indefinite pronouns such as all, any, none and some may be singular
or plural, depending on the noun(s) or pronoun(s) they refer to. For example,
consider the following three sentences. Some of our luggage was lost. None
of his advice makes sense. Some were lost. None have arrived yet.
5. Nouns such as athletics, economics, measles and news are usually singular,
despite their plural form. For example, The news is good.

Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) 39 Form Five

24/06/2024 22:26
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ENGLISH FORM 5.indd 39