The 20 Rules of Subject Verb Agreement in Standard English

The 20 Rules of Subject Verb Agreement in Standard English 1. Subjects and verbs must agree in number. This is the cornerstone rule that forms the background of the concept. The dog growls when he is angry. The dogs growl when they are angry. 2. Don’t get confused by the words that come between the subject and verb; they do not affect agreement. The dog, who is chewing on my jeans, is usually very good. 3. Prepositional phrases between the subject and verb usually do not affect agreement. The colors of the rainbow are beautiful. 4. When sentences start with “there” or “here,” the subject will always be placed after the verb, so care needs to be taken to identify it correctly. There is a problem with the balance sheet.Here are the papers you requested. 5. Subjects don't always come before verbs in questions. Make sure you accurately identify the subject before deciding on the proper verb form to use. Does Lefty usually eat grass? Where are the pieces of this puzzle. 6. If two subjects are joined by and, they typically require a plural verb form. The cow and the pig are jumping over the moon. 7. The verb is singular if the two subjects separated by and refer to the same person or thing. Red beans and rice is my mom's favorite dish. 8. If the words each, every, or no come before the subject, the verb is singular. No smoking and drinking is allowed.Every man and woman is required to check in. 9. If the subjects are both singular and are connected by the words or, nor, neither/nor, either/or, and not only/but also the verb is singular. Jessica or Christian is to blame for the accident. 10. The only time when the object of the preposition factors into the decision of plural or singular verb forms is when noun and pronoun subjects like some, half, none, more, all, etc. are followed by a prepositional phrase. In these sentences, the object of the preposition determines the form of the verb. All of the chicken is gone.All of the chickens are gone. 11. The singular verb form is usually used for units of measurement. Four quarts of oil was required to get the car running. 12. If the subjects are both plural and are connected by the words or, nor, neither/nor, either/or, and not only/but also, the verb is plural. Dogs and cats are both available at the pound. 13. If one subject is singular and one plural and the words are connected by the words or, nor, neither/nor, either/or, and not only/but also, you use the verb form of the subject that is nearest the verb. Do your sisters or your girlfriend want any pizza? 14. Indefinite pronouns typically take singular verbs. Everybody wants to be loved. 15. * Except for the pronouns (few, many, several, both) that always take the plural form. Few were left alive after the flood. 16. If two infinitives are separated by and they take the plural form of the verb. To walk and to chew gum require great skill. 17. When gerunds are used as the subject of a sentence they take the singular verb form of the verb, but when they are linked by and they take the plural form. Standing in the water was a bad idea.Swimming in the ocean and playing drums are my hobbies. 18. Collective nouns like herd, senate, class, crowd, etc. usually take a singular verb form. The herd is stampeding. 19. Titles of books, movies, novels, etc. are treated as singular and take a singular verb. The Burbs is a movie starring Tom Hanks. 20. Final Rule – Remember, only the subject affects the verb!

Basic Rule.

The basic rule states that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. NOTE: The trick is in knowing whether the subject is singular or plural. The next trick is recognizing a singular or plural verb. Hint: Verbs do not form their plurals by adding an s as nouns do. In order to determine which verb is singular and which one is plural, think of which verb you would use with he or she and which verb you would use with they. Example:

talks, talk Which one is the singular form? Which word would you use with he? We say, "He talks." Therefore, talks is singular. We say, "They talk." Therefore, talk

Rule 1.

Two singular subjects connected by or or nor require a singular verb. Example:

Rule 2.

is plural.

My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today.

Two singular subjects connected by either/or or neither/nor require a singular verb as in Rule 1. Examples:

Neither Juan nor Carmen is available. Either Kiana or Casey is helping today with stage decorations.

Rule 3.

When I is one of the two subjects connected by either/or or neither/nor, put it second and follow it with the singular verb am. Example:

Rule 4.

When a singular subject is connected by or or nor to a plural subject, put the plural subject last and use a plural verb. Example:

Rule 5.

Neither Jenny nor the others are available.

As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected by and. Example:

Rule 7.

The serving bowl or the plates go on that shelf.

When a singular and plural subject are connected by either/or or neither/nor, put the plural subject last and use a plural verb. Example:

Rule 6.

Neither she nor I am going to the festival.

A car and a bike are my means of transportation.

Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by words such as along with, as well as, besides, or not. Ignore these expressions when determining whether to use a singular or plural verb. Examples:

The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly. Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.

Rule 8.

The pronouns each, everyone, every one, everybody, anyone, anybody, someone, and somebody are singular and require singular verbs. Do not be misled by what follows of. Examples :

Each of the girls sings well. Every one of the cakes is gone. NOTE: Everyone is one word when it means everybody. Every one is two words when the meaning is each one.

Rule 9.

