READING COMPREHENSION

PART 5. Incomplete Sentence

Made by Utep Sobarli, S.Pd.,M.Pd.

 [1 ] Verb Tense

[2] Subject-Verb Agreement

[3] Word Families

[5] Comparative and Superlative

[6] Adverbs of Frequency

[7] Transition Words

[8] Prepositions

[9] Pronouns

[ 10] Conditionals Sentence

[ 11 ] Conjunction

Outline [ 12 ] Pronoun (Self Study)

[ 13 ] Countable and Uncountable Noun (Self Study)

 PREPOSITIONS links their objects to the other structures within the
sentence. They are used to show action, time. These are some
examples.
 Location: beneath the table, by the door, at 12 Main Street, on Main Street,
in London
 Time: at 10:00, before noon, by tomorrow, in April, etc.
 Direction: to the store, through the park, across the lobby.
In addition, certain verbs and certain adjectives are followed by certain
prepositions. These are some examples:
 Verbs: apologize for, believe in, complain about, look forward to, pay for, plan
on, rely on, talk about, think about, etc.
 Adjectives: afraid of, aware of, careful of, different from, famous for, happy
about, interested in, ready for, responsible for, satisfied with, tired of, worried
Preposition about, etc.
 1.Since the main purpose of the trip was business, I didn't have to pay ___ my plane ticket
out of my own pocket.
(A) with
(B) to
(C) for
(D) about
2. Please note that though we didn't anticipate local authorities searching our offices, an
investigation will be held___ Monday at 09; 00 A.M.
(A) at
(B) for
(C) to
(D) on
3. Mr. Simms worked until late in the evening because he was worried ___ getting the report
finished on time.
(A) to
(B) on
(C) for
(D) about
4. The plant will be closed ___ noon tomorrow for its annual safety inspection.
Prep. Practice (A) with
(B) in
(C) at
(D) from
 They told us that the office renovations would be completed ___January 24 at
the latest.
(A) by
(B) at
(C) in
(D) behind
6. If we stand ___ this awning, we'll be protected from the rain.
(A) over
(B) through
(C) beside
(D) beneath
7. After a lot of searching, we finally succeeded ___ finding the right person to
fill the vacant position.
(A) on
(B) in
(C) for
Prep. Practice
(D) to
 8. I like to have my desk ___ the window so I can take advantage of the
natural light.
(A) near
(B) above
(C) about
(D) From
9. The delivery service claims that they left the package___34 Charleston
Avenue yesterday afternoon, but no one seems to have seen it.
(A) on
(C) by
(B) in
(D) at
10. Ms. Clark moved to a small town because she was tired ___the stresses of
city life.
(A) from
(B) of
Prep. Practice
(C) about
(D) with
COORDINATE CONJUNCTIONS link words, phrases, or independent
clause.
 And/as well as links similar ideas.
 We need five tables and forty chairs.
 John writes the reports and Mary edits them.
 But/yet/nevertheless links contradictory ideas.
• The new photocopier was very expensive, but it doesn't seem to
work.
• She is pretty, yet she is a bit vicious.
 Or, either ... or, and neither… nor, Both…and, Whether…or, Not
only…but Also link choices.
• You can have either coffee or tea.
• They neither answer the phone nor respond to e-mail messages.
• Both his uncle and his cousin work in forestry. Coordinate
• The boss is not only friendly but also very smart. Conjunction
• Whether Billy or his wife is wearing the same suits
1. For more productive ad campaign, we need both a new product ___ a
creative, imaginative director.
(A) or
(B) either
(C) and
(D) so
2. Contrary to my expectations, Sylvia has proven herself also hardworking.
to be not only ambitious ___ also hardworking.
(A) Or
(B) neither
(C) and
(D) but
3. We can stay at the office all night to finish the report, ___ we can come in
early tomorrow morning and finish it then.
(A) or
(B) either Coordinate
(C) and Conj. Practice
(D) but
4. We wanted to hold the conference at a hotel this year, ___ our manager
had already reserved space at the convention center.
(A) and
(B) but
(C) so
(D) nor
5. ___ the main office nor the local branch has any record of the transaction
you inquired about.
(A) Either
(B) Neither
(C) Nor
(D) Or
6. We would like to hire someone who has a degree in at least five years
business administration ___ experience in a company similar to ours.
(A) and
(B) but Coordinate
(C) nor Conj. Practice
(D) SO
7. You can continue working at this company where you feel underappreciated and
