Grammar Review

#4

Select the correct sentence.

• A]

• A strategist behind the scenes create a candidate's public image.

• B]

• A strategist behind the scenes creates a candidate's public image.

ANSWER: B

14. Lack of subject-verb agreement

The subject is the singular noun strategist, not scenes.

A SUBJECT is NEVER in a prepositional phrase.

Select the correct sentence.

• A]

• There is two main reasons that I want to become a lawyer.

• B]

• There are two main reasons that I want to become a lawyer.

Answer:B [are]

• This sentence has a “delayed subject” because of the “expletive” (there):

• The subject, reasons, is plural, so the verb is plural.

Select the correct sentence.

• A]

• Each of the puppies thrived in their new environment.

• B]

• Each of the puppies thrived in its new environment

ANSWER:B]its

• 16. Lack of agreement between pronoun and antecedent

Many indefinite pronouns, such as everyone and each, are always singular.

Select the correct sentence.

• A]• Every sorority member must clean their own room.

• B]• Every sorority member must clean her own room.

ANSWER:B]her

• EXAMPLE

The SUBJECT (student) is SINGULAR, so the corresponding pronoun must be singular.

Select the correct sentence.

• A]• Either the parents or the son are hosting the party.• B]• Either the parents or the son is hosting the party.

Answer: B]

son is

• EXAMPLE

When antecedents are joined by or, or nor, the pronoun must agree with the closer antecedent.

Select the correct sentence.

• A]• My brothers or my sister come every week to see Dad.• B]• My brothers or my sister comes every week to see Dad.

Answer:B]

sister comes

Here, the noun closest to the verb is singular (sister). The verb must agree with that singular noun.

14. Lack of subject-verb agreement

• Grammar, punctuation, and other sentence-level matters will seldom draw much attention unless they interfere with the meaning you're trying to get across.

• Because they do get in the way, however, they are important to your success as a writer!

KEEP STUDYING!• EasyWriter Resources / 20 Most Common Errors /

• http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/easywriter3e/20errors/14.asp

Keep your eye on the prize!