With words that indicate portions—percent, fraction, part, majority, some, all, none, remainder, and so forth —look at the noun in your of phrase (object of the preposition) to determine whether to use a singular or plural verb. If the object of the preposition is singular, use a singular verb. If the object of the preposition is plural, use a plural verb. Examples:

Fifty percent of the pie has disappeared. Pie is the object of the preposition of. Fifty percent of the pies have disappeared. Pies is the object of the preposition. One-third of the city is unemployed. One-third of the people are unemployed. NOTE: Hyphenate all spelled-out fractions. All of the pie is gone. All of the pies are gone. Some of the pie is missing. Some of the pies are missing. None of the garbage was picked up. None of the sentences were punctuated correctly. Of all her books, none have sold as well as the first one.

NOTE: Apparently, the SAT testing service considers none as a singular word only. However, according to Merriam Webster's Dictionary of English Usage, "Clearly none has been both singular and plural since Old English and still is. The notion that it is singular only is a myth of unknown origin that appears to have arisen in the 19th century. If in context it seems like a singular to you, use a singular verb; if it seems like a plural, use a plural verb. Both are acceptable beyond serious criticism" (p. 664).

Rule 10.

When either and neither are subjects, they always take singular verbs. Examples:

Neither of them is available to speak right now. Either of us is capable of doing the job.

Rule 11.

The words here and there have generally been labeled as adverbs even though they indicate place. In sentences beginning with here or there, the subject follows the verb. Examples:

There are four hurdles to jump. There is a high hurdle to jump.

Rule 12.

Use a singular verb with sums of money or periods of time. Examples:

Ten dollars is a high price to pay. Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense.

Rule 13.

Sometimes the pronoun who, that, or which is the subject of a verb in the middle of the sentence. The pronouns who, that, and which become singular or plural according to the noun directly in front of them. So, if that noun is singular, use a singular verb. If it is plural, use a plural verb. Examples:

Salma is the scientist who writes/write the reports. The word in front of who is scientist, which is singular. Therefore, use the singular verb writes. He is one of the men who does/do the work. The word in front of who is men, which is plural. Therefore, use the plural verb do.

Rule 14.

Collective nouns such as team and staff may be either singular or plural depending on their use in the sentence. Examples:

The staff is in a meeting. Staff is acting as a unit here. The staff are in disagreement about the findings. The staff are acting as separate individuals in this example. The sentence would read even better as: The staff members are in disagreement about the findings

Grammar Pretest 1. Choose the correct sentence. A) The desk and the chair sits in the corner. B) The desk and the chair sit in the corner. 2. Choose the correct sentence. A) Each of us was scheduled to take the test. B) Each of us were scheduled to take the test. 3. Choose the correct sentence. A) The coach, not the players, has been ill. B) The coach, not the players, have been ill. 4. Choose the correct sentence. A) There are only four days until Christmas. B) There is only four days until Christmas. 5. Choose the correct sentence. A) She is one of the women who works hard. B) She is one of the women who work hard. 6. Choose the correct sentence. A) That was Yusuf and me whom you saw. B) That was Yusuf and I whom you saw. 7. Choose the correct sentence. A) This phone call is for Bill and me. B) This phone call is for Bill and I. 8. Choose the correct sentence. A) Terrell is the smartest of the two. B) Terrell is the smarter of the two. 9. Choose the correct sentence. A) It was I whom called. B) It was I who called. 10. Choose the correct sentence. A) It is us clerks who work hard. B) It is we clerks who work hard. 11. Choose the correct sentence. A) He took the plate off the table. B) He took the plate off of the table. 12. Choose the correct sentence. A) None of the neighbors offered his support.

Quiz Results 1. Correct Answer: B The desk and the chair sit in the corner. Explanation: "The desk and the chair" is a plural subject requiring the plural verb "sit." You would say, "They sit." Your Answer: Not Answered 2. Correct Answer: A Each of us was scheduled to take the test. Explanation: "Each" is a singular pronoun requiring the singular verb "was." Your Answer: Not Answered 3. Correct Answer: A The coach, not the players, has been ill. Explanation: "Coach" is the only subject so the singular verb "has" is correct. Your Answer: Not Answered 4. Correct Answer: A There are only four days until Christmas. Explanation: "There" and "here" are not subjects. Look after the verb for the subject. "Days" is plural so use the plural verb "are." Your Answer: Not Answered 5. Correct Answer: B She is one of the women who work hard. Explanation: When "who" is followed by a verb in the middle of a sentence, look at the noun directly in front of "who" to determine whether to use a singular or plural verb after it. "Women" is plural so use the plural verb "work." (They work.) Your Answer: Not Answered 6. Correct Answer: B That was Yusuf and I whom you saw. Explanation: When a pronoun follows a "to be" verb and restates the subject, use a subject pronoun. "I" restates the subject "that." Your Answer: Not Answered 7. Correct Answer: A This phone call is for Bill and me. Explanation: "Me" is the object of the preposition "for." Hint: To determine the correct pronoun, leave out the proper name (Bill) and listen to what sounds right: "This phone call is for me." Your Answer: Not Answered 8. Correct Answer: B Terrell is the smarter of the two. Explanation: When comparing two people or things, use "-er," not "-est." Your Answer: Not Answered 9. Correct Answer: B It was I who called. Explanation: who = he/ whom = him. You would say, "He called" so use "who." Your Answer: Not Answered 10. Correct Answer: B It is we clerks who work hard. Explanation: Use a subject pronoun after a "to be" verb when the pronoun restates the subject. "We" follows the "to be" verb "is" and restates the subject "it." Your Answer: Not Answered 11. Correct Answer: A He took the plate off the table. Explanation: Do not use extra prepositions like "of" when they are not necessary or meaningful. Your Answer: Not Answered 12. Correct Answer: B None of the neighbors offered their support. Explanation: "None" is a portion word that becomes singular or plural according to the object of the preposition. "Neighbors" makes "none" plural so "their" is correct. Note: The SAT test folks disagree, considering "none" to be singular always. Your Answer: Not Answered 13.

