chapter 15: agreement choices: exploring agreementsubject and verb agreement b a verb should agree...

110 ELEMENTS OF LANGUAGE | Introductory Course

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Choices: Exploring AgreementHere’s your chance to step out of the grammar book and into the real world. You may notnotice agreement, but you and the people around you use it every day. The following activitieschallenge you to find a connection between agreement and the world around you. Do theactivity below that suits your personality best, and then share your discoveries with yourclass. Have fun!

DISCUSSION

IndigestionSome foods just don’t go together. Lead a dis-cussion of foods that don’t necessarily agreewith each other (or with you!). For starters, con-sider the effects of chilies and strawberriestogether. Then, ask the class what might be theeffects of subjects and verbs that don’t agree witheach other.

ETYMOLOGY

Antipasto, Anyone?You’ve been reading about antecedents, butwhat does the word really mean? Find out aboutthe prefix ante-. What does it mean? What’s thedifference between ante- and anti-? What are fiveother words that use the prefix ante-? What arethe meanings of these words? Prepare a handoutor poster featuring this information.

GAME

Scissors Cut PaperOne way to remember that words like scissors areplural is to recall the old game Rock, Paper,Scissors. If you know this game, teach it to theclass. Then, everyone can just remember that“scissors cut (not cuts) paper.” Think of at leastthree other common agreement problems, andinvent games or sayings that will help yourclassmates remember the rules.

DISCUSSION

Square PegsGrammar isn’t the only discipline that demandsthat elements match. Sometimes, instead ofbeing said to agree, these elements are said to becompatible. For instance, in computer science, aprogram must be compatible with an operatingsystem in order to work. What other systemsdemand that their components match? Lead adiscussion of these points.

BUILDING BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE

The Three BearsHearing titles that seem to be plural paired withsingular pronouns can sound strange at first.However, the more you hear them, the fasteryou’ll get used to them. Brainstorm a list of atleast ten book, story, and poetry titles that areplural in form. You might want to check theindexes of some literature books and a few best-seller lists or ask your friends and classmates forsome of their favorites. Pass out copies of yourlist to your classmates. Then, lead the class inwriting sentences that use pronouns to refer toeach of these titles.

MUSIC

Song and DanceBreak out the tap shoes, your hat, and your cane.It’s time for a trip down memory lane. You’llneed a song. You can use existing music or makeup a tune, but you’ll need to write new lyrics.Your lyrics should be about the agreement issuesin this chapter. Make them easy to remember.Then, with your teacher’s permission, performyour song and dance for the class.

TECHNOLOGY

Acid TestCan a computer grammar checker really catchthose pesky subject-verb agreement errors andpronoun-antecedent agreement errors? Beforeyou rely on one of these programs, find out if itcan do the job. Write a paragraph or two thatinclude a number of such errors, or simply typein an exercise or two from this chapter. Then, runthe grammar checker. Did it catch every error?Did it identify errors that aren’t really errors?Score the program, and give it a grade. Then,present your data to the class. Point out whicherrors were corrected and which were missed.

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Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics: Language Skills Practice 111

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NumberWords that refer to one person, place, thing, or idea are generally singular in number.Words thatrefer to more than one person, place, thing, or idea are generally plural in number.

SINGULAR lake he puppy wife bench

PLURAL lakes they puppies wives benches

EXERCISE A On the line before each word, write S if the word is singular or P if it is plural.

Example ______ 1. reality

______ 1. flowers _______11. planet

______ 2. storm _______12. windows

______ 3. clocks _______13. children

______ 4. we _______14. country

______ 5. valley _______15. it

______ 6. geese _______16. idea

______ 7. taxes _______17. strawberries

______ 8. people _______18. doctor

______ 9. diaries _______19. freedom

______10. England _______20. I

EXERCISE B On the line provided, write a singular word or a plural word to complete each word groupcorrectly. Use the italicized words as hints.

Example 1. a few ________________________

21. a big _________________________________ 31. several important ________________________________

22. four exciting _________________________________ 32. one rare ________________________________

23. many interesting _________________________________ 33. some different ________________________________

24. one green _________________________________ 34. three more _______________________________

25. a few tiny _________________________________ 35. a bunch of ________________________________

26. an excellent _________________________________ 36. a single ________________________________

27. those wonderful _________________________________ 37. too many ________________________________

28. twenty old _________________________________ 38. fewer than ten ________________________________

29. another lucky _________________________________ 39. millions of ________________________________

30. a funny _________________________________ 40. just one ________________________________

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Subject and Verb Agreement AA verb should agree in number with its subject.

(1) Singular subjects take singular verbs.

EXAMPLE She plays softball every weekend.

(2) Plural subjects take plural verbs.

EXAMPLE They play softball once a month.

If a sentence has a verb phrase, the first helping verb in the phrase agrees with the subject.EXAMPLES Sophie has been practicing every day.

The runners have been practicing all week.

EXERCISE A In each of the following sentences, the verb agrees with its subject. On the line before eachsentence, write S if the subject and verb are singular or P if the subject and verb are plural.

Example ______ 1. Dad is cooking dinner.

______ 1. The door slams. ______ 6. The radios are too loud.

______ 2. He has been painting the fence. ______ 7. Dr. Rodriguez is writing a letter.

______ 3. Our forests need rain. ______ 8. The dogs were barking.

______ 4. Belize is a small country. ______ 9. The twins are swimming.

______ 5. My uncles bowl on Wednesdays. ______10. Earl has been practicing.

EXERCISE B Each of the following sentences contains two verb forms in parentheses. For each sentence,underline the verb form that agrees with the subject.

Example 1. Justine (plays, play) the clarinet in the school band.

11. The clarinet (is, are) a musical instrument.

12. Most clarinets (is, are) made of wood.

13. A clarinet (has, have) a long, hollow tube and a bell-shaped opening.

14. The mouthpiece (is, are) located at the other end of the tube.

15. A flat reed (fits, fit) into the back of the mouthpiece.

16. These reeds (comes, come) from cane plants.

17. The clarinet player (blows, blow) air into the mouthpiece.

18. The air (makes, make) the reed vibrate.

19. The vibrations (creates, create) sound.

20. A player (controls, control) the sound with keys on the clarinet’s tube.

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Subject and Verb Agreement BA verb should agree in number with its subject.

