Complex Agreement
Subjects with modifying clauses
- Identify the subject.
- Distinguish the subject from its modifying clauses or phrases.
- Maintain agreement between the subject and verb in the main clause.
| SINGULAR AGREEMENT | PLURAL AGREEMENT |
|---|---|
When a noun is followed by a modifying clause or phrase, make sure that the verb agrees with the noun being modified (and not the noun in the phrase or clause.) |
Agreement between noun and verb in main clause is maintained. The verb agrees with the noun before the modifying clause or phrase. |
The monkey, George, is hiding. (appositive) |
The monkeys – George, Martha, and Tillie – are taking a walk. |
The monkey under the bananas is hiding. (prepositional phrase) |
The monkeys below are taking a walk. |
The silly looking monkey peeping out from under the bananas is hiding. (Participial Clauses 2) |
The cartoon-like monkeys wearing summer clothes are taking a walk. |
The family of monkeys is walking. (prepositional phrase) |
The monkeys dressed like Bono are taking a walk. |
George, who loves bananas, is hiding. (aside comment) |
The monkeys, who look silly in clothes, are taking a walk. |
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Also see shortened modifying clauses Participial Clauses 1 | Participial Clauses 2
Practice 1
Stress and Diet
Subject-verb agreement in sentences
- Choose the answer that best completes the sentence.
- * indicates an incorrect answer.
Practice 2
Stress Management
Subject-verb agreement in a paragraph. (Find the errors.)
Stress and anxiety in today's world of high-speed electronics are ever present. The bills aren't going to stop coming, there's never enough hours in the day for all your errands, and your career or family responsibilities will always be demanding. Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems.
Stress and anxiety management start with identifying the sources of stress in your life. Accepting responsibility for the role you play in creating or maintaining stress is what allows you to take control of it. The ultimate goal —with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun— are a balanced life.
- Read the sentence. Identify the subject (without its modifying clauses and phrases) and the verb.
- Decide whether the agreement in the sentence is correct or incorrect.
- Read the feedback to check your response.