Finding Subjects and Verbs Quiz 1. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) He depends on her in times of need. B) He depends on her in times of need. C) He depends on her in times of need. D) He depends on her in times of need. 2. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) Watch your step. B) (You) watch your step. C) (You) watch your step. D) Watch your step. 3. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) The insurance agent gave her sound advice. B) The insurance agent gave her sound advice. C) The insurance agent gave her sound advice. D) The insurance agent gave her sound advice. 4. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) On the table was her purse. B) On the table was her purse. C) On the table was her purse. D) On the table was her purse. 5. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) In the newspaper, an interesting article appeared. B) In the newspaper, an interesting article appeared. C) In the newspaper, an interesting article appeared. D) In the newspaper, an interesting article appeared. 6. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) Look before you leap. B) (You) Look before you leap. C) Look before you leap. D) Look before you leap. 7. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) Across the road lived her boyfriend.

Quiz Results 1. Correct Answer: D He depends on her in times of need. Your Answer: Not Answered 2. Correct Answer: B (You) watch your step. Your Answer: Not Answered 3. Correct Answer: C The insurance agent gave her sound advice. Your Answer: Not Answered 4. Correct Answer: D On the table was her purse. Your Answer: Not Answered 5. Correct Answer: C In the newspaper, an interesting article appeared. Your Answer: Not Answered 6. Correct Answer: B (You) Look before you leap. Your Answer: Not Answered 7. Correct Answer: B Across the road lived her boyfriend. Your Answer: Not Answered 8. Correct Answer: D We are forced to inhale and exhale this smog-filled air. Your Answer: Not Answered 9. Correct Answer: D In the gutter, I found a shiny new dime. Your Answer: Not Answered 10. Correct Answer: C Around every cloud is a silver lining. Your Answer: Not Answered 11. Correct Answer: A Every one of the roses bloomed. Your Answer: Not Answered

Subject and Verb Agreement Quiz 1. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) At the end of the story, they was living happily ever after. B) At the end of the story, they were living happily ever after. C) At the end of the story, they were living happily ever after. D) At the end of the story, they was living happily ever after. 2. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) Al and Eli go to the beach to surf with their friends. B) Al and Eli go to the beach to surf with their friends. C) Al and Eli goes to the beach to surf with their friends. D) Al and Eli goes to the beach to surf with their friends. 3. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends has waxed their boards. B) When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends has waxed their boards. C) When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends have waxed their boards. D) When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends have waxed their boards. 4. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) The group of children from that school has never seen the ocean. B) The group of children from that school have never seen the ocean. C) The group of children from that school has never seen the ocean. D) The group of children from that school have never seen the ocean. 5. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) If our staff members doesn't quit picking at each other, we will not meet our goals. B) If our staff members don't quit picking at each other, we will not meet our goals. C) If our staff members don't quit picking at each other, we will not meet our goals. D) If our staff members doesn't quit picking at each other, we will not meet our goals. 6. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are underlined. A) Either Gary or I am responsible for allocating the funds. B) Either Gary or I are responsible for allocating the funds. C) Either Gary or I am responsible for allocating the funds.

