Transcript Writing Lesson 3

Writing Lesson 3
Subject / Verb Agreement, Pronouns, Participial
Phrases
Taken from The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B.
White
Prepositions
 Usually show direction
 Avoid ending sentences in
prepositions!
Subject / Verb Agreement
 Words that intervene between the
subject and the verb do not affect the
number of the verb!
 The bittersweet flavor of youth-its
trials, its joys, its adventures, its
challenges-IS not soon forgotten.
Edit!!!
 The many items I took to class: pens,
pencils, paper and books _____ (was
or were) all needed.
 The game, played by numerous
athletes, (is or are) fantastic!
Tricky Situations
 It is a common mistake to use the
singular verb when beginning with
the phrase “one of…” or some other
similar expression.
 One of the ablest scientists has attacked
the problem.
 Correct version: One of the ablest
scientists have attacked the problem.
Other Tricky Situations
 Use the singular verb form after the words
each, either, everyone, everybody, neither,
nobody, and someone.
 With none, use the singular verb when the
word means “not one” or “no one.” Use the
plural when it suggests more than one.
 None of us is perfect
 None are so fallible as those who are sure they
are right.
Compound Subjects
 Two or more nouns joined by and
requires a plural verb to follow
 The student and the teacher were
walking down the hall.
Singular Subjects with Other Nouns
Connected
 Singular subjects connect with
singular verbs even if other nouns are
connected with expressions like with,
as well as, in addition to, and except.
 Her speech as well as her manner is
objectionable.
Pronouns
 Make sure you keep track of singular
and plural pronouns.
 One should bring their text to class.
 Correct version: One should bring his or
her text to class.