(1) Singular subjects take singular verbs.

EXAMPLE He rides his bicycle in the park.

(2) Plural subjects take plural verbs.

EXAMPLE We collect newspapers for the paper drive.

If a sentence has a verb phrase, the first helping verb in the phrase agrees with the subject.EXAMPLES Janet has played clarinet for three years.

The ducks are flying south.

EXERCISE A Each of the following sentences contains two verb forms in parentheses. For each sentence,underline the verb form that agrees with the subject.

Example [1] Maria (loves, love) her new bicycle.

[1] Maria (rides, ride) her bicycle almost every day. [2] She (knows, know) how to take care of

her bike. [3] Maria (oils, oil) the chain whenever it gets wet. [4] She (pumps, pump) up the tires

once a week. [5] Sometimes the brakes (wears, wear) down. [6] Her brothers (knows, know) how to

adjust the brakes. [7] Maria (has, have) a new helmet, too. [8] At night, she (uses, use) a headlight.

[9] Reflectors (makes, make) her more visible to motorists. [10] Maria (enjoys, enjoy) riding her bicy-

cle safely.


Example 1. Camping (is, are) a fun family event.

11. Many campers (carries, carry) a tent.

12. The tent (keeps, keep) the campers dry when it rains.

13. It also (protects, protect) them from insects.

14. Campers (uses, use) poles to hold up the tent.

15. The poles (supports, support) the tent and give it its shape.

16. Stakes (helps, help) anchor the tent during strong winds.

17. Tents (is, are) often made of nylon.

18. Nylon (is, are) a light material.

19. A rubber coating (makes, make) the tent waterproof.

20. Campers (wants, want) to stay dry and comfortable.

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Phrases Between Subject and VerbThe number of a subject is not changed by a phrase following the subject.

EXAMPLES Our hike in the mountains was fun.

The hands on my watch glow in the dark.

The tomatoes from your garden are delicious.

EXERCISE A Underline the subject in each of the following sentences. Then, underline the form of theverb in parentheses that agrees with the subject.

Example 1. A box of old photographs (was, were) found in the attic.

1. The sneakers in the closet (belongs, belong) to me.

2. A fan in the bleachers (was, were) waving a large banner.

3. A pile of dirty dishes (is, are) in the sink.

4. Many paintings by Vincent van Gogh (hangs, hang) in the art museum.

5. The teacher of my science class (was, were) writing a book.

6. Many houses in my neighborhood (has, have) wooden porches.

7. The capital of the United States (is, are) Washington, D.C.

8. The author of these short stories (has, have) written a play, too.

9. The players on our team (works, work) hard.

10. Five students in my school (plays, play) in a band.

EXERCISE B The following paragraph contains errors in agreement of subject and verb. Correct eacherror by crossing out the incorrect verb form and writing the correct form above it. If a verb is alreadycorrect, write C above it.

Example [1] The history of the Irish people include many hardships and struggles.

[11] A popular name for Ireland is “The Emerald Isle.” [12] The green rolling hills and pastures

of Ireland was the source of this name. [13] Many farmers in Ireland raises cattle, horses, and

sheep. [14] Other farm products from the Emerald Isle include dairy products, wheat, and pota-

toes. [15] Shallow waters along Ireland’s coastline gives the country a rich supply of fish, too.

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Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns AThe following indefinite pronouns are singular: anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody,everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, somebody, someone, and something.

The following indefinite pronouns are plural: both, few, many, several.

The indefinite pronouns all, any, more, most, none, and some may be either singular or plural,depending on their meaning in a sentence.

EXERCISE Each of the following sentences has an indefinite pronoun as a subject. On the line beforeeach sentence, write S if the indefinite pronoun is singular or P if it is plural. Then, underline the correctform of the verb in parentheses.

Example ______ 1. Some of the pages (is, are) torn.

______ 1. Each of these apples (is, are) ripe.

______ 2. During the play, someone (was, were) whispering.

______ 3. All of the actors (knows, know) their lines.

______ 4. One of my favorite songwriters (is, are) Billy Joel.

______ 5. A few from the other class (needs, need) new textbooks.

______ 6. Some of my cousins (has, have) come to my party.

______ 7. Both of my parents (works, work) at the hospital.

______ 8. All of the bread (was, were) eaten.

______ 9. Neither of my two uncles (speaks, speak) French.

______10. This morning several (was, were) late.

______11. Most of the plants (needs, need) water.

______12. Now more of the waiters (seems, seem) busy.

______13. One of my cousins (is, are) on vacation.

______14. In the past month several in that department (has, have) gotten raises.

______15. Something about those people (seems, seem) suspicious to me.

______16. No one in the bleachers (cheers, cheer) more loudly than Jason.

______17. Most of the field (needs, need) mowing.

______18. Everyone in the club (has, have) read this book.

______19. None of the guests (has, have) left.

______20. Many of his classes (requires, require) daily homework.

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Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns BThe following indefinite pronouns are singular: anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody,everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, somebody, someone, and something.

The following indefinite pronouns are plural: both, few, many, several.

The indefinite pronouns all, any, more, most, none, and some may be either singular or plural,depending on their meaning in a sentence.

EXERCISE Each of the following sentences has an indefinite pronoun as a subject. For each sentence,underline the verb that agrees with the subject.

Example 1. Each of the planets in our solar system (orbits, orbit) the sun.

1. One of the planets (has, have) visible rings.

2. Nobody (has, have) observed moons around Mercury.

3. All of the students (uses, use) telescopes.

4. Everyone (is, are) able to see the moon tonight.

5. Some of the stars (seems, seem) to twinkle.

6. Most of the stars (is, are) invisible to us.

7. Each of the visible stars (is, are) a huge ball of gas.

8. Not one of the nine planets (escapes, escape) the gravitational pull of the sun.

9. No one (knows, know) how many stars there are.

10. Neither of the astronomers (needs, need) a microscope.

11. Most of the researchers (has, have) many questions.

12. Everyone (needs, need) to learn more.

13. One of the constellations (resembles, resemble) a hunter.

14. Several of the books (contains, contain) photographs.

15. Some of the scientists (works, work) high up on mountaintops.

16. Neither of the inner planets (has, have) moons.

17. (Is, Are) either of the inner planets visible tonight?