Quiz Results 1. Correct Answer: C At the end of the story, they were living happily ever after. (or were) Explanation: Use a plural verb with a plural subject. Your Answer: Not Answered 2. Correct Answer: B Al and Eli go to the beach to surf with their friends. Explanation: Use a plural verb with a plural subject. You would say "they go." Your Answer: Not Answered 3. Correct Answer: D When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends have waxed their boards. Explanation: "Arrive" is the plural verb used with the plural subjects "Al" and "Eli." "Find" is the plural verb used with the plural subject "they." "Have" is the plural helping verb used with the plural subject "friends." Your Answer: Not Answered 4. Correct Answer: C The group of children from that school has never seen the ocean. Explanation: "Group" is a singular collective noun so takes a singular verb. With "has" or "have," use "seen," not "saw." "Never" could be considered part of the complete verb. Your Answer: Not Answered 5. Correct Answer: B If our staff members don't quit picking at each other, we will not meet our goals. (or don't quit picking) Explanation: Use a plural verb with a plural subject. "Staff" is an adjective describing "members." "Picking" could be considered part of the complete verb. "Not" could also be considered part of the complete verb. Your Answer: Not Answered 6. Correct Answer: C Either Gary or I am responsible for allocating the funds. Explanation: When two subjects are connected by "or" and the second subject is "I," put "I" second and use the singular verb "am." "Responsible" is an adjective, not a verb, but may be considered part of the complete verb. Your Answer: Not Answered 7. Correct Answer: A Neither she nor they were willing to predict the election results. (or were) Explanation: With two subjects, place the plural subject last and use a plural verb. "Willing" is part of the complete verb. "Neither" is only the subject when it is followed by "of" or when no nouns or pronouns directly follow. Your Answer: Not Answered 8. Correct Answer: A Nora is one of the candidates who are worthy of my vote. Explanation: "Nora is" is a singular subject and verb pair. When "who" is followed by a verb, it becomes the subject of that verb. To determine whether "who" is singular or plural, look at the noun directly preceding it. Since "candidates" is plural, "who" becomes plural so use "are." Your Answer: Not Answered 9. Correct Answer: B Nora, of all the candidates who are running, is the best. (or are) Explanation: "Nora" is the singular subject of the main clause "Nora is the best." When "who" is followed by a verb, it becomes the subject of that verb. To determine whether "who" is singular or plural, look at the noun directly preceding it. Since "candidates" is plural, "who" becomes plural so use "are." Your Answer: Not Answered 10. Correct Answer: C My problem, which is minor in comparison with others, exists because I dropped out of high school. Explanation: When "which" is followed by a verb, it becomes the subject of that verb. To determine whether "which" is singular or plural, look at the noun directly preceding it. Since "problem" is singular, "which" becomes singular so use "is" as the verb. The main clause is "My problem exists." "I dropped out of high school" is another clause. Your Answer: Not Answered 11. Correct Answer: D His dogs, which are kept outside, bark all day long. Explanation: When "which" is followed by a verb, it becomes the subject of that verb. To determine whether "which" is singular or plural, look at the noun directly preceding it. Since "dogs" is plural, "which becomes plural so use "are" as the plural verb following it. The main clause is "His dogs bark all day long."

Pronouns Quiz 1. Choose the sentence with the correct pronoun. A) Her went to the store. B) She went to the store. 2. Choose the sentence with the correct pronoun. A) It was her. B) It was she. 3. Choose the sentence with the correct pronoun. A) We talked to him. B) We talked to he. 4. Choose the sentence with the correct pronoun. A) It is I. B) It is me. 5. Choose the sentence with the correct pronoun. A) Talk to they before making a decision. B) Talk to them before making a decision. 6. Choose the sentence with the correct pronoun. A) Can you go with we? B) Can you go with us? 7. Choose the sentence with the correct pronoun. A) Saleha and she have quit the team. B) Saleha and her have quit the team. 8. Choose the sentence with the correct pronouns. A) They asked him and I to join the staff. B) They asked he and me to join the staff. C) They asked him and me to join the staff. D) They asked he and I to join the staff. 9. Choose the sentence with the correct pronouns. A) That call was for I, not he. B) That call was for me, not him. C) That call was for me, not he. D) That call was for I, not him. 10. Choose the sentence with the correct pronouns. A) You didn't tell we that they were here first. B) You didn't tell us that them were here first.

Quiz Results 1. Correct Answer: B She went to the store. Explanation: "She" is the subject of "went." Your Answer: Not Answered 2. Correct Answer: B It was she. Explanation: "She" is the predicate nominative renaming the subject "it." "Her" is considered acceptable by some authorities. Your Answer: Not Answered 3. Correct Answer: A We talked to him. Explanation: "We" is the subject of "talked" and "him" is the object of the preposition "to." Your Answer: Not Answered 4. Correct Answer: A It is I. Explanation: "I" is the predicate nominative renaming the subject "it." Some English authorities say that using the object pronoun "me" is acceptable here. Your Answer: Not Answered 5. Correct Answer: B Talk to them before making a decision. Explanation: "You" is the understood subject of the verb "talk." "Them" is the object of the preposition "to." Your Answer: Not Answered 6. Correct Answer: B Can you go with us? Explanation: "You" is the subject of "can go." "Us" is the object of the preposition "with." Your Answer: Not Answered 7. Correct Answer: A Saleha and she have quit the team. Explanation: "Saleha" and "she" are both subjects. If you mentally leave out "Saleha," you would say, "She has quit the team." Your Answer: Not Answered 8. Correct Answer: C They asked him and me to join the staff. Explanation: "They" is the subject of "asked." "Him" and "me" are direct objects. Your Answer: Not Answered 9. Correct Answer: B That call was for me, not him. Explanation: "Call" is the subject of "was." "Me" and "him" are objects of the preposition "for." Your Answer: Not Answered 10. Correct Answer: C You didn't tell us that they were here first. Explanation: "Us" is the direct object. "They" is the subject of the second verb "were." Your Answer: Not Answered 11. Correct Answer: D I wonder what he could have said to her. Explanation: "I" is the subject of "wonder." "He" is the subject of "could have said." "Her" is the object of the preposition "to." Your Answer: Not Answered

