Subject Verb Agreement

Unit 3, Lesson 8

Objectives

Students will:• Write present tense verbs that agree in

number with their subjects. • Proofread sentences for correct subject-verb

agreement.

Definition

Subject Verb Agreement

A present tense verb and its subject must agree in number.

If the subject is singular, use the singular form of the verb.

If the subject is plural, use the plural form of the verb.

Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement

Singular Subject

Add “s” or “es” to the verb.

Examples

The driver trains his dog team.

He teaches one dog to lead.

He studies his map.

Plural SubjectDo not add “s” or “es” to the verb.

ExamplesThe dogs pull the sleds.The driver and his team travel far.They work together.

Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement

I or You

Use the plural form of the verb.

Examples

I like your report on dogs.

You write well.

Plural

Compound Subject joined by the word “and”Use the plural form of the verb.

Do not add “s”

ExamplesHis grandmother and grandfather live with his family

Choose the correct verb in the sentence.

I (like, likes) dogs very much.

They (work, works) with people in many ways.

The diner and the factory (keep, keeps)

watchdogs.

A dog (try, tries) to be an excellent partner.

Alex (own, owns) a sheepdog named Charlie.

Identify the present tense form of the verb in parenthesis.

He and his dogs ________ people who are blind.

(help)

Mr. Crosby ________ dogs to cross streets safely.

(teach)

His dog Tilly _______ his commands perfectly.

(obey)

help

teaches

obeys

Identify the present tense form of the verb in parenthesis.

Many people who are blind ________ trained

dogs. (use)

You ______ the name for these dogs. (know)

We _______ them seeing eye-dogs. (call)

use

know

call

Find the incorrect verb forms.

Our organization breed and train seeing-eye

dogs. The German Shepherd and the Labrador

retriever makes healthy good guide dogs. Only a

smart, gentle, puppy pass the test and become a

seeing-eye dog. Our center then match each dog

with an owner.

breeds trains

make

passes becomes

matches

Find the incorrect verb forms.

With a seeing-eye dog, people gains more

independence. They move freely, and their lives

improves. The center and its important work

costs money. I asks for your help. Please gives

whatever you can.

gain

improve

cost ask give

Homework

WB pgs. 52 & 53