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 Subject
Do not add “s” or “es”
to the verb.
Examples
The 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.
Compound Subject joined
by the word “and”
Use the plural form of the
verb.
Do not add “s”
Examples
His 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
(help)
Mr. Crosby ________
teaches dogs to cross streets safely.
(teach)
His dog Tilly _______
obeys his commands perfectly.
(obey)
Identify the present tense form of the verb
in parenthesis.
Many people who are blind ________
trained
use
dogs. (use)
You ______
know the name for these dogs. (know)
We _______
them seeing eye-dogs. (call)
call
Find the incorrect verb forms.
breeds trains
Our organization breed and train seeing-eye
dogs. The German Shepherd and the Labrador
make
retriever makes healthy good guide dogs. Only a
passes
becomes
smart, gentle, puppy pass the test and become a
matches
seeing-eye dog. Our center then match each dog
with an owner.
Find the incorrect verb forms.
gain
With a seeing-eye dog, people gains more
independence. They move freely, and their lives
improve
improves. The center and its important work
cost
ask
give
costs money. I asks for your help. Please gives
whatever you can.
Homework
WB pgs. 52 & 53