AGREEMENT

UNIT 07: AGREEMENT

UNIT 07: AGREEMENT

Subject-Verb Agreement

A. Modifiers do not affect the number of the verb.

• Teacher, along with his students, wants to play soccer. 

(The phrase "along with his students" is a modifier.)

B. Expressions of time, distance, price, and weight need a singular verb.

       Ten dollars is too much for a lunch.

C. In case of fractions or their equivalents, the noun in the of-phrase determines the number of the verb.

        Two-thirds of the land has been sold

D. The number of the verb is determined by what is next to it in sentences with either A or B, or neither A nor B.

        Either he or his pupils are going to help us

Note: When the subject begins with not only A but (also) B or B as well as A, the number of the verb is determined by B.

Adjective/Determiner - Noun Agreement

Modifiers and nouns modified by them agree in number

     This/That book                              These/those books

     Every girl                                        All girls

     Another boy                                   Several boys

     Each                                              Most cars

Note: Every and another may be followed by either a singular or a plural noun in expressions regarding time or distance.

      Every day/ Mile                           Every two days/miles

      Another week/mile                       Another two weeks/miles

Noun - Pronoun Agreement

Pronouns including reflexives must agree with their antecedent in number.

John's family are all early risers, they (NOT it) rice at 6 a.m.

They advised her to take care of herself (NOT themselves).