Making Sure Subjects and Verbs Match: A Simple Guide for 9th Graders

Important Grammar Rule: Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is a key rule in English. This means that verbs need to match their subjects in two main ways: number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, third). When we get this right, communication is clearer. Let’s go over the basic rules for subject-verb agreement.

1. Number Agreement

• Singular Subjects: Use singular verbs.
  • Example: The dog barks at strangers.
• Plural Subjects: Use plural verbs.
  • Example: The dogs bark at strangers.

2. Person Agreement

• First Person: Use "I" and "we" with matching verbs.
  • Example: I walk to school. / We walk to school.
• Second Person: Use "you" with the right verb.
  • Example: You walk to school.
• Third Person: Use "he," "she," and "it" with the correct singular verb form. Often this means adding an "s" or "es."
  • Example: She walks to school.

Subject-Verb Agreement and Tenses

In English, we often use present simple and present continuous tenses. Choosing the right tense is important based on whether you’re talking about regular actions or things happening right now.

1. Present Simple Tense

• This tense is for regular actions.
  • Example: They play basketball on Saturdays.

2. Present Continuous Tense

• This tense is for actions happening right now.
  • Example: He is playing basketball now.

Making Questions and Negatives in the Present Tense

When we ask questions or make negative sentences in the present tense, we still need to pay attention to subject-verb agreement.

1. Questions

• To ask a question in the present simple, flip the subject and the auxiliary verb "do" or "does."
  • Example: Do you play soccer? / Does she play soccer?

2. Negatives

• To say something is not true, use "do not" or "does not."
  • Example: I do not play soccer. / He does not play soccer.

Using Modals: Can, Could, May, Might, Should

Modals are special helping verbs that show ability, possibility, and advice. They don’t change like other verbs, so there’s no need for subject-verb agreement with them.

• Ability:
  • Example: I can swim.
• Possibility:
  • Example: She might come to the party.
• Advice:
  • Example: You should study for the exam.

Understanding Possessive Forms

Possessive forms show who owns something. Using the right possessive pronoun is important to avoid confusion.

• My: My book is on the table.
• Your: Is this your pen?
• His: His car is new.
• Her: Her coat is stylish.
• Their: Their house is big.

Summary

In short, making sure verbs match their subjects is really important for writing clear sentences. Always check the number and person of the subject when you pick the right verb. Understanding tenses and how to ask questions or make negatives is also key for good communication. Lastly, getting comfortable with modals and possessives can help you improve your English grammar skills. Practice these rules with examples to feel more confident in your writing and speaking!