underpaid ___ you can start looking for a better position with another company.
(A) and
(B) nor
(C) but
(D) or
8. We originally asked Mr. Kim to present the budget at the staff meeting, ___ he wasn't
available on that date.
(A) or
(C) and
(B) either
(D) but
9. You can ask either Shirley ___ Bill to show you how to use the photocopy machine.
(A) and
(C) or
(B) nor
(D) neither
10. Lee took the brochures to the printer's last Friday, ___ Tina picked them up early this
morning.
(A) and Coordinate
(B) or
(C) so
Conj. Practice
(D) either
 Subordinate conjunctions link a main clause with a subordinate clause.
conjunctions show different kinds of relationships between the two clauses
 Time: before, after, while, when, until, as soon as
 Please take these packages to the post office before it closes.
 After the meeting was over, we enjoyed coffee and donuts.
 Cause and effect: because, so, as, since
 Everyone went home early because the weather was so bad.
 Since I don't know their phone number, I couldn't call them.
 Contradiction: even though, although
 The subway was crowded even though it was early in the morning.
 Although we planned the agenda carefully, the meeting ran over time.
Subordinate
 Condition: if, unless
Conjunction
 If Maria didn't work so hard, she wouldn't always feel so stressed.
 Unless business picks up, we will have to close down several branch offices.
 1. ____she possesses such business acumen, she was able to regain
control of the company.
(A) After
(B) Even though
(C) Because
(D) Until
2. ___ there were many applicants, it was hard to find a candidate who was
qualified for the job.
(A) Since
(B) So
(C) Although
(D) If
3. Our department did not reach its monthly quota ___ we worked a lot of
overtime and hired two temporary workers.
(A) because
Subordinate (B) even though
Conjunction (C) unless
Practice (D) or
 4. ___we continue at this rate; we should have everything finished by the
end of the week.
(A) Unless
(B) So
(C) Although
(D) If
5. ___Mr. Myers enters the boardroom, everyone should stand up and
applause him for his valiant efforts in the campaign.
(A) When
(B) if
(C) So
(D) Since
6. With the help of a few eager student interns, today's
will be sorted ____ it arrives at our division.
Subordinate (C) since
(A) before
Conjunction (D) even though
Practice (B) until
 7. Mr. Fagan notified security by telephone ___ he heard something suspicious going on in
the elevator.
(A) so
(B) when
(C) although
(D) unless
8. As was mentioned in our earlier announcement, the plane cannot leave the gate ___
the all passengers are seated and baggage is safely stowed.
(A) if
(C) unless
(B) when
(D) but
9. ___ she opened the meeting and addressed the current issues, the project director
faxed the agenda to the vice president.
(A) But
(B) If
(C) And
(D) Before
10. ___ the research uncovered some problems, the committee members decided to
Subordinate table the proposal temporarily.
Conjunction (A) Since
(B) Even though
Practice (C) Until
(D) Unless
 TRANSITION WORDS are used to join two or more independent
clauses or sentences. When connecting two independent clauses,
they may be preceded by a semicolon. It is very These important are
o choose the correct transition word in order not to confuse the
intended some ways transition words are used:
 To show a result: therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, hence,
so, accordingly, etc.
 She produces the most; consequently, she will be promoted.
 Profits grew enormously this year. Therefore, everyone will get a
year-er end bonus.
 To show contrast: however, on the other hand, nevertheless, etc.
 Mary lacks experience in the field; nevertheless, she is doing a
good job.
TRANSITION  1he event was advertised everywhere. However, very few people
WORDS attended it.
  To add information: in addition, moreover, besides, furthermore
 There will be a memo on the subject; in addition, there will be an
announcement.
 We decided not to attend the conference because the cost was
so high Besides, the program looked a bit boring.
 To give an explanation: for example, for instance
 John travels often on business. For example, he was away for
three weeks last month.
 Martha is a fast learner. For instance, she taught herself how to
use that software in just a few hours.

