Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammatical concept that students learn in their early years of education. It refers to the agreement between the subject of a sentence and the verb that follows it. When these two components agree in number, the sentence is considered grammatically correct. However, if they do not agree, it is considered a subject-verb agreement error. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of subject-verb agreement, not just for the purpose of clear and effective communication, but also for academic and professional success.
In grade 6, students are expected to have a firm grasp of subject-verb agreement. Teachers can assess their understanding by assigning them a worksheet on subject-verb agreement that covers the following key areas:
1. Subject-verb agreement in singular and plural: Students should be able to identify the singular and plural forms of the subject and match them with the appropriate verb. For example, „The boy (singular) is playing“ versus „The boys (plural) are playing.“
2. Subject-verb agreement with compound subjects: Compound subjects are those that consist of two or more nouns that are joined by „and.“ In such cases, the verb should agree with the subject`s plural form. For example, „The cat and the dog are sleeping.“
3. Subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns: Indefinite pronouns, such as „someone,“ „anyone,“ and „everyone,“ can be singular or plural depending on the context in which they are used. Students should be able to identify the subject`s singular or plural form and match it with the correct verb. For example, „Someone is coming“ versus „Everyone is bringing their own lunch.“
4. Subject-verb agreement with collective nouns: Collective nouns, such as „team,“ „family,“ and „audience,“ can be singular or plural depending on the context in which they are used. Students should be able to identify the subject`s singular or plural form and match it with the correct verb. For example, „The team is practicing“ versus „The team are arguing among themselves.“
5. Tricky subject-verb agreement situations: Sometimes, subject-verb agreement can be tricky, and students must be able to identify such situations. For example, in sentences with „either/or,“ „neither/nor,“ or „not only/but also,“ the verb must agree with the subject closest to it. For example, „Neither the teacher nor the students were happy“ versus „Neither the students nor the teacher was happy.“
By assessing students` understanding of these key areas, teachers can ensure that their students have a solid foundation in subject-verb agreement. This knowledge will not only help students communicate effectively but also lay the groundwork for success in higher education and beyond.
