Transcript Slide 1
Grammar and Usage Lesson #45
CCSS.ELA–LITERACY.L. 1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of
standard English grammar and usage when
writing or speaking.
How to Teach Singular-Subject Verb Agreement
Some singular subject subject-verb agreements are tricky:
Subject case pronouns must match these helping
verbs: I matches am, was, have, and had; He, she, it,
and you match is, was, has, and had. Examples: I am, she is
When two or more nouns or pronouns are joined
by or or nor, use the verb that agrees with (matches) the
noun or pronoun closest to the verb. Examples: Joe or Pam
eats first; Joe or the children eat first before I do.
In clauses beginning with there is (are), the subject follows
and the is (are) must agree (match) with that
subject. Examples: There is a dog; There are dogs.
Practice
Peter or Mick doesn’t seem ready. Their success
depend on this. There is little time.
Practice
Peter or Mick doesn’t seem ready. Their success
depend on this. There is little time.
Practice Answers
Peter or Mick don’t seem ready. Their success
depends on this. There is little time.
Writing Application
Write two of your own sentences: the first one with
two or more noun or pronoun subjects joined by or
or nor and the second one beginning with “There
is.”