18. A few of the planets (is, are) not visible to the naked eye.

19. Someone (is, are) asking about comets.

20. (Does, Do) anyone know if comets orbit the sun?

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Compound SubjectsSubjects joined by and generally take a plural verb.

Singular subjects that are joined by or or nor take a singular verb.

Plural subjects joined by or or nor take a plural verb.

When a singular subject and a plural subject are joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with thesubject nearer the verb.

EXAMPLES Raoul and Mark have been playing tennis all day.

Either Julio or his brother is singing.

Flowers or balloons make a nice gift for a sick friend.

Neither rain nor ants are spoiling our picnic.

Neither ants nor rain is spoiling our picnic.

EXERCISE A Each of the following sentences contains two verb forms in parentheses. For each sentence,underline the verb form that agrees with the subject.

Example 1. An adult or two children (fits, fit) inside this bumper car.

1. Two rabbits and a gerbil (lives, live) in big cages in our science classroom.

2. Either my brother or my sister (is, are) waiting for me.

3. One maple and three elms (stands, stand) in the yard.

4. Lentils or beans (is, are) are used in the stew.

5. Neither my sister nor my parents (knows, know) the answer to the riddle.

6. A car and three buses (was, were) involved in the accident.

7. Neither my cousins nor my aunt (wants, want) the salad.

8. Either Mr. Brooks or his son (washes, wash) the car.

9. Damont or his parents usually (helps, help) us.

10. He and his dogs (is, are) going for a hike.


Example 1. Fruits and vegetables (contains, contain) many nutrients.

11. Spinach and kale (is, are) green, leafy vegetables.

12. Neither a plum nor a pear (is, are) a citrus fruit.

13. Either an orange or a grapefruit (is, are) good for dessert today.

14. Lemons and limes (provides, provide) vitamin C.

15. Neither harsh winds nor rain (affects, affect) this tree.

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Subject After the VerbWhen the subject follows the verb, find the subject and make sure the verb agrees with it.

The subject usually follows the verb in questions and in sentences that begin with there andhere.

EXAMPLES Were the players tired?

There are six floors in this building.

The contractions there’s and here’s contain the verb is. These contractions are singular andshould be used only with singular subjects.

EXAMPLE Here’s the answer to your question.

EXERCISE Underline the subject in each sentence. Then, underline the correct word or words in parentheses.

Example 1. (There’s, There are) some sponges in that drawer.

1. (Has, Have) your neighbors moved to Phoenix yet?

2. There (is, are) fifty states in the United States.

3. (Here’s, Here are) the train to Culver City.

4. (Is, Are) the loaves of bread in the oven?

5. (Here’s, Here are) the cans of paint for your project.

6. (There’s, There are) more bananas in the fruit basket.

7. (Was, Were) your parents born in Sweden?

8. Where (has, have) they gone for their picnic?

9. (Has, Have) Marie and Nina looked at the map?

10. (There’s, There are) a library and a bus stop near my house.

11. (Has, Have) Hiromi opened her birthday presents?

12. (Here’s, Here are) a gift for Hiromi.

13. (Is, Are) you going to guess what it is?

14. Where (has, have) she put the other gifts?

15. (Does, Do) you like your new doll?

16. (Is, Are) they going to give the doll a name?

17. (There’s, There are) an extra dress for the doll.

18. (Has, Have) her friends seen her other presents yet?

19. (Has, Have) I shown you how to play this game?

20. (Was, Were) we late for the party?

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Don’t and Doesn’tThe word don’t is the contraction of do not. Use don’t with all plural subjects and with the pro-nouns I and you.

EXAMPLES These kittens don’t have homes yet. I don’t want any salad.

The word doesn’t is the contraction of does not. Use doesn’t with all singular subjects except thepronouns I and you.

EXAMPLES Doesn’t he know the answer? That bird doesn’t look healthy.

EXERCISE On the blank in each sentence, write don’t or doesn’t to complete the sentence correctly.

Example 1. My mother ___________ get home until 7:00.

1. You ___________ have my new address.

2. Tanya ___________ like spaghetti.

3. Howard’s gloves ___________ fit me.

4. Earl and Janice ___________ want any more cereal.

5. I ___________ dance very well.

6. Ms. Lowe ___________ play badminton.

7. He ___________ visit us often.

8. Jeff’s grandparents ___________ stay home much.

9. The baby ___________ have any blue booties.

10. That program ___________ come on until 8:00 tonight.

11. Mauricio ___________ live near us anymore.

12. We ___________ get to see him often.

13. His brother ___________ go to our school.

14. They ___________ play soccer on our team.

15. ___________ Miriam play softball?

16. Miriam and Colleen ___________ study with us.

17. ___________ they usually study with Julie?

18. I ___________ like to study alone.

19. ___________ you prefer to study in the library?

20. The library ___________ stay open late on weekends.

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Agreement of Pronoun and Antecedent AA pronoun should agree in gender with its antecedent.

EXAMPLES Anthony said he had done his homework.

One of the girls has lost her book.

Someone in the band left his or her uniform on the bus.

A pronoun should agree with its antecedent in number.

EXAMPLES You may have the last muffin if you want it.

The puppies will thrive if they are cared for well.

EXERCISE A In the following sentences, underline the pronoun or pronoun group in parentheses thatagrees in gender and number with its antecedent.

Example 1. Scurrying across the yard, the chipmunk headed for (their, its) burrow.

1. Derrick asked his neighbor to take care of (his, their) cat for the weekend.

2. Each member of the girls’ volleyball team received (her, his or her) own medal.

3. In the evening the raccoons climbed down from (its, their) nest in the trees.

4. The cat stalked the ball of yarn and then pounced on (it, them).

5. The new keyboards in the computer lab are still in (its, their) boxes.

6. Tanya enjoyed working at the pizza parlor because (she, he or she) met new people there.

7. The three children made breakfast for (his or her, their) dad on his birthday.

8. Every day, one student in the class would describe (his or her, their) progress on the research

report.