TRANSITION
WORDS
 1. Cable TV revolutionized communications, ___the very existence of that
service is now threatened by satellite.
(A) consequently
(B) moreover
(C) for example
(D) nevertheless
2. Hospitals are competing for a shrinking market share; ___ they are
attempting to discover the most cost-effective and highest-quality care.
(A) therefore
(B) besides
(C) also
(D) furthermore
3. These ads can bring in revenue; ___ Because they are government
sponsored, they can keep our Costs to a minimum.
(A) For example
Transition (B) on the whole
Words (C) moreover
Practice (D) however
 4. The firm intends to move its plant; ___, It will keep sales, marketing, and
distribution here.
(C) consequently
(A) to this end
(D) furthermore
(B) nevertheless
there
5. The contract only runs for one year; ___, There are options to renew for
two more years should we require their assistance further.
(C) however
(A) meanwhile
(D) moreover
(B) besides
6. Our shoe sales have increased recently; ___ we are optimistic about future
growth in the footwear department.
Transition (C) nevertheless
Words (A) however
(B) thus
Practice (D) also
 7. Since its inception, the bank has lent $28 billion; ___ its membership has grown to
include 16 regional countries.
(A) thus
(C) in addition
(B) on the whole
(D) nevertheless
8. We are on the whole a local company; ___ we can offer services beyond our area as
long as it is within the state lines.
(A) nevertheless
(C) accordingly
(B) meanwhile
(D) hence
9. The woman who volunteered her services in Africa and Asia had the most hands-on
experience; ­___ she was hired.
(A) nevertheless
(C) However
(B) furthermore
(D) therefore
Transition 10. Our banking clients want flexibility; ___ we provide ATMS (automated teller
machines) for 24-hour use.
Words (A) moreover
Practice (B) however
(C) consequently
(D) furthermore
 CAUSATIVE VERBS show that someone or something made a
certain action happen. The common causative verbs are get, make,
and have. Verbs like order, cause, force, and want can also be
causative verbs. They are all followed by noun clauses.
 
 If the direct object of the causative verbs make. have, and let
perform the action, the simple (base) form of a verb is used.
 He had the secretary sign for the package.
 If the direct object of other causative verbs (such as get, want,
order, cause, etc.) perform the action, to plus the simple (base)
form of a verb is used.
 He ordered everyone to leave the room.
 If the direct object of the causative verb receives the action,
CAUSATIVE the past participle form of a verb is used.
 We will want the invoices returned at once.
 1. In the future, the company will not let its part-time and temporary
employees ___ Over time.
(A) to work
(B) be working
(C) worked
(D) work
2. Despite 20 years of success, the financial stress and burden of the sudden
recession made the partnership ____.
(A) fail
(B) to fail
(C) failed
(D) to be failed
3. The firm wants its product safely ___ and in a timely manner; otherwise, it
will seek an alternative shipper.
(A) package
Causative (B) be packaged
Verb Practice (C) packaged
(D) packaging
 4. All employees were able to get their paychecks ___ before the power
outage closed the banks.
(A) deposits
(B) deposited
(C) depositing
(D) be deposited
5. The severe weather conditions in the alpine regions forced the airlines
___ all outgoing flights and divert incoming planes
(A) canceling
(B) to cancel
(C) cancel
(D) canceled
6. I received a text message from Takeshi yesterday, and it mentioned that
they had the equipment ___ yesterday.
Causative (A) shipped
(B) ship
Verb Practice (C) was shipped
(D) was being shipped
 7. Before Annie ran out for a meeting yesterday, she had Ms. Brunelli ___ the new clerk
around the premises.
(A) show
(B) showed
(C) showing
(D) was showed
8. The increase in layoffs over the past two fiscal periods has caused everyone ___ less
secure.
(A) feels
(B) felt
(C) was felt
(D) to feel
9. What company besides ours would make its employees ____ overtime on a national
holiday?
(A) will be working
(B) worked
(C) be working
(D) work
Causative 10. A wise consumer gets his or her phone order ___writing before submitting payment.
(A) confirming
Verb Practice (B) confirms
(C) confirmed
(D) confirm
CONDITIONAL SENTENCES Conditionals are statements with
an if clause

Real Conditions: Real conditionals express facts and what is absolute

(completely true). They also express very likely or possible results, or state
something that is done regularly.

