As a writer, it`s essential to have a clear understanding of grammar rules, particularly when it comes to agreement in simple and compound sentences. When your sentences do not agree, it can affect the clarity and credibility of your writing, potentially causing confusion for your audience.
To ensure your writing is well-received and easily understood, practice exercises to master agreement in simple and compound sentences. Here are a few exercises to get started:
Exercise 1: Simple Sentences
Simple sentences have one independent clause, which means they contain one subject and one verb. The subject and verb must agree in number (singular or plural) and tense (past, present, or future). In this exercise, identify the correct subject-verb agreement for each sentence below.
1. The cat (was, were) sleeping on the couch.
2. The books (needs, need) to be put on the shelf.
3. The team (is, are) getting ready for the game.
4. A new phone (has, have) been released by the company.
5. The flowers (smells, smell) sweet in the garden.
Exercise 2: Compound Sentences
Compound sentences