subject-verb agreement

Positioning the Subject and the Verb

University of the Sacred HeartDepartment of Humanities

Center for Language Development Across the Disciplines

LAD

Objectives

• To describe different types of sentences

• To help the student place subjects and verbs in the correct position

The Anatomy of a Sentence• A sentence is a group of words

containing a subject and a predicate

• The subject tells who or what the sentence is about

• The predicate tells what the subject is or does

Kinds of Sentences

Depending on the type of sentence, the subject and the verb are placed in different positions. Take a look at the examples that follow.

Declarative Sentences

• A declarative sentence makes a statement. It tells about something

• The subject in declarative sentences is placed before the verb

Declarative Sentences

Bob

Jane

Jack

Subject

Verb

was

a student.

will go

to the theater.

has

a blue car.

Interrogative Sentences• An interrogative sentence asks a

question

• The subject in interrogative sentences is

placed after the verb, or between the helping verb and the main verb

Interrogative Sentences

Are

When

WillSubject

Verb

you a student?

Nancy

come

with us?

did she

leave?

Imperative Sentences

• An imperative sentence gives a command

• In imperative sentences the subject is omitted

• The omitted subject of the sentence is always “you”

Study now!

Imperative Sentences

Study

now!

Go faster!

come

inside.

Verb

Jack,

Exclamatory Sentences

• Exclamatory sentences express strong emotions

I can’t wait for the weekend!

• An exclamatory sentence can also be an imperative sentence

Watch out!

Exclamatory Sentences

How beautiful it is!

that is excellent!

It is wonderful!

Jane,

Subject

Verb

Adjective

Let’s PracticeChange the example to a declarative,

imperative, and exclamatory sentence.

Example:

Are you coming home tonight? (Question)Answers

:Declarative: You are coming home tonight.Imperative: Come home tonight.Exclamation: It’s great you are coming home tonight!

For More Information• Index English Grammar and Composition

http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/index2.htm • Tons of Fun with Grammar

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/flin/103_handouts/sentences_and_phrases.htm • Grammar Book Table of Contents

http://www.grammarbook.com/exercises/grammar/cnt_gram.html

Center for Language Development Across the DisciplinesPrepared by: Thalia N. Nazario-SantiagoCoordinator for the Center for Languages and CultureApril-June 2003Revised by: Patricia KiddRevised by: Prof. Delia SerranoJanuary 2005