9. Ms. Jackson called the boys into her office and gave (him, them) a lecture on responsibility.

10. The house was old but clean, and (she, it) seemed to welcome the new family.

EXERCISE B For each sentence, underline the pronoun form that agrees with the antecedent.

Example 1. The instruments will last longer if you take care of (it, them).

11. My doctor carries (her, their) notepad and pen with her.

12. They brought a tuba with (it, them) to the parade.

13. The plants will grow if you water (it, them).

14. I remember that tree from when (it, they) first sprouted.

15. The vegetables taste better with a little seasoning on (it, them).

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Agreement of Pronoun and Antecedent BA pronoun should agree in gender with its antecedent.

EXAMPLES Betsy can’t leave the house until she has finished cleaning her room.

Each of the boys must carry his own equipment.

Everyone in the play knew his or her lines.

A pronoun should agree with its antecedent in number.

EXAMPLES May I borrow that book when you finish it?

Each year the flowers bloomed, they seemed more colorful.

EXERCISE A In each of the following sentences, circle the antecedent. Then, underline the pronoun orpronouns in parentheses that agree in gender with the antecedent.

Example 1. Karen left (her, its) jacket at school.

1. One man had an extra ticket, so (he, she) sold it to Marshall.

2. The oak tree in the backyard had lost most of (his, its) leaves.

3. Sharon was eating lunch with (her, his or her) friends.

4. The wasp returned to (her, its) nest.

5. Each student brought (his, his or her) poster to the game.

EXERCISE B On the blank in each sentence, write one or more pronouns that agree in gender and num-ber with the antecedent.

Example 1. One girl wrote ____________________ name on the board.

6. Neither boy remembered to bring ____________________ textbook.

7. Both coaches brought ____________________ whistles.

8. After two weeks off, the girls were glad ____________________ were playing a game Monday.

9. Did either of the men tell us ____________________ name?

10. Jeremy had dropped his hat, but he found ____________________ the next day.

11. Students who are attending the field trip must turn in ____________________ forms today.

12. My brother lent me ____________________ umbrella.

13. Each performer must bring ____________________ own costume.

14. When Diego got home, ____________________ began preparing dinner.

15. The lizard must have injured ____________________ leg.

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Indefinite Pronouns as AntecedentsA pronoun should agree with its antecedent in number.

(1) Use a singular pronoun to refer to the indefinite pronouns anybody, anyone, anything, each,either, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, somebody, someone,and something.(2) Use a plural pronoun to refer to the indefinite pronouns both, few, many, and several.(3) The indefinite pronouns all, any, more, most, none, and some may be singular or plural, dependingon their meaning in a sentence.

EXERCISE For each of the following sentences, underline the pronoun form that agrees with theantecedent.

Example 1. Most of the actors remembered (his, their) lines.

1. Anyone who needs help may consult (his or her, their) script.

2. One of the lines loses (its, their) meaning when taken out of context.

3. A few of the dancers brought (her, their) shoes.

4. One of the paintings is losing (its, their) sharpness.

5. Everyone is wearing (his or her, their) costume tonight.

6. Neither of the actresses wore (her, their) hat.

7. Did anyone forget to bring (his or her, their) notes?

8. I don’t know if either of the girls will sing (her, their) lines tonight.

9. Everything on the stage has (its, their) own place.

10. Somebody left (his or her, their) uniform behind the stage.

11. Most of the costumes are missing (its, their) buttons.

12. All of the furniture was put in (its, their) proper place.

13. Everyone sold (his or her, their) tickets last week.

14. More of the material needs to have (its, their) edges trimmed.

15. Some of the fabric is losing (its, their) stitching.

16. One of the seamstresses needs (her, their) sewing kit.

17. Do any of the costumes need (its, their) zippers replaced?

18. Only a few of the actors need (his, their) full costumes tonight.

19. One of the set designers brought (her, their) paintbrush.

20. Is one of the scripts missing (its, their) cover?

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Antecedents Joined by Or, Nor, or AndUse a singular pronoun to refer to two or more singular antecedents joined by or or nor.

EXAMPLES Carmela or Sindey will present her speech today.

Neither the maple nor the oak has lost all its leaves.

Use a plural pronoun to refer to two or more antecedents joined by and.

EXAMPLES When Jeremy and his brother got home, they practiced with their guitars.

The coach and the players reviewed their game plan.

EXERCISE A Each of the following sentences contains an underlined pronoun that agrees with itsantecedent. Above each underlined pronoun, write S if the pronoun is singular or P if it is plural.

Example 1. Neither Myla nor Margaret has had her lunch.

1. Amelia or Amanda will read her report first.

2. Yolanda and Jaime found their dictionaries.

3. Neither my mother nor my aunt brought her umbrella.

4. The bus driver and the students clapped their hands.

5. Neither Bill nor Todd used his baseball glove today.

EXERCISE B For each of the following sentences, underline the pronoun or pronouns that agree with theantecedent.

Example 1. If the game is played well, (it, they) is very interesting to watch.

6. When Henry and Noriyuki arrived, (he, they) set up the chess pieces.

7. The chessboard and pieces were placed so that (it, they) could be seen well.

8. A beginning player or an experienced player sometimes loses (his or her, their) concentration.

9. The players and the observers looked at (his or her, their) watches.

10. Either the bishop or the knight will lose (its, their) powerful position.

11. Neither Yuri nor Stan brought (his, their) rule book.

12. Neither the players nor the observers expressed (his or her, their) opinions.

13. A marble chess set or a wooden chess set will retain (its, their) value.

14. If either Timothy or Hiroshi plays, (he, they) will expect to use the marble chess set.

15. Natalie or Olga will give (her, their) advice first.

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15o(4).

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Review A: Subject-Verb Agreement

EXERCISE A In each of the following sentences, the verb agrees with its subject. On the line before eachsentence, write S if the subject and verb are singular or P if the subject and verb are plural.

Example ______ 1. Chuck or Tyrell takes out the trash.

______ 1. They have been cheering for the team.

______ 2. A letter from your aunt and uncle is on the table.

______ 3. All of the water in the pail was leaking onto the floor.

______ 4. A woman and two men were sharing a taxi.

______ 5. Here’s your ticket to the game.

______ 6. An after-school snack for your friends is in the refrigerator.

______ 7. Eartha and you have been working hard all afternoon.

______ 8. There’s a green coat in the closet.

______ 9. Jefferson’s plans don’t make sense to us.

______10. Most of the beach has been cleaned.

EXERCISE B Underline the subject in each of the following sentences. Then, underline the form of theverb in parentheses that agrees with the subject.