Who, Whom, Whoever, Whomever Quiz 1. Choose the correct sentence. A) Whom is your closest friend? B) Who is your closest friend? 2. Choose the correct sentence. A) Who do you bank with? B) Whom do you bank with? 3. Choose the correct sentence. A) Who do you think will win the award? B) Whom do you think will win the award? 4. Choose the correct sentence. A) Clare knows whom the winner is already. B) Clare knows who the winner is already. 5. Choose the correct sentence. A) Omar will talk about his girlfriend with whoever asks him. B) Omar will talk about his girlfriend with whomever asks him. 6. Choose the correct sentence. A) Kimiko donates her time to whoever needs it most. B) Kimiko donates her time to whomever needs it most. 7. Choose the correct sentence. A) Quinton will work on the project with whomever you suggest. B) Quinton will work on the project with whoever you suggest. 8. Choose the correct sentence. A) Whom was that in the clown costume? B) Who was that in the clown costume? 9. Choose the correct sentence. A) Kathy was not sure who she was voting for. B) Kathy was not sure whom she was voting for. 10. Choose the correct sentence. A) Whoever wins the lottery will become a millionaire. B) Whomever wins the lottery will become a millionaire.

Quiz Results 1. Correct Answer: B Who is your closest friend? Explanation: "he = who" "him = whom" You would say, "He is your closest friend."

Who, Whom, That, Which Quiz 1. Choose the correct sentence. A) Ahmed is the skydiver that broke his back last week. B) Ahmed is the skydiver whom broke his back last week. C) Ahmed is the skydiver who broke his back last week. D) Ahmed is the skydiver which broke his back last week. 2. Choose the correct sentence. A) That is a problem who can't be solved without a calculator. B) That is a problem which can't be solved without a calculator. C) That is a problem that can't be solved without a calculator. D) That is a problem whom can't be solved without a calculator. 3. Choose the correct sentence. A) That is a promise that cannot be broken. B) That is a promise who cannot be broken. C) That is a promise whom cannot be broken. D) That is a promise which cannot be broken. 4. Choose the correct sentence. A) The domino theory, who stated that when one country fell to Communism, others in the area would likely fall, was used as an argument to continue the Vietnam War. B) The domino theory, that stated that when one country fell to Communism, others in the area would likely fall, was used as an argument to continue the Vietnam War. C) The domino theory, which stated that when one country fell to Communism, others in the area would likely fall, was used as an argument to continue the Vietnam War. D) The domino theory, whom stated that when one country fell to Communism, others in the area would likely fall, was used as an argument to continue the Vietnam War. 5. Choose the correct sentence. A) The game which intrigues Gretchen the most is dominoes. B) The game whom intrigues Gretchen the most is dominoes. C) The game who intrigues Gretchen the most is dominoes. D) The game that intrigues Gretchen the most is dominoes. 6. Choose the correct sentence. A) Gandhi, whom was a role model for nonviolence to millions, was assassinated. B) Gandhi, who was a role model for nonviolence to millions, was assassinated. C) Gandhi, that was a role model for nonviolence to millions, was assassinated. D) Gandhi, which was a role model for nonviolence to millions, was assassinated. 7. Choose the correct sentence. A) The tomatoes that grow in her garden are unlike those you buy in a store.

Quiz Results 1. Correct Answer: C Ahmed is the skydiver who broke his back last week. Explanation: Use “who” or “whom” when referring to people. Remember the formula: "he = who" "him = whom." You could say, "Ahmed is the skydiver. He broke his back last week." Your Answer: Not Answered 2. Correct Answer: B That is a problem which can't be solved without a calculator. Explanation: Use “which” to introduce an essential clause if you have already used “that” to introduce a previous clause. Your Answer: Not Answered 3. Correct Answer: D That is a promise which cannot be broken. Explanation: Use “which” to introduce an essential clause if you have already used “that” to introduce a previous clause. Your Answer: Not Answered 4. Correct Answer: C The domino theory, which stated that when one country fell to Communism, others in the area would likely fall, was used as an argument to continue the Vietnam War. Explanation: Use “which” to introduce a nonessential clause;i.e., one that follows a noun previously identified sufficiently. "Domino theory" is already sufficient identification. Introduce “which” with a comma and follow a “which” clause with a comma if the sentence continues. Your Answer: Not Answered 5. Correct Answer: D The game that intrigues Gretchen the most is dominoes. Explanation: Use “that” to introduce an essential clause; i.e., one that is necessary to identify a previous word. You don't know which game is being referred to so the information that follows is essential. Your Answer: Not Answered 6. Correct Answer: B Gandhi, who was a role model for nonviolence to millions, was assassinated. Explanation: Use “who” or “whom” when referring to people. Remember the formula: "he = who" "him = whom." You could say, "Gandhi was assassinated. He was a role model for nonviolence to millions." Note that the main clause was interrupted by another clause. Your Answer: Not Answered 7. Correct Answer: A The tomatoes that grow in her garden are unlike those you buy in a store. Explanation: Use “that” to introduce an essential clause; i.e., one that is necessary to identify a previous word. You wouldn't know which tomatoes were being referred to so the clause that follows is essential for identification. Your Answer: Not Answered 8. Correct Answer: C The tomatoes from her garden, which grew larger than those in the grocery store, were sweet and ripe. Explanation: Use “which” to introduce a nonessential clause; i.e., one that follows a noun previously identified sufficiently. Introduce “which” with a comma and follow a “which” clause with a comma if the sentence continues. Because of the phrase "from her garden," you already know which tomatoes were sweet and ripe. Your Answer: Not Answered 9. Correct Answer: D The baker who baked that bread should win an award. Explanation: Use “who” or “whom” when referring to people. Remember the formula: "he = who" "him = whom." You could say, "The baker should win an award. He baked that bread." Note that the main clause was interrupted by another clause.

