GRAMMAR GRINDSubject and Verb Agreement!

A subject of a sentence is the noun performing the action of the sentence. I worry about my kids being molested, my house being burglarized, my oldest boy being shot.Young men are selling drugs.

A verb is an action or a state of being.Such low numbers, however, may camouflage the impact that the presence of gangs has on a school.Gang member often display their membership through distinctive styles of dress.

How do we make sure verbs agree with subjects?

Match it to the appropriate form of the verb. Conjugate it! On paper or in your head.

Determine whether your subject is singular or plural.

What tense are we writing in?

Let’s Try It!

“Children who _____________ acts of interpersonal violence at random or that targets bystanders are at risk of developing a cluster of psychological symptoms…”

VERB: To Witness

SUBJECT: Children (plural)

TENSE: Present

I witnessYou witnessHe/She/it witnessesWe witnessYou all witnessThey witness

witness

Let’s Try It!

“As a result of continued exposure to violence children may __________ adults and fear neighbors in their community.”

SUBJECT: Children (plural)

TENSE: Present

VERB: To Distrust

I distrustYou distrustHe/She/it distrustsWe distrustYou all distrustThey distrust

distrust

Let’s Try It!

“In general, the research _________ that children are at greater risk for negative psychological effects, such as fear, distress or acting-out aggression if…”

SUBJECT: the research (singular)

TENSE: Present

VERB: To Show

I showYou showHe/She/it showsWe showYou all showThey show

shows