 For a real condition in the future, the verb in the if-clause is usually in the
simple present tense, while the verb in the result clause is in the future or
imperative form.
 We will need to borrow money if taxes go up.
 If anyone calls here tomorrow, please take a message.
 I drive to work if it rains.
 EXCEPTION: Statements of fact about something done regularly
can be made in the past
• If they were waiting for a counteroffer, they were wise.
CONDITIONAL
NOTE: The "if" clause is always written in the present tense. The result SENTENCES
clause is written in the present or future tense.
Unreal Conditions: Unreal conditionals express not true,
very unlikely or not possible results.

A. For a present unreal condition, the if clause is written in the past

tense. The result clause contains would, could, or might plus a verb.

• If she owned the company, she would hire more people.

• They could send him the contract if they found his address.
• You might find the stapler if you looked in the bottom drawer.

Conditional
Sentence
Practice
2. When the verb in the if clause is a form of the verb be, it is always
written as were, even for a singular subject.
Examples:
Incorrect: If Mark was the boss, he would give everyone a raise.
Correct: If Mark were the boss, he would give everyone a raise.
(Mark is NOT the boss, so the condition is unreal.)
Incorrect: If I was you, I would complete the report quickly.
Correct: If I were you, I would complete the report quickly

3. For a past unreal condition, the if clause is written in the past

perfect tense. The result clause is written with would, could, might,
plus have plus a verb in the past tense:
Examples:
They could have made more money if they had invested sooner.
If Michelle had become the sales representative, we would have had many
new clients. Conditional
If you had listened at the meeting, you might have learned all about the new Sentence
CEO
Practice
1. I thought by now we would have learned the lesson that if
we ignore overhead, we ___ our expenses.
(A) would underestimate
(B) underestimating
(C) have underestimated
(D) will underestimate

2. If the yield ___ up from 9.8 percent, it would have been

the highest average yield since 1992.
(A) will go
(B) has gone
(C) would go
(D) had gone Conditional
Sentence
Practice
3. They will import 750,000 more automobiles a year if
international quotas set by the ministry ___ lifted.
(A) are
(B) be
(C) will be
(D) have been
4. If the government___ an import fee, as it has threatened
to do for years, prices of consumer goods will increase by at
least 10 percent.
(A) will impose
(B) imposes
(C) has imposed
(D) is imposing
Conditional
Sentence
Practice
5. Their monetary unit___ stronger if they did something about their
deficit.
(A) will be
(B) would be
(C) can be
(D) should be
6. If there had been fringe benefits, such as a company car or stock
options, I___ applying for the position.
(A) could consider
(B) considering
(C) would have considered
(D) will be considering
7. If the wage parity agreement ___ approved, there might have been a
strike.
(A) was not
(B) is not Conditional
(C) had not been Sentence
(D) will not be
Practice
8. The boss will offer Gordon a substantial promotion if he ___ to be more
tactful during business meetings.
(A) will learn
(B) had learned
(C) should learn
(D) were learning
9. This purchase ___ a poor decision if it had been made for investment
purposes only.
(A) would have been
(B) would be
(C) may be
(D) was
10. If he had taken flight 307 as was arranged for him in the original itinerary,
he ___ on time for the luncheon.
(A) arrives
(B) was arriving
Conditional
(C) would have arrived Sentence
(D) arrived Practice
 The various verb tenses have four principal verbs form

SIMPLE SIMPLE PRESENT PRESENT PAST PRESENT

PRESENT PAST FUTUURE PERFECT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

Walk walked Will walk Have/has Had walked Walking

walked

do did Will do Have/has Had done Doing

done

Speak spoke Will Have/has Had spoken Speaking

speak spoken

Come came Will come Have/has Had come Coming

come

bring brought Will bring Have/has Had brought bringing

VERB TENSE brought
 To choose the appropriate tense, look for clues in the sentence. These clues can
be adverbs (time markers), other verbs in the sentence, or the verbs
themselves (which may be limited to certain tenses).
 TIME MAKERS: There may be a time marker (now, tomorrow, yesterday,
next year, since, etc.)
to indicate the tense of a verb.
 We discussed that issue at our meeting last week.
 I have dealt with his firm since 2002.
 TIME CLAUSES: These are clauses that begin with a time word such as
before, after, when, etc. and tell something about the time when the
action in the main clause occurs. A time clause about the future uses a
present tense verb.
 We will send you a copy of the report as soon as it is ready.
 STATIVE VERBS: These are verbs such as seem, become, know, sound,
understand, etc., which are about conditions, feelings, or mental processes
rather than about actions. They are normally not used with continuous
tenses.
VERB TENSES  Now I understand what you mean.
 She seems very happy today.
 1. The express train always ___ on time, unlike the local, which is always late.
(C) has been arriving
(A) is arriving
(D) arrive
(B) arrives
2. When the shipment ___ he will dispatch it to the proper department.
(C) comes in
(A) will come in
(D) is going to come in
(B) is coming in
3. Go ahead with the proposal, as long as everyone ___ that the goal is to
improve upon last year’s event.
(A) is understanding
(B) understand
(C) will understand
Verbs Tense (D) understands

