What's the grammar rule? In this subject-verb agreement lesson plan, you will introduce your students to the basics of subject-verb agreement with one simple rule.
Third grade writers will be tasked with writing longer and more complicated sentences. This guided lesson in understanding, constructing and punctuating sentences can support kids as they learn to build bigger and better sentences in their writing. Grammar instruction and practical examples were written by our curriculum experts, complete with a list of recommended building sentence worksheets for third graders.
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Subject-verb agreement is a grammar rule that states that the number present in a noun must agree with the number shown in the verb that is being used. Simply put, if a subject is singular, the verb form must also be singular. If a subject is plural, the verb form must also be plural. Give your student extra practice in learning this grammar rule with our worksheets and resources.
Learn More About Subject-Verb Agreement
The basic principle of subject-verb agreement is that singular subject must take on a singular verb. For example: She eats ice cream. Similarly, a plural subject must take on a plural verb, like so: They eat ice cream.
Below are are just a few guidelines when determining subject-verb agreement. Familiarize your students with some of these, and they can learn more advanced rules as they progress.
When the subject of a sentence is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns connected by and, use a plural verb.
Example: Jack and his friends are playing outside
When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by or or nor, use a singular verb.
Example: The son or the daughter is going to pick up the supplies at the store.
When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or pronoun joined by or or nor, the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is nearer the verb.
Example: Jack or his friends like cake.
His friends or Jack eats a whole slice.
The words each, each one, either, neither, everyone, everybody, anybody, anyone, nobody, somebody, someone and no one are singular and require a singular verb.
Examples: Everyone loves cake.
Either is correct.
Nouns such as civics, mathematics, dollars, measles and news require singular verbs.
Examples: The news is on at 6 p.m.
Exception: When talking about an amount of money, dollars requires a singular verb, but when referring to the dollars themselves, use a plural verb.
Examples: Five dollars is the price of admission. Dollars are more valuable than pesos.
Nouns with two components, such as scissors, tweezers, trousers and shears, require plural verbs.
Example: Those trousers are too tight.