Example 1. (Is, Are) there any beans left for me?

11. Most of my work (is, are) finished.

12. Songs from the movie (has, have) been on my mind all day.

13. Either his grandparents or his father (comes, come) from Japan.

14. (There’s, There are) two big trucks parked out front.

15. Our trip to the western states (begins, begin) tomorrow.

16. Lucia and Marcus (lives, live) on a farm.

17. Many of the citizens (agrees, agree) with the mayor.

18. (Is, Are) there some empty seats up front?

19. It (doesn’t, don’t) really matter.

20. Either the Germans or the Italians (is, are) playing soccer tomorrow.

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Review B: Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

EXERCISE For each sentence below, underline the pronoun or pronouns that agree with the antecedent.

Example 1. The children and their mother went to (his or her, their) neighborhood supermarket.

1. Does anyone have (his or her, their) grocery list?

2. One of the grocery carts is missing (its, their) rear wheels.

3. Most of the shoppers brought (her, their) lists.

4. Neither the mother nor her daughter brought (her, their) purse.

5. I see the laundry detergent, but I can’t find (its, their) price.

6. There are twelve eggs here, but some of (its, their) shells are broken.

7. Did someone lose (his or her, their) calculator yesterday?

8. The sour cream or the yogurt will be fine if (it, they) is refrigerated.

9. Several of the bananas have brown spots on (its, their) peels.

10. One of the jars has a dent in (its, their) lid.

11. All of the items were put back on (its, their) shelves.

12. Neither my sister nor my mother brought (her, their) pen.

13. Both of the frying pans are missing (its, their) handles.

14. Is anyone carrying (his or her, their) backpack?

15. Barbara and Alina found (her, their) favorite spices.

16. Some of the silverware has lost (its, their) shine.

17. Most of the kitchen utensils have (their, its) prices clearly marked.

18. Do any of the customers bring (his or her, their) own shopping bags?

19. Spinach or cabbage will retain (its, their) freshness better if sealed and refrigerated.

20. Most of the vegetables keep (its, their) sharp colors when steamed.

21. Darryl and Kyle found (his, their) school supplies in aisle three.

22. Either Connie or her brother will select (his or her, their) favorite breakfast drink.

23. A father and his son split (his, their) list in two so they could find things twice as fast.

24. One of the checkers needed a manager to help (her, them) fix the till.

25. The manager asked the family if (she, they) had found everything all right.

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Review C: Agreement

EXERCISE A Underline the subject in each of the following sentences. Then, underline the form of theverb in parentheses that agrees with the subject.

Example 1. (Was, Were) any of the animals injured?

1. The bowl of strawberries (looks, look) delicious.

2. Neither you nor he (is, are) strong enough to move that boulder.

3. Members of the club (writes, write) stories for the newspaper.

4. Two cars and a bus (was, were) stopped at the traffic light.

5. Some of the dancers (is, are) in the show.

6. Most of the apartment (needs, need) cleaning.

7. The play about the gods and the goddesses of Greece (opens, open) today.

8. Everybody in the two competing schools (was, were) eager for the game.

9. The fenders and the bumper (was, were) dented.

10. The colors in the material (has, have) faded.

EXERCISE B For each sentence below, underline the pronoun or pronouns that agree with theantecedent.

Example 1. Health clubs offer many benefits to (its, their) members.

11. An exercise bike or a rowing machine requires maintenance to keep (it, them) running well.

12. One of the health clubs offers free classes to (its, their) members.

13. Both weightlifting machines and free weights have (its, their) advantages.

14. My sister or my aunt will find the individual exercise program that serves (her, them) best.

15. The track and the swimming pool both have (its, their) appeal.

16. One of the women left (her, their) towel behind.

17. Neither my mother nor my sister is wasting (her, their) time here.

18. Can each of the swimmers find (his or her, their) goggles?

19. Most of the bicyclists wore (his, their) cycling shoes.

20. A club can expand when (its, their) membership increases.

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Review D: Agreement

EXERCISE A In each of the following sentences, underline the word or word group in parentheses thatcorrectly completes the sentence.

Example 1. (Has, Have) most of the guests arrived?

1. (Has, Have) everybody finished the chapter?

2. A few of the students (knows, know) computer programming.

3. (There’s, There are) two reasons for my opinion.

4. Her uncle (doesn’t, don’t) have a driver’s license.

5. None of the kittens (has, have) been adopted yet.

6. (Has, Have) any of the milk spilled?

7. (Does, Do) most of your friends play football?

8. One of my gloves (is, are) missing.

9. All of the birds (are, is) singing.

10. Some of the color (has, have) faded.

EXERCISE B For each sentence below, underline the pronoun or pronouns that agree with theantecedent.

Example 1. A new playground gives the park (its, their) appeal.

11. Does anyone know how the park got (its, their) name?

12. Parents love to bring (her, their) children to the park.

13. A child can use (his or her, their) imagination in the park.

14. Some of the seesaws have had (its, their) handles repaired.

15. My mother brings (her, their) books to the park.

16. Neither of the fountains has (its, their) water turned on yet.

17. The squirrels hide (its, their) pecans under the leaves.

18. One of the squirrels made (its, their) home inside a shack.

19. Do all of the pigeons build (its, their) nests under this bridge?

20. One of the girls saw (her, their) favorite kind of bird.

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PROOFREADING ACTIVITY

Find and correct the errors in subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement. Use proofreading symbols such as those on page 767 of Elements of Language to make your corrections.

Example Lazy Days were a play by the sixth-grade class.^was


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Proofreading Application: SpeechGood writers are generally good proofreaders. Readers tend to admire and trust writing that iserror-free. Make sure that you correct all errors in grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuationin your writing. Your readers will have more confidence in your words if you have done yourbest to proofread carefully.

Proofreading speeches is especially important. If you make mistakes in agreement, your listen-ers will not have a chance to go back and re-read a passage in order to understand it. Instead,your audience may just sit there, not listening, but trying to figure out what you meant inprior sentences. Errors in agreement can confuse your listeners and even give them the wrongidea.