Practice
 4. Even before our researcher analyzed the online customer reviews and
ratings, we ___ to take on the client.
(A) has agreed
(B) agreed
(C) agrees
(D) was agreed
5. She ___ five years ago today; therefore, her request for a raise is definitely
worth reviewing.
(A) is being promoted
(B) promoted
(C) was promoted
(D) has been promoted
6. Our newest franchise ___ in two months, so we need to start hiring new
employees.
(A) would open
(B) had opened
Verbs Tense (C) will open
Practice (D) has opened
 7. The board reported that, even though we didn't consult them first, it ___ a good
decision to find a new director.
(A) was
(B) be.
(C) is
(D) were
8. The survey indicated that profits are up by 20 percent the first two quarters of this year;
business___.
(A) is being good
(B) were good
(C) good
(D) has been good
9. As I sit here wondering how we will possibly get this project done on time, I ___that you
all have time to take a two-hour lunch break.
(B) could not believe
(A) cannot believe
(C) am not believing
(D) cannot be believing
10. By this time next year, the appearance of our reception area and front offices ___
greatly improved.
Verbs Tense (A) has been
(B) will be
Practice (C) is
(D) is being
There are base (or root) words in English from which other words are made.
These related words are called word families. Words can be related in noun,
verb, adjective, and adverb forms. They are often identified by their suffixes
(endings).
 NOUN SUFFIXES: -ance, -ancy, -ence, -ency, -ation, -dom, -ism, -ment, -
ness, -Ship-or, ion
 We have profited from his employment.
 Wisdom comes with age and experience.
 VERB SUFFIXES INCLUDE: -ate, -en, -ify, -ize.
 This client will strengthen our credibility,
 We really need to simplify the work process.
 ADJECTIVE SUFFIXES: -able, -ible, -al, -ful, -ish, -ive.
 His business is not very successful.
 This is the most constructive plan we have come up with.
 ADVERB SUFFIXES: -ly, -ward, -wise. WORD
 The presentation was given professionally.
 He tends to approach problems sidewise. FAMILIES
1. Like no other member we have ever employed, Maria exercised
a ___ influence on the firm.
(A) dominance
(B) dominate
(C) dominant
(D) dominantly

2. The recommendation, which was faxed by the president herself,

was ___
the success of the merger.
(C) critic
(B) critique WORD
(A) criticism FAMILIES
(D) critical
3. Fortunately, his response ___ the board members, and the
meeting was finally adjourned.
(A) satisfaction
(B) satisfactory
(C) satisfied
(D) Satisfactorily

4. While it may have seemed like we were being overly critical in

our evaluation, the client's ___ was
rewarded in the end.
(A) persistence
(B) persistently WORD
(C) persist FAMILIES
(D) persistent
5 An experienced ___ will explain the new system to the
trainees during our technical tutorial.
(A) operatic
(B) operation
(C) operate
(D) Operator

6. As is the case with the parking garage entrance, the front

doors are run ___, not manually.
(A) electric
(B) electronically
(C) electrical WORD
(D) electron FAMILIES
7. While she ___ in systems analysis, we sometimes call on
her to speak at client workshops as well.
(A) specialist
(B) specialization
(C) specials
(D) Specializes

8. The last ___ has made its bid, so let's choose the one to
hire.
(A) contractor
(B) contractive
(C) contraction WORD
(D) contract FAMILIES
9. The ___ person to lead staff out of the building in an
emergency is the person sitting closest to the exit.
(A) designation
(B) designator
(C) designated
(D) Designative

10. It is risky to ____ for huge profits without a cash reserve.

(A) speculators
(B) speculative
(C) speculate
(D) speculation WORD
FAMILIES
 EQUAL COMPARISON
An adjective or adverb is used to show that two things share a quality
in the same amount. A quality shared in the same amount means that
the two things are equal is some way. The form used to make this

kind of comparison is as adjective / adverbas .

