Packet 6 Subject Verb Agreement Answer Key

Packet 6: Subject-Verb Agreement Answer Key – Mastering Grammar with Confidence

Subject-verb agreement, a cornerstone of grammatical accuracy, ensures that your verbs align correctly with their subjects in number (singular or plural). This comprehensive guide serves as your answer key for Packet 6, providing detailed explanations for each question and reinforcing your understanding of this crucial grammatical concept. We'll explore various scenarios, including tricky exceptions and common pitfalls, empowering you to confidently tackle any subject-verb agreement challenge. This guide aims to not only provide answers but also build a robust understanding of the underlying principles.

Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement: The Fundamentals

Before diving into the answer key, let's refresh the fundamental rules governing subject-verb agreement. Remember, the verb must agree in number with its subject:

• Singular Subject = Singular Verb: The cat sleeps.
• Plural Subject = Plural Verb: The cats sleep.

However, things can get more complex. Let's examine some key scenarios:

1. Intervening Phrases: Don't be misled!

Phrases that come between the subject and the verb do not affect the agreement. Focus on the actual subject.

• Example: The box of chocolates is delicious. (The subject is "box," not "chocolates.")

2. Compound Subjects Joined by "and": Usually plural!

When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they generally take a plural verb.

• Example: The dog and the cat are playing together.

Exception: When the compound subject refers to a single entity, use a singular verb.

• Example: Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.

3. Compound Subjects Joined by "or" or "nor": The verb agrees with the closer subject.

• Example: Neither the students nor the teacher is responsible.
• Example: Either the teacher or the students are responsible.

4. Collective Nouns: Singular or Plural?

Collective nouns (team, family, group) can be singular or plural depending on the context. If the group acts as a single unit, use a singular verb. If the individuals within the group are emphasized, use a plural verb.

• Example: The team is practicing. (Team acting as a unit)
• Example: The team are arguing amongst themselves. (Individuals within the team emphasized)

5. Indefinite Pronouns: A tricky bunch!

Indefinite pronouns (anyone, everyone, someone, no one, anybody, everybody, somebody, nobody, each, either, neither) are always singular.

• Example: Everyone is invited to the party.

Exception: "Both" and "few" are always plural.

6. Subjects with Titles: Singular or Plural?

Titles of works (books, movies, etc.) always take a singular verb, even if the title contains a plural word.

7. Amounts & Units:

When discussing amounts or units of measurement, the verb typically agrees with the unit, not the number.

• Example: Ten dollars is a lot of money.

Packet 6 Answer Key: Detailed Explanations

(Note: The following answers are illustrative. The exact wording of questions and options in your Packet 6 might vary. Please use this as a guide to understanding the principles.)

Question 1: The flock of birds ______ over the field.

(a) fly (b) flies

Answer: (b) flies. "Flock" is a collective noun, but in this sentence, it acts as a single unit. Therefore, the singular verb "flies" is correct.

Question 2: Neither the cat nor the dogs ______ sleeping.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (b) are. The verb agrees with the closer subject, "dogs," which is plural.

Question 3: Each of the students ______ a project.

(a) has (b) have

Answer: (a) has. "Each" is an indefinite pronoun and always takes a singular verb.

Question 4: The group of musicians ______ very talented.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: This is debatable and depends on the context. (a) is if the group is seen as a single unit. (b) are if the individual talents of the musicians are emphasized.

Question 5: My family ______ going on vacation next week.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: This also depends on context. (a) is if the family is travelling as a single unit. (b) are if family members are going on separate vacations.

Question 6: Five dollars ______ not enough to buy that book.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (a) is. The verb agrees with the amount ("five dollars") considered as a single unit.

Question 7: The committee ______ meeting tomorrow.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (a) is, assuming the committee is working as a single entity.

Question 8: The box of crayons ______ on the table.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (a) is. The subject is "box," not "crayons."

Question 9: Neither Sarah nor her friends ______ coming to the party.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (b) are. The verb agrees with the closer subject "friends."

Question 10: Everybody ______ happy to see the new baby.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (a) is. "Everybody" is an indefinite pronoun and always takes a singular verb.

Question 11: The team ______ celebrating their victory.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (b) are. The sentence emphasizes the individual members of the team celebrating.

Question 12: Either the dog or the cats ______ made a mess.

(a) has (b) have

Answer: (b) have. The verb agrees with the closer subject "cats."

Question 13: All of the students ______ passed the exam.

(a) has (b) have

Answer: (b) have. "All" refers to a plural number of students.

Question 14: A flock of geese ______ flying south for the winter.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (b) are. The collective noun "flock" focuses on the individual geese.

Question 15: The data ______ supports the hypothesis.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (a) is. "Data" is often treated as singular, especially in scientific contexts. However, some might use plural, depending on context.

Question 16: Physics ______ a difficult subject for many students.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (a) is. "Physics" is a singular subject.

Question 17: The news ______ disturbing.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (a) is. "News" is a singular noun.

Question 18: Mathematics ______ my favorite subject.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (a) is. "Mathematics" is treated as a singular noun.

Question 19: Thirty minutes ______ all I have.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (a) is. The verb agrees with the unit of time ("minutes") considered as a singular entity.

Question 20: Measles ______ a contagious disease.

(a) is (b) are

Answer: (a) is. "Measles" is treated as a singular noun referring to the disease itself.

This detailed answer key provides a comprehensive understanding of subject-verb agreement. Remember to always identify the subject accurately, consider intervening phrases, and pay close attention to collective nouns and indefinite pronouns. By mastering these principles, you can confidently write grammatically correct and compelling sentences. Consistent practice is key to perfecting this important aspect of grammar!