Question

name ____ date ____
66 singular and plural subjects
a singular subject must have a singular verb. a plural subject must have a plural verb.
see the examples below.

singular subject and verb	plural subject and verb
he was being very secretive about the present.	they were being very secretive about the present.
may has walked along this path every day.	my sisters have walked along this path every day.
the theater is very close to our hotel.	several restaurants are very close to our hotel.

practice a identifying singular and plural subjects
read each sentence. circle the subject. if the subject is singular, write s. if the subject is plural, write p.
example: laura walks to school each day.
answer: (laura) walks to school each day. s

1. now, the deep snow covers our driveway. ______
2. he was being smart to delay the exam. ______
3. this computer is a better buy than that one. ______
4. the students enjoy the visit to this museum. ______
5. the visitors always answer our questions politely. ______
6. this map is quite expensive. ______
7. the dishes broke because of the accident. ______
8. the researchers report their findings today. ______
9. larry watches that television show every day. ______
10. the dogs are playing in the dog run. ______

practice b identifying singular and plural subjects and verbs
read each sentence. underline the subject. then, circle the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
example: we (is, are) going to the pool this morning.
answer: we (is, (are)) are going to the pool this morning.

1. the managers (was, were) disappointed by the low sales figures.
2. the teacher always (review, reviews) her students work in the morning.
3. the new books (is, are) on the library shelves now.
4. the young boys (play, plays) in the small park near their school.
5. we always (use, uses) reliable websites when conducting research.

writing and speaking application
write three sentences about your favorite movie. use correct singular and plural subject - verb agreement in your sentences. read your sentences to a partner. have your partner identify the singular and plural nouns and verbs. then, switch roles with your partner.

Explanation:

PRACTICE A

Each sentence's subject is identified, then marked singular (S) or plural (P) based on noun number.

Subjects are underlined, then the verb matching the subject's number (singular/plural) is circled.

Three sentences about a favorite movie with correct subject-verb agreement are provided.

Answer:

1. Now, (the deep snow) covers our driveway. S
2. (He) was being smart to delay the exam. S
3. (This computer) is a better buy than that one. S
4. (The students) enjoy the visit to this museum. P
5. (The visitors) always answer our questions politely. P
6. (This map) is quite expensive. S
7. (The dishes) broke because of the accident. P
8. (The researchers) report their findings today. P
9. (Larry) watches that television show every day. S
10. (The dogs) are playing in the dog run. P

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PRACTICE B