Adjective Examples:
Our boss is as friendly as yours.
Her vacation lasted as long as her boyfriends vacation.
Adverb Examples:
He works as efficiently as you.
His computer can download files as fast as their computer does.

COMPARATIVE
DEGRE
 COMPARATIVE
To show a difference or to show that there is only a similarity
between two things, the comparative form must be used. An
adjective or adverb is made into the comparative form in one of two
ways. The way that is used depends on the number of syllables the
adjective or adverb have:
 Most one-syllable adjectives and adverbs take the ending -er.
 Two-syllable adjectives ending in y form the comparative by
taking the ending -er.
 Other two-syllable adjectives use more + regular form to make
the comparative.
 Most adverbs of two or more syllables must use more + regular
COMPARATIVE form to make the comparative.
DEGRE  All three or more syllable adjectives must use more + regular form
to make the comparative.
 Adjective Examples:
• She is shorter than her sister.
• This fax machine is newer than that one.
• The manager wants to be more popular than the previous
one.
Adverb Example
• We finished our project faster than they finished theirs.
• The new copier prints pages more quickly than the old one.
• He understands the course more easily than her.

The word than is usually used following the comparative form

in a sentence.
COMPARATIVE
DEGRE
 SUPERLATIVE
If the comparison is between three or more things then the
superlative form must be used. An adjective or adverb is made into
the superlative form in one of two ways. The way that is used
depends on the number of syllables contained in the adjective or
adverb:
o Most one-syllable adjectives and adverbs take the ending -est.
o Two-syllable adjectives ending in y form the superlative by taking
the ending -est.
o Other two-syllable adjectives use most + regular form to make the
superlative.
o Most adverbs of two or more syllables must use most + regular
form to make the superlative.
o All three or more syllable adjectives must use most + regular form
Superlative to make the superlative.
Degree Practice
 SUPERLATIVE
If the comparison is between three or more things then the
superlative form must be used. An adjective or adverb is made into
the superlative form in one of two ways. The way that is used
depends on the number of syllables contained in the adjective or
adverb:
o Most one-syllable adjectives and adverbs take the ending -est.
o Two-syllable adjectives ending in y form the superlative by taking
the ending -est.
o Other two-syllable adjectives use most + regular form to make the
superlative.
o Most adverbs of two or more syllables must use most + regular
form to make the superlative.
o All three or more syllable adjectives must use most + regular form
Superlative to make the superlative.
Degree Practice
 Tips
o Figure out what the subject is.
o Decide if the subject is single or plural.
o Look at time makers (e.g. Now, since,
yesterday, for, etc.)
o Identify which verb goes with the subject.
SUBJECT AND
o Check that the verb form matches the VERB
subject. AGREEMENT
Let’s brush up before
going forward
o The cats eat my fried chicken
o The cat eats my fried chicken
o The employee and manager bring their
laptop.
o The employee brings the laptop to the
meeting
o The company is mine SUBJECT AND
o The girls are extremely anxious VERB
AGREEMENT
SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT means the subject and verb
match. A singular subject must have a singular verb. A plural
subject must have a plural verb.
Singular Plural
The employee goes to work. The employees go to work.
The employee is going to work. The employees are going to work.
The employee has gone to work. The employees have gone to work.
The employee went to work. The employees went to work.

The subject of a sentence is usually a

noun or pronoun.
The plural form for most nouns is made by adding -s or -es. SUBJECT AND
Some nouns plural form is irregular. The irregular ones have VERB
to be remembered. (List of Irregular Noun) AGREEMENT
SOME NOUNS WITH PLURAL FORM are usually regarded as
singular in meaning. Such words include athletics, economics,
news, politics, mathematics and statistics.
e.g. The news tonight has to be good

MEASURENMENTS AND FIGURES ending in -s may be singular

when the amount they refer to is a unit:
Examples:
Three years is a long time to wait.
One-third of the lunchroom has new chairs

NOTE: These words and amounts are plural when they

describe single items instead of a whole: SUBJECT AND
VERB
The statistics show the market will improve.
One-third of the computers in the office have new memory cards.
AGREEMENT
A COMPOUND SUBJECT: two or more subjects joined by and,
takes a plural verb.
Examples:
Coffee and tea are served hot.
The president, the CEO and the sale manager are having a meeting.

