LEARNING COMPETENCY

 Observe correct
subject-verb
agreement
 OBJECTIVE
Use the correct form of the
verb that agrees with the
subject
 In laboring over an intricate
jigsaw puzzle, how will the
picture turn out satisfactorily?
 The words in a sentence are
similar to the pieces of jigsaw
puzzle for they must fit
together also.
SUBJECT-VERB
AGREEMENT
To make a subject and its verb
agree with each other, you
must make sure that both are
singular or both plural.
 Number refers to the two
forms of a word: singular and
plural.
Singular words indicate one;
plural words indicate more
than one.
Rules on Subject – Verb
Agreement
 Subjects and verbs must agree in
number. This is the cornerstone
rule that forms the background
of the concept.
 A singular subject must have a
singular verb. A plural subject
must have a plural verb.
A verb is singular if it has an –s or
–es added to it or if it includes the
words has, am, is or was.
A verb is plural if it’s in the base
form (no –s or -es added to it) or if
it includes the words have, are or
were.
Examples:
The dog growls when he is
angry.

The dogs growl when they are

angry.
Examples:
He tries to excel in sports.

They try to excel in sports.

Examples:
This white mouse is a pet.

These white mice are pets.

 Subordinate clauses that
come between the subject
and verb don't affect their
agreement.
Ex. The dog, who is chewing
on my jeans, is usually very
Ex. The clowns who have
painted noses look happy.
 Prepositional phrases
 between the subject and
verb usually do not affect
agreement.
Ex. The colors of the
rainbow are beautiful.
Ex. The clown with the sad
eyes looks pathetic.
 When sentences start with
"there" or "here," the subject
will always be placed after the
verb.
Examples:
There is a problem with the
balance sheet.
Here are the papers you
requested.
 If one subject is singular and the
other is plural, and the words are
connected by the words "or," "nor,"
"neither/nor," "either/or," or "not
only/but also," use the verb form of
the subject that is nearest the verb.
Ex. Either the bears or
the lion has escaped from
the zoo.
Neither the lion nor
the bears have escaped from
the zoo.
 If two subjects are joined by
"and," they typically require a
plural verb form.
Ex. The cow and
the pig are jumping
over the moon.
Glue and tape were holding
the
DRILL
1. My turtle (live, lives) exclusively
on flies.
2. An artesian well (provide,
provides) all the water we need.
3. Some people (prefer, prefers) to
dine at home.
4. A child who is ignored (expect,
expects) little of others.

5. The lamp which was broken, now

(work, works) properly.

6. The leader of the troops

(oversee, oversees) maneuvers.
7. Here (is, are) the bunches of keys
that you need.

8. There (is, are) a plan of activity

for the Teachers’ Day.

9. Flagstone or brick (make,

makes a good patio.
10. Chopped apples or nut (make,
makes) a good topping.

11. Two cars or a van (is, are)

needed for the outing.

12. A squirrel and several mice

(reside, resides) in the attic.