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for CHAPTER 15: AGREEMENT pages 422–38

Thanks to our sponsor, we has a first-class production for you

tonight. I and the entire cast of Lazy Days offers our thanks to our

sponsor. Flappy Fabrics have donated all the cloth for our costumes.

Mr. Clement and his daughter Lisa have given us his and her assis-

tance throughout the production. Either Lisa Clement or her assistant

Mary shared their design skills with our students. Moreover, Mr.

Clement and Lisa Clement have graciously given his or her time to

us. The ones who made this production possible was they. All of the

costumes in this play is the product of our sponsor’s hard work.

Each of us gives our thanks to Flappy Fabrics. Several of the cast

have created an award for Flappy Fabrics, and he or she would like

to present it now.

EXERCISE A In his poem “The Sea,”what pronouns does James Reeves use to refer to the sea? (You donot need to write repeated pronouns more than once.)

EXERCISE B

1. What personal pronouns would you usually use to refer to the sea?

2. Is the author trying to get readers to look at the sea differently by using the pronouns he does?How do you think the author wants us to see the sea? Explain your answers.

“The Sea” from Complete Poems for Children (Heinemann) by James Reeves. Copyright © by James Reeves.Reprinted by permission of The James Reeves Estate.


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Literary Model: Poetry

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The Seaby James Reeves

The sea is a hungry dog,Giant and gray.He rolls on the beach all day.With his clashing teeth and shaggy jawsHour upon hour he gnawsThe rumbling, tumbling stones,And “Bones, bones, bones!”The giant sea dog moans,Licking his greasy paws.

And when the night wind roarsAnd the moon rocks in the stormy cloud,He bounds to his feet and snuffs and sniffs,Shaking his wet sides over the cliffs,And howls and hollos long and loud.

But on quiet days in May or June,When even the grasses on the dunePlay no more their reedy tune,With his head between his pawsHe lies on the sandy shores,So quiet, so quiet, he scarcely snores.


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Literary Model (continued)

EXERCISE C Think of something in nature that most people think of as an it but that you can see asbeing like a person or an animal. Write a poem in which you use the pronouns he, him, and his or thepronouns she, her, and hers to refer to something that people would usually use it and its to refer to.

EXERCISE D Re-read your poem. Is the comparison you are making between something in nature and aperson or an animal clear? Will your reader be able to see how one is like the other? Revise your poemto better show how your subject is like a person or an animal. Then, answer these questions:

1. What topic did you choose to write about?

2. How is it like a person or an animal?

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Writing Application: Bulletin Board DisplayIn speech, it’s acceptable to use plural third person pronouns like they, them, their, and them-selves to agree with indefinite pronouns like everybody, anyone, somebody, and no one. In fact, italmost sounds strange to hear formal pronoun usage with indefinite pronouns! Read thesesentences aloud.

SOUNDS NORMAL No one noticed the absence of pepperoni on their pizza slices.

SOUNDS ODD No one noticed the absence of pepperoni on his or her pizza slices.

The second sentence is correct in formal English, although it is not what we expect to hear, sobe sure to use the singular pronouns when you write formally. On the other hand, if you wantto avoid the odd sound, you could replace the indefinite pronoun with a plural noun that fitsthe sentence’s meaning: “The guys watching the Superbowl didn’t notice the absence of pep-peroni on their pizza slices.”

WRITING ACTIVITY

You and several other students are putting together a bulletin board display on good study skills. Thebulletin board display will be in the library, where all students can read and benefit from it. Your job is todescribe two good study skills. You will explain each skill in a brief paragraph. Use indefinite pronounsto describe what students should do; and set a great example in your writing by using formal, correctpronoun-antecedent agreement.

PREWRITING Work together with the other students on the project to brainstorm a list of importantstudy skills. Then choose the two that you will describe. For each skill, come up with amini-lesson on how to develop the skill and put it into action. What materials are requiredto carry out the skill?

WRITING You are basically writing two tiny sets of instructions as you tell students how to developthe skill. Remember that students need not only help in learning the skill but also infor-mation on common problems or pitfalls that may temporarily stop their progress. Helpthem learn from others’ mistakes rather than having to make the mistakes themselves!

REVISING Because your information will be presented on a bulletin board, students will not havecopies of the paragraphs to keep with them. They are unlikely to stand in front of the bul-letin board and write down your good advice, either. So write very directly, and try tomake your sentences memorable. You might even create a memory helper for students,to help them recall the most important information from the paragraphs. Indefinite pro-nouns like everyone and anyone will help you stress the idea that all students can benefitfrom your advice.

PUBLISHING Be sure that no mistakes in spelling, punctuation, or agreement go up on that bulletinboard for everyone to see! Then combine your efforts with those of the other students,add illustrations, and, with your teacher’s permission, assemble your bulletin board.

EXTENDING YOUR WRITING

This exercise could lead to a more developed writing project. For a class that is studying possiblecareers, you could explore how getting into the habit of using strong study skills now will help you succeed later in life, in whatever career you pursue.

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Chapter 15: Agreement, pp. 110–31Choices: Exploring Agreement, p. 110Choices activities are designed to extend andenrich students’ understanding of grammar,usage, and mechanics and to take learnersbeyond traditional classroom instruction. To usethe Choices worksheet, have each student pickan activity that interests him or her. In somecases, you may wish to assign an activity to aparticular student or group of students. Youmay also want to request that students get yourapproval for the activities they choose. Establishguidelines for what constitutes successful com-pletion of an activity. Then, help students planhow they will share their work with the rest ofthe class.

Choices activities can be scored with a pass-fail grade or treated as bonus-point projects.Those activities that require students to researchor create a certain number of items might begraded in a traditional manner.

Number, p. 111

EXERCISE A

1. flowers

2. storm

3. clocks

4. we

5. valley

6. geese

7. taxes

8. people

9. diaries

10. England

11. planet

12. windows

13. children

14. country

15. it

16. idea

17. strawberries

18. doctor

19. freedom

20. I

EXERCISE B

Answers will vary. Sample responses are given.

