Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of the English language. It is crucial to understand this concept to communicate effectively in written and spoken English. Class 8 students are at a stage in their learning journey where they need to master this concept as they build their foundation for more advanced writing and language usage. In this article, we will discuss some exercises that class 8 students can practice to improve their subject-verb agreement skills.
Exercise 1: Identifying the Subject and Verb
The first exercise is to identify the subject and verb in a given sentence. To do so, underline the subject and circle the verb. Once you have identified the subject and verb, ensure that they agree in number. For example,
Incorrect: My friend and I is going to the party tonight.
Correct: My friend and I are going to the party tonight.
Exercise 2: Singular or Plural
The second exercise is to determine whether the subject is singular or plural. Once you have identified the subject`s number, make sure the verb agrees with it. For example,
Incorrect: The group of girls was dancing to their favorite song.
Correct: The group of girls were dancing to their favorite song.
Exercise 3: Intervening Phrases and Clauses
The third exercise involves identifying intervening phrases and clauses that may affect subject-verb agreement. Intervening phrases and clauses provide additional information about the subject, but they do not change the subject`s number. Students need to recognize these phrases and clauses and ensure that the verb agrees with the subject. For example,
Incorrect: The boy, along with his friends, were playing in the park.
Correct: The boy, along with his friends, was playing in the park.
Exercise 4: Indefinite Pronouns
The fourth exercise deals with indefinite pronouns, which are pronouns that do not refer to a specific person or thing. Indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural, depending on their usage in the sentence. Students need to identify the indefinite pronoun and ensure that the verb agrees with its number. For example,
Incorrect: Everyone in the class have their own way of learning.
Correct: Everyone in the class has their own way of learning.
Exercise 5: Collective Nouns
The fifth exercise focuses on collective nouns, which are nouns that refer to a group of people or things. Collective nouns can be singular or plural, depending on their usage in the sentence. Students need to identify the collective noun and ensure that the verb agrees with its number. For example,
Incorrect: The committee were unable to come to a decision.
Correct: The committee was unable to come to a decision.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of the English language that students need to master to effectively communicate in writing and speaking. Practicing exercises such as those discussed above can help class 8 students improve their command of this concept. With consistent practice and attention to detail, students can become proficient at subject-verb agreement, which will serve them well in their academic and professional lives.