EXCEPTION: When the parts of the subject form a single idea or

refer to a single thing, the verb is singular.
Examples:
Ham and cheese is his favorite sandwich.
The new Director, a CEO of LP3I arrives in an hour.
(The subject is one person who is both the new Director and CEO.)
The new president and his CEO arrive in an hour. SUBJECT AND
(The subject is two people so the verb has to be plural.)
VERB
AGREEMENT
A COLLECTIVE NOUN names a group of people or things.
Examples are army, audience, government, family, group, team,
and public. Although a collective noun looks plural, its
considered to be one unit, a whole, so it is singular.
Examples:
The group agrees that action is needed.
The public receives weather warnings on the radio and on TV.

EXCEPTION: Number as a collective noun can be singular or

plural. When a comes before number, it is always plural.
When the comes before number, it is always singular.
Examples:
A number of employees have decided to car pool.
The number of people without jobs is dropping
SUBJECT AND
VERB
AGREEMENT
SOME WORDS that can be part of the subject need to be
remembered as always being singular or always plural.

anyone, anything, no
one, nothing, neither, either, what, whatever, whoever, somebody,
 something, someone, each, everyone, everything, and everybody.
All of these words are known as indefinite pronouns.
These words do not refer to a specific person or thing.
Examples:
• Something is wrong here.
• Neither is right.
• Each employee gets 2 weeks paid vacation.
SUBJECT AND
• Everyone deserves to be happy.
• Whatever you give me is nothing VERB
AGREEMENT
 WORDS that are always
plural: few, both, several, many.
Examples:
• Few people go to the annual picnic.
• Several of his friends work in the
accounting department.
• Both of them deserve a raise.
• Many of the senior staff plan to retire
early. SUBJECT AND
VERB
AGREEMENT
SINGULAR OR PLURAL INDEFINITE PRONOUNS: Some
indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on
what comes after them.
some, all, most, any, and none.
Whether they are singular or plural depends on the meaning of
the nouns they refer to.
Examples:
• All of the car is kept for emergencies.
(All refers to the singular noun money, so the verb is
singular.)
• All of the reports were finished this afternoon.
(All refers to the plural noun reports, so the verb is plural.)
• None of the parcels ever arrive on Monday. SUBJECT AND
(Parcels is plural, making none plural.) VERB
• Some of the team needs more time to prepare.
(Team is singular, making some singular.)
AGREEMENT
THE RELATIVE PRONOUNS: who, which and that do
not have different singular and plural forms. When used
as a subject, its verb should agree with the noun it refers
to.
Examples:
• The manager should listen to the people who work for
him.
(Who refers to the plural people, so the verb is plural.)

• Justin is the person who usually fixes our computer

problems.
(Who refers to the singular person, so the verb is singular.)
SUBJECT AND
VERB
AGREEMENT
CONJUNCTIONS EITHER…OR, NEITHER….NOR: When parts of
a subject are joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the part
closest to it. If the closest part is singular, the verb is singular. If
the closest part is plural, the verb is plural.
Examples:
• Neither the secretary nor the receptionist knows the phone
number.
• The engineers or the mechanics have the can of oil.
• Neither the manager nor the employees were late.
(Manager is singular but employees is plural. Employees is
closest to the verb so the verb is plural.)
• Either he or they are early.
(He is singular but they is plural. They is closest to the verb so SUBJECT AND
the verb is plural.) VERB
AGREEMENT
THE SUBJECT AND VERB still need to match when other
words come between them. Such words are usually a
phrase that starts with a preposition like of, by, with, from,
and to.
Examples:
• A web site of new goods and services is being made.
(Web site is the subject, not services. Web site is singular.)
• The profits earned by the computer industry have
dropped in the past year.
(The subject is profits, not industry. Profits is plural.)

SUBJECT AND
VERB
AGREEMENT
He _____ his desk yesterday.
(A) cleaned
(B) cleans
(C) clean
(D) cleaner
She _____ become a lecturer for 2 years.
(A) have
(B) is
(C) has
(D) should
SUBJECT AND
VERB
AGREEMENT
THANK YOU