21. a big

22. four exciting

23. many interesting

24. one green

25. a few tiny

26. an excellent

27. those wonderful

28. twenty old

29. another lucky

30. a funny

31. several important

32. one rare

33. some different

34. three more

35. a bunch of

36. a single

37. too many

38. fewer than ten

39. millions of

40. just one

Subject and Verb Agreement A, p. 112

EXERCISE A

1. The door slams.

2. He has been painting the fence.

3. Our forests need rain.

4. Belize is a small country.

5. My uncles bowl on Wednesdays.P

S

P

S

S

strawberry

stars

marbles

questions

rose

grapes

weeks

thoughts

unicorn

articles

joke

guess

carrots

days

idea

stones

apple

stories

adventures

bear

S

S

S

P

S

S

S

P

P

S

S

P

P

P

P

S

P

P

S

P

6. The radios are too loud.

7. Dr. Rodriguez is writing a letter.

8. The dogs were barking.

9. The twins are swimming.

10. Earl has been practicing.

EXERCISE B

Subject and Verb Agreement B, p. 113

EXERCISE A

[1] Maria (rides, ride) her bicycle almost every

day. [2] She (knows, know) how to take care of

her bike. [3] Maria (oils, oil) the chain whenever

it gets wet. [4] She (pumps, pump) up the tires

once a week. [5] Sometimes the brakes (wears,

wear) down. [6] Her brothers (knows, know) how

to adjust the brakes. [7] Maria (has, have) a new

helmet, too. [8] At night, she (uses, use) a head-

light. [9] Reflectors (makes, make) her more visi-

ble to motorists. [10] Maria (enjoys, enjoy) riding

her bicycle safely.

EXERCISE B

Phrases Between Subject and Verb, p. 114

EXERCISE A

1. The sneakers in the closet (belongs, belong) to

me.

2. A fan in the bleachers (was, were) waving a

large banner.

3. A pile of dirty dishes (is, are) in the sink.

4. Many paintings by Vincent van Gogh

(hangs, hang) in the art museum.

5. The teacher of my science class (was, were)

writing a book.

6. Many houses in my neighborhood (has,

have) wooden porches.

7. The capital of the United States (is, are)

Washington, D.C.

8. The author of these short stories (has, have)

written a play, too.

9. The players on our team (works, work) hard.

10. Five students in my school (plays, play) in a

band.

EXERCISE B

[11] A popular name for Ireland is “The

Emerald Isle.” [12] The green rolling hills and

pastures of Ireland was the source of this name.

[13] Many farmers in Ireland raises cattle, hors-

es, and sheep. [14] Other farm products from

the Emerald Isle include dairy products, wheat,

and potatoes. [15] Shallow waters along

Ireland’s coastline gives the country a rich sup-

ply of fish, too.

Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns A, p. 115

EXERCISE

1. Each of these apples (is, are) ripe.

2. During the play, someone (was, were)

whispering.

3. All of the actors (knows, know) their

lines.

4. One of my favorite songwriters (is,

are) Billy Joel.

5. A few from the other class (needs,

need) new textbooks.

6. Some of my cousins (has, have) come

to my party.

P

P

S

P

S

S11. carry

12. keeps

13. protects

14. use

15. support

16. help

17. are

18. is

19. makes

20. want

11. is

12. are

13. has

14. is

15. fits

16. come

17. blows

18. makes

19. create

20. controls

S

P

P

S

PC

opyr

ight

© b

y H

olt,

Rine

hart

and

Win

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. All

right

s re

serv

ed.

Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics: Language Skills Practice Answer Key 51

C

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wereraise

give

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7. Both of my parents (works, work) at

the hospital.

8. All of the bread (was, were) eaten.

9. Neither of my two uncles (speaks,

speak) French.

10. This morning several (was, were) late.

11. Most of the plants (needs, need)

water.

12. Now more of the waiters (seems,

seem) busy.

13. One of my cousins (is, are) on vaca-

tion.

14. In the past month several in that

department (has, have) gotten raises.

15. Something about those people

(seems, seem) suspicious to me.

16. No one in the bleachers (cheers,

cheer) more loudly.

17. Most of the field (needs, need) mow-

ing.

18. Everyone in the club (has, have) read

this book.

19. None of the guests (has, have) left.

20. Many of his classes (requires, require)

homework.

Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns B, p. 116

EXERCISE

Compound Subjects, p. 117

EXERCISE A

EXERCISE B

Subject After the Verb, p. 118

EXERCISE

1. (Has, Have) your neighbors moved to

Phoenix yet?

2. There (is, are) fifty states in the United

States.

3. (Here’s, Here are) the train to Culver City.

11. are

12. is

13. is

14. provide

15. affects

1. live

2. is

3. stand

4. are

5. know

6. were

7. wants

8. washes

9. help

10. are

1. has

2. has

3. use

4. is

5. seem

6. are

7. is

8. escapes

9. knows

10. needs

11. have

12. needs

13. resembles

14. contain

15. work

16. has

17. Is

18. are

19. is

20. Does

P

P

S

S

S

S

P

S

P

P

P

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S

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4. (Is, Are) the loaves of bread in the oven?

5. (Here’s, Here are) the cans of paint for your

project.

6. (There’s, There are) more bananas in the fruit

basket.

7. (Was, Were) your parents born in Sweden?

8. Where (has, have) they gone for their picnic?

9. (Has, Have) Marie and Nina looked at the

map?

10. (There’s, There are) a library and a bus stop

near my house.

11. (Has, Have) Hiromi opened her birthday

presents?

12. (Here’s, Here are) a gift for Hiromi.

13. (Is, Are) you going to guess what it is?

14. Where (has, have) she put the other gifts?

15. (Does, Do) you like your new doll?

16. (Is, Are) they going to give the doll a name?

17. (There’s, There are) an extra dress for the doll.

18. (Has, Have) her friends seen her other pres-

ents yet?

19. (Has, Have) I shown you how to play this

game?

20. (Was, Were) we late for the party?

Don’t and Doesn’t, p. 119

EXERCISE

Agreement of Pronoun and Antecedent A,p. 120

EXERCISE A

EXERCISE B

11. her

12. them

13. them

14. it

15. them

Agreement of Pronoun and Antecedent B,p. 121

EXERCISE A

1. One man had an extra ticket, so (he, she)

sold it to Marshall.

