Scribd
Upload
15 views8 pages

I. Common Errors in English

This document discusses common errors in subject-verb agreement in English. It provides examples of singular and plural subjects and verbs, collective nouns, phrases separated by "and" or "or", and cases with inverted word order. Examples are given of both incorrect and correct subject-verb agreements. The key rules covered are that the verb must agree with the subject in number, collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on their use, and the nearest subject determines the verb form when subjects are joined by "nor" or "or".

Uploaded by

Asnairah Mala Daragangan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
15 views8 pages

I. Common Errors in English

This document discusses common errors in subject-verb agreement in English. It provides examples of singular and plural subjects and verbs, collective nouns, phrases separated by "and" or "or", and cases with inverted word order. Examples are given of both incorrect and correct subject-verb agreements. The key rules covered are that the verb must agree with the subject in number, collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on their use, and the nearest subject determines the verb form when subjects are joined by "nor" or "or".

Uploaded by

Asnairah Mala Daragangan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 8

I.

COMMON ERRORS
IN ENGLISH
1. Subject – Verb Agreement:
The verb and subject must agree with each other. If
the subject is singular, then the verb must be
singular.
If the subject is plural, then the verb must be plural.
i. If a singular subject is separated by a comma
then the following sentence remains singular:
1. The child, together with his grandmother and his
parents, is going to the beach.
2. Frank, accompanied by his student, were at the
studio.
3. Frank, accompanied by his student, was at the
studio. (Right)
 2. Collective nouns, such as family,
majority, audience, and committee are
singular when they act
 as one group. They are plural when they act
as individuals.
1. A majority of the shareholders wants the
merger.
2. The jury were in disagreement.
 3. All phrases separated by and are plural;
phrases separated by or are singular.
 1. Ted, John, and I are going.
 2. Mary, Sheela and Peter are waiting at the
reception.
 4. Neither/nor and either/or are a exceptional
case. If two subjects are joined by or or nor,
the verb
 should agree with the subject that is near to it.
 1. Neither the supervisor nor the staff members
were able to calm the distressed client.
 2. Neither the staff members nor the supervisor
was able to calm the distressed client.
 5. Choose the right subject in sentences
in which the verb comes before the
subject.
 1. There is many reasons why I can't help
you. (Wrong)
 2. There are many reasons why I can't
help you. (Right)
 1. John has been working on the pilot project
since two years.
 2. When he entered the classroom the lecture
already was beginning.
 3. Rama has returned back her book in the
library.
 4. If Peter works hard he would get distinction
in the exam
 1. John has been working on the pilot project
for two years.
 2. When he entered the classroom the lecture
had already begun.
 3. Rama has returned her book in the library.
 4. If Peter works hard he will get distinction in
the exam.

You might also like