English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects
Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the complete compound subject in a sentence.
Differentiate between compound subjects joined by 'and' and those joined by 'or' or 'nor'.
Apply the correct verb agreement rule based on the conjunction used in the compound subject.
Correct sentences containing subject-verb agreement errors with compound subjects.
Construct complex sentences using compound subjects with correct verb agreement.
Analyze sentences from literature to identify and explain the use of compound subject-verb agreement.
Have you ever argued with a friend about whether it's 'You and I are going' or 'You and I am going'? 🤔 Let's settle the debate and make your writing sound more powerful and precise.
This tutorial foc...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Subject-Verb AgreementThe grammatical rule that a verb must agree with its subject in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.The *student writes* an essay. (Singular) vs. The *students write* an essay. (Plural)
Compound SubjectTwo or more subjects linked by a conjunction (like 'and', 'or', or 'nor') that share the same verb.*The protagonist and the antagonist* represent two sides of the same conflict.
Coordinating ConjunctionA word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. For compound subjects, the most important ones are 'and', 'or', and 'nor'.In the sentence 'Neither the setting *nor* the characters were believable,' the word 'nor' is...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
The 'And' Rule
Subject + and + Subject = Plural Verb
When two or more subjects are joined by the word 'and', they are treated as a plural subject and require a plural verb. This is the most common rule for compound subjects.
The 'Or/Nor' Proximity Rule
The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
When two or more subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb's form (singular or plural) is determined by the subject that is physically nearer to it in the sentence.
The 'Each/Every' Exception
Each/Every + Compound Subject = Singular Verb
When the word 'each' or 'every' precedes a compound subject, the subject is treated as singular, and you must use a singular verb, even if the subje...
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
Which sentence demonstrates a sophisticated and correct application of compound subject-verb agreement rules in a complex structure?
A.The novel's central argument and its supporting evidence, which are presented in alternating chapters, is compelling.
B.Neither the historical context nor the author's personal letters, which I read last week, fully explain the character's motivations.
C.Every theme and symbol that the author uses contribute to the book's enduring power.
D.The protagonist's journey or the antagonist's downfall, depending on the reader's interpretation, are the true focus of the story.
Challenging
An author writes: 'In this town, either the ringing of the church bells or the wail of the distant train signals the end of the day.' What is the rhetorical effect of using this structure with correct subject-verb agreement?
A.It creates a sense of confusion by presenting two equal options.
B.It emphasizes that both sounds happen simultaneously, creating a cacophony.
C.It suggests that the two events are mutually exclusive but equally significant markers of time.
D.It highlights the superiority of the train's wail over the church bells.
Challenging
Consider the sentence: 'Each decision and sacrifice made by the hero, or perhaps the unexpected actions of the villain, ultimately determines the story's resolution.' Why is the singular verb 'determines' correct?
A.Because the Proximity Rule applies, and 'actions' is treated as a singular concept.
B.Because the phrase starting with 'Each' governs the entire subject, making it singular, and the 'or' phrase is a parenthetical aside.
C.Because the verb must agree with 'hero', which is the first subject mentioned.
D.Because 'resolution' is the true subject of the verb 'determines'.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing FreeMore from Subject-verb agreement
English Language Arts for other grades
Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects"?
Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects is a Grade 9 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects?
Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects
Is "Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.