2. The oak tree in the backyard had lost most

of (his, its) leaves.

3. Sharon was eating lunch with (her, his or

her) friends.

4. The wasp returned to (her, its) nest.

5. Each student brought (his, his or her) poster

to the game.

EXERCISE B

Pronouns in some sentences will vary.6. his

7. their

8. they

9. his

10. it

11. their

12. his

13. his or her

14. he and I

15. its

1. his

2. her

3. their

4. it

5. their

6. she

7. their

8. his or her

9. them

10. it

1. don’t

2. doesn’t

3. don’t

4. don’t

5. don’t

6. doesn’t

7. doesn’t

8. don’t

9. doesn’t

10. doesn’t

11. doesn’t

12. don’t

13. doesn’t

14. don’t

15. Doesn’t

16. don’t

17. Don’t

18. don’t

19. Don’t

20. doesn’t

Indefinite Pronouns as Antecedents, p. 122

EXERCISE

Antecedents Joined by Or, Nor, or And, p. 123

EXERCISE A

1. Amelia or Amanda will read her report

first.

2. Yolanda and Jaime found their dictionaries.

3. Neither my mother nor my aunt brought

her umbrella.

4. The bus driver and the students clapped

their hands.

5. Neither Bill nor Todd used his baseball

glove today.

EXERCISE B

Review A: Subject-Verb Agreement, p. 124

EXERCISE A

EXERCISE B

11. Most of my work (is, are) finished.

12. Songs from the movie (has, have) been on

my mind all day.

13. Either his grandparents or his father (comes,

come) from Japan.

14. (There’s, There are) two big trucks parked out

front.

15. Our trip to the western states (begins, begin)

tomorrow.

16. Lucia and Marcus (lives, live) on a farm.

17. Many of the citizens (agrees, agree) with the

mayor.

18. (Is, Are) there some empty seats up front?

19. It (doesn’t, don’t) really matter.

20. Either the Germans or the Italians (is, are)

playing soccer tomorrow.

Review B: Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement,p. 125

EXERCISE

Review C: Agreement, p. 126

EXERCISE A

1. The bowl of strawberries (looks, look) deli-

cious.

1. his or her

2. its

3. their

4. her

5. its

6. their

7. his or her

8. it

9. their

10. its

11. their

12. her

13. their

14. his or her

15. their

16. its

17. their

18. their

19. its

20. their

21. their

22. his or her

23. their

24. her

25. they1. P

2. S

3. S

4. P

5. S

6. S

7. P

8. S

9. P

10. S

6. they

7. they

8. his or her

9. their

10. its

11. his

12. their

13. its

14. he

15. her

1. his or her

2. its

3. their

4. its

5. his or her

6. her

7. his or her

8. her

9. its

10. his or her

11. their

12. its

13. his or her

14. its

15. its

16. her

17. their

18. their

19. her

20. its

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SS

P

S

S

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2. Neither you nor he (is, are) strong enough to

move that boulder.

3. Members of the club (writes, write) stories

for the newspaper.

4. Two cars and a bus (was, were) stopped at

the traffic light.

5. Some of the dancers (is, are) in the show.

6. Most of the apartment (needs, need) cleaning.

7. The play about the gods and the goddesses

of Greece (opens, open) today.

8. Everybody in the two competing schools

(was, were) eager for the game.

9. The fenders and the bumper (was, were)

dented.

10. The colors in the material (has, have) faded.

EXERCISE B

Review D: Agreement, p. 127

EXERCISE A

EXERCISE B

Proofreading Application: Speech, p. 128

Thanks to our sponsor, we has a first-class

production for you tonight. I and the entire cast

of Lazy Days offers our thanks to our sponsor.

Flappy Fabrics have donated all the cloth for

our costumes. Mr. Clement and his daughter

Lisa have given us his and her assistance

throughout the production. Either Lisa Clement

or her assistant Mary shared their design skills

with our students. Moreover, Mr. Clement and

Lisa Clement have graciously given his or her

time to us. The ones who made this production

possible was they. All of the costumes in this

play is the product of our sponsor’s hard work.

Each of us gives our thanks to Flappy Fabrics.

Several of the cast have created an award for

Flappy Fabrics, and he or she would like to

present it now.

Literary Model: Poetry, pp. 129-30

EXERCISE A

he, his

EXERCISE B

Responses will vary.

1. I would use feminine gender pronounssuch as she and her, or sometimes neuterpronouns such as it and its.

2. Yes. The poet is personifying the sea as adog. I think he wants us to see the sea as acreature with a will of its own, a masculine,wild, canine character.

EXERCISE C

Poems will vary. A sample response is given.

The stone sits and bides her time.

For eons she waits,

Her body slowly becoming smooth and rounded,

Her ancient wisdom growing.

She waits to answer the questions

That no one knows to ask.

11. its

12. their

13. his or her

14. their

15. her

16. its

17. their

18. its

19. their

20. her

1. Has

2. know

3. There are

4. doesn’t

5. have

6. Has

7. Do

8. is

9. are

10. has

11. it

12. its

13. their

14. her

15. their

16. her

17. her

18. his or her

19. their

20. its

have

offer

their

their

they

has

her

were

are

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EXERCISE D

Responses will vary.

1. a stone

2. The stone is like an ancient, wise grand-mother who has knowledge and resourcesthat no one asks about.

Writing Application: Bulletin Board Display,p. 131

Writing Applications are designed to providestudents immediate composition practice inusing key concepts taught in each chapter ofthe Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics: LanguageSkills Practice booklet. You may wish to evaluatestudent responses to these assignments as youdo any other writing that students produce. Tosave grading time, however, you may want touse the following scoring rubric.

Scoring RubricEach paragraph clearly and directly describes auseful study skill.

1 2 3 4 5

Indefinite pronouns are used to stress the uni-versal applicability of the study skills.

1 2 3 4 5

The paragraphs employ formal, correct pronoun-antecedent agreement.

1 2 3 4 5

The assignment is relatively free of errors inusage and mechanics.

1 2 3 4 5

Total Score

5 � highest; 1 � lowest

chapter 15: agreement choices: exploring agreementsubject and verb agreement b a verb should agree...

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