Adjectives and Adverbs Quiz 1. Choose the correct sentence. A) Come quick or we will miss our bus. B) Come quickly or we will miss our bus. 2. Choose the correct sentence. A) You drive so slow that I am afraid someone will hit the car from behind. B) You drive so slowly that I am afraid someone will hit the car from behind. 3. Choose the correct sentence. A) I have never been more sure of anything in my life. B) I have never been more surer of anything in my life. 4. Choose the correct sentence. A) Ella was the best of the two sisters at gymnastics. B) Ella was the better of the two sisters at gymnastics. 5. Choose the correct sentence. A) You did that somersault so well. B) You did that somersault so good. 6. Choose the correct sentence. A) Rochelle felt badly about forgetting Devlin's birthday. B) Rochelle felt bad about forgetting Devlin's birthday. 7. Choose the correct sentence. A) This is the worse oil spill I have ever seen. B) This is the worst oil spill I have ever seen. 8. Choose the correct sentence. A) The jasmine has bloomed and smells very sweet. B) The jasmine has bloomed and smells very sweetly. 9. Choose the correct sentence. A) You look angry. What did I do? B) You look angrily. What did I do? 10. Choose the correct sentence. A) She looked suspicious at the man wearing the trench coat. B) She looked suspiciously at the man wearing the trench coat.

Quiz Results 1. Correct Answer: B Come quickly or we will miss our bus. Explanation: Generally, if a word answers the question how, it is an adverb. If it can have an "-ly" added to it, place it there. Your Answer: Not Answered 2. Correct Answer: B You drive so slowly that I am afraid someone will hit the car from behind. Explanation: Generally, if a word answers the question how, it is an adverb. If it can have an "-ly" added to it, place it there. Your Answer: Not Answered 3. Correct Answer: A I have never been more sure of anything in my life. (OR surer) Explanation: It is redundant to add "more" and "-er." Your Answer: Not Answered 4. Correct Answer: B Ella was the better of the two sisters at gymnastics. Explanation: Use "better" to compare two people or things. Your Answer: Not Answered 5. Correct Answer: A You did that somersault so well. Explanation: The word "good" is an adjective, while "well" is an adverb answering the question "how." Your Answer: Not Answered 6. Correct Answer: B Rochelle felt bad about forgetting Devlin's birthday. Explanation: A special "-ly" rule applies when four of the senses - taste, smell, look, feel - are the verbs. Do not ask if these senses answer the question "how" to determine if "-ly" should be attached. Instead, ask if the sense verb is being used actively. If so, use the "-ly." If the sense verb is not being used actively, don't use the "-ly." Your Answer: Not Answered 7. Correct Answer: B This is the worst oil spill I have ever seen. Explanation: Use "worst" to compare more than two things. Your Answer: Not Answered 8. Correct Answer: A The jasmine has bloomed and smells very sweet. Explanation: A special "-ly" rule applies when four of the senses - taste, smell, look, feel - are the verbs. Do not ask if these senses answer the question "how" to determine if "-ly" should be attached. Instead, ask if the sense verb is being used actively. If so, use the "-ly." If the sense verb is not being used actively, don't use the "-ly." Your Answer: Not Answered 9. Correct Answer: A You look angry. What did I do? Explanation: A special "-ly" rule applies when four of the senses - taste, smell, look, feel - are the verbs. Do not ask if these senses answer the question "how" to determine if "-ly" should be attached. Instead, ask if the sense verb is being used actively. If so, use the "-ly." If the sense verb is not being used actively, don't use the "-ly." Your Answer: Not Answered 10. Correct Answer: B She looked suspiciously at the man wearing the trench coat. Explanation: A special "-ly" rule applies when four of the senses - taste, smell, look, feel - are the verbs. Do not ask if these senses answer the question "how" to determine if "-ly" should be attached. Instead, ask if the sense verb is being used actively. If so, use the "-ly." If the sense verb is not being used actively, don't use the "-ly." In this sentence, she is looking with eyes, which is considered active. Your Answer: Not Answered

Problems with Prepositions Quiz 1. Choose the correct sentence. A) Our ship leaves August 15.

B) Our ship leaves on August 15. 2. Choose the correct sentence. A) I could have danced all night. B) I could of danced all night. 3. Choose the correct sentence. A) Where did you get this from? B) Where did you get this? 4. Choose the correct sentence. A) If we split it evenly between the three of us, no one will be unhappy. B) If we split it evenly among the three of us, no one will be unhappy. 5. Choose the correct sentence. A) The lioness ate as if she hadn't eaten food in a week. B) The lioness ate like she hadn't eaten food in a week. 6. Choose the correct sentence. A) He will be back the tenth. B) He will be back on the tenth. 7. Choose the correct sentence. A) Take your plate off of the table. B) Take your plate off the table. 8. Choose the correct sentence. A) Cut the pie into six slices. B) Cut the pie up into six slices. 9. Choose the correct sentence. A) As the invitation stated, we'll see you the tenth for our reunion. B) Like the invitation stated, we'll see you on the tenth for our reunion. C) As the invitation stated, we'll see you on the tenth for our reunion. D) Like the invitation stated, we'll see you the tenth for our reunion. 10. Choose the correct sentence. A) I don't know what you are talking about. B) I don't know of what you are talking about. 11. Choose the correct sentence. A) You could of told me about the mistake earlier. B) You could have told me about the mistake earlier. 12. Choose the correct sentence. A) I don't know where he is or I would tell you.

B) I don't know where he is at or I would tell you.

Quiz Results 1. Correct Answer: B Our ship leaves on August 15. Explanation: Use "on" with dates. Your Answer: Not Answered 2. Correct Answer: A I could have danced all night. Explanation: Never use "of" when you mean "have." Your Answer: Not Answered 3. Correct Answer: B Where did you get this? Explanation: "At" is an unnecessary preposition. Your Answer: Not Answered 4. Correct Answer: B If we split it evenly among the three of us, no one will be unhappy. Explanation: Use "between" for two and "among" for three or more. Your Answer: Not Answered 5. Correct Answer: A The lioness ate as if she hadn't eaten food in a week. Explanation: "Like" is a preposition so can't be followed by a subject and verb. Your Answer: Not Answered 6. Correct Answer: B He will be back on the tenth. Explanation: Use "on" with dates. Your Answer: Not Answered 7. Correct Answer: B Take your plate off the table. Explanation: "Of" is an unnecessary preposition. Your Answer: Not Answered 8. Correct Answer: A Cut the pie into six slices. Explanation: "Up" is an unnecessary preposition. Your Answer: Not Answered 9. Correct Answer: C As the invitation stated, we'll see you on the tenth for our reunion. Explanation: "Like" is a preposition so can't be followed by a subject and verb. Use "on" with dates. Your Answer: Not Answered 10. Correct Answer: A I don't know what you are talking about. Explanation: "Of" is an unnecessary preposition. Your Answer: Not Answered 11. Correct Answer: B You could have told me about the mistake earlier. Explanation: Don't use "of" when you mean "have." Your Answer: Not Answered 12. Correct Answer: A I don't know where he is or I would tell you. Explanation: "At" is an unnecessary preposition. Your Answer: Not Answered

Affect vs. Effect Quiz 1. Choose the correct sentence. A) The affect of the antibiotic on her infection was surprising. B) The effect of the antibiotic on her infection was surprising. 2. Choose the correct sentence. A) I did not know that antibiotics could affect people so quickly. B) I did not know that antibiotics could effect people so quickly. 3. Choose the correct sentence. A) Plastic surgery had an effect, not only on her appearance, but on her self-esteem. B) Plastic surgery had an affect, not only on her appearance, but on her selfesteem. 4. Choose the correct sentence. A) If the chemotherapy has no affect, should she get surgery for the tumor? B) If the chemotherapy has no effect, should she get surgery for the tumor? 5. Choose the correct sentence. A) When will we know if the chemotherapy has taken effect? B) When will we know if the chemotherapy has taken affect? 6. Choose the correct sentence. A) Losing her hair from chemotherapy did not effect her as much as her friends had expected. B) Losing her hair from chemotherapy did not affect her as much as her friends had expected. 7. Choose the correct sentence. A) We cannot effect a new policy without the board of directors voting on it first. B) We cannot affect a new policy without the board of directors voting on it first. 8. Choose the correct sentence. A) To have the most effect, you should know both your strengths as well as your weaknesses. B) To have the most affect, you should know both your strengths as well as your weaknesses. 9. Choose the correct sentence. A) The movie "Winged Migration" had two affects on him: He became an environmental advocate and a bird lover. B) The movie "Winged Migration" had two effects on him: He became an environmental advocate and a bird lover. 10. Choose the correct sentence. A) The net affect of blowing the whistle on her boss was that she was eventually given his position. B) The net effect of blowing the whistle on her boss was that she was eventually given his position. 11. Choose the correct sentence. A) What was the effect of his promotion? B) What was the affect of his promotion?

Quiz Results 1. Correct Answer: B The effect of the antibiotic on her infection was surprising. Explanation: Use effect whenever any of these words precede it: a, an, any, the, take, into, no. Your Answer: Not Answered 2. Correct Answer: A I did not know that antibiotics could affect people so quickly. Explanation: Use the verb affect when you mean to influence rather than to cause. Your Answer: Not Answered 3. Correct Answer: A Plastic surgery had an effect, not only on her appearance, but on her self-esteem. Explanation: Use effect whenever any of these words precede it: a, an, any, the, take, into, no. Your Answer: Not Answered 4. Correct Answer: B If the chemotherapy has no effect, should she get surgery for the tumor? Explanation: Use effect whenever any of these words precede it: a, an, any, the, take, into, no. Your Answer: Not Answered 5. Correct Answer: A When will we know if the chemotherapy has taken effect? Explanation: Use effect whenever any of these words precede it: a, an, any, the, take, into, no. Your Answer: Not Answered 6. Correct Answer: B Losing her hair from chemotherapy did not affect her as much as her friends had expected. Explanation: Use the verb affect when you mean to influence rather than to cause. Your Answer: Not Answered 7. Correct Answer: A We cannot effect a new policy without the board of directors voting on it first. Explanation: Use effect to mean bring about or cause. Your Answer: Not Answered 8. Correct Answer: A To have the most effect, you should know both your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Explanation: Use effect whenever any of these words precede it: a, an, any, the, take, into, no. These words may be separated from effect by an adjective. In this sentence, the is separated from effect by the adjective most. Your Answer: Not Answered 9. Correct Answer: B The movie "Winged Migration" had two effects on him: He became an environmental advocate and a bird lover. Explanation: Use the noun effects to mean results. Your Answer: Not Answered 10. Correct Answer: B The net effect of blowing the whistle on her boss was that she was eventually given his position. Explanation: Use effect whenever any of these words precede it: a, an, any, the, take, into, no. These words may be separated from effect by an adjective. In this sentence, The is separated from effect by the adjective net. Your Answer: Not Answered 11. Correct Answer: A What was the effect of his promotion? Explanation: Use effect whenever any of these words precede it: a, an, any, the, take, into, no. Your Answer: Not Answered

Lay vs. Lie Quiz 1. Choose the correct sentence. A) I am dizzy and need to lay down. B) I am dizzy and need to lie down. 2. Choose the correct sentence. A) When I got dizzy yesterday, I lay down. B) When I got dizzy yesterday, I laid down. 3. Choose the correct sentence. A) My brother lies carpet for a living. B) My brother lays carpet for a living. 4. Choose the correct sentence. A) Lie the carpet after painting the walls. B) Lay the carpet after painting the walls. 5. Choose the correct sentence. A) We need to lay this baby down for a nap. B) We need to lie this baby down for a nap. 6. Choose the correct sentence. A) We will know when we have laid this issue to rest when we no longer fight about it. B) We will know when we have lain this issue to rest when we no longer fight about it. 7. Choose the correct sentence. A) The lions are laying in wait for their prey. B) The lions are lying in wait for their prey. 8. Choose the correct sentence. A) The lions have lain in wait for their prey. B) The lions have laid in wait for their prey. 9. Choose the correct sentence. A) I laid the blanket over her as she slept. B) I lay the blanket over her as she slept. 10. Choose the correct sentence. A) I will lie my head on my pillow shortly. B) I will lay my head on my pillow shortly.

Quiz Results 1. Correct Answer: B I am dizzy and need to lie down. Explanation: In the present tense, lie means to recline while lay means to put or place (verb followed by an object). Your Answer: Not Answered 2. Correct Answer: A When I got dizzy yesterday, I lay down. Explanation: In the past tense, lay means reclined while laid means put or placed (verb followed by an object). Your Answer: Not Answered 3. Correct Answer: B My brother lays carpet for a living. Explanation: In the present tense, lies means reclines and lays means puts or places (verb followed by an object). Your Answer: Not Answered 4. Correct Answer: B Lay the carpet after painting the walls. Explanation: In the present tense, lie means to recline and lay means to put or place (verb followed by an object). Your Answer: Not Answered 5. Correct Answer: A We need to lay this baby down for a nap. Explanation: In the present tense, lie means to recline and lay means to put or place (verb followed by an object). Your Answer: Not Answered 6. Correct Answer: A We will know when we have laid this issue to rest when we no longer fight about it. Explanation: In the past tense, laid means put or placed (verb followed by an object). Your Answer: Not Answered 7. Correct Answer: B The lions are lying in wait for their prey. Explanation: In the present tense, lying means reclining and laying means putting or placing (verb followed by an object). Your Answer: Not Answered 8. Correct Answer: A The lions have lain in wait for their prey. Explanation: In the past tense, lain is used in the sense of reclined with a participle (has, have). Laid means put or placed (verb followed by an object). Your Answer: Not Answered 9. Correct Answer: A I laid the blanket over her as she slept. Explanation: In the past tense, lay means reclined while laid means put or placed (verb followed by an object). Your Answer: Not Answered 10. Correct Answer: B I will lay my head on my pillow shortly. Explanation: In the present or future tense, lie means to recline and lay means to put or place (verb followed by an object). Your Answer: Not Answered

Quiz Results 1. Correct Answer: B I am dizzy and need to lie down. Explanation: In the present tense, lie means to recline while lay means to put or place (verb followed by an object). Your Answer: Not Answered 2. Correct Answer: A When I got dizzy yesterday, I lay down. Explanation: In the past tense, lay means reclined while laid means put or placed (verb followed by an object). Your Answer: Not Answered 3. Correct Answer: B My brother lays carpet for a living. Explanation: In the present tense, lies means reclines and lays means puts or places (verb followed by an object).