First it might be helpful to remember that the singular form of all verbs — except "to be" and "to have" — is formed by adding "s" or "es." For example: dives, runs, answers, crashes, presses and tosses. When used as a subject or adjective these … [Read more...]
Agreement: Pronouns that ALWAYS Take a Plural Verb
Always Plural Subjects When a compound subject is joined by a coordinating conjunction (and), it takes a plural verb IF the subjects refer to different people or things and if the subject cannot be considered a unit. Your investments and … [Read more...]
Agreement: Singular or Plural Subject? It Depends
When the parts of a compound subject are joined by or, but, either ... or, neither ... nor, not only ... but also the verb must agree with the subject nearest to the verb. Neither the Oregon players nor the coach was overconfident. "Coach" is … [Read more...]
Pronouns: The basics
Pronouns stand in for nouns. They allow us to eliminate the repetition and awkwardness that would come with having to use nouns repeatedly. For example, consider the following sentences written with pronouns and nouns and then with nouns … [Read more...]
Pronouns: Indefinite
Indefinite pronouns refer to an unknown or undetermined person, place or thing. Care must be taken to identify whether the pronoun is singular or plural to ensure the proper conjugation of the verb. Indefinite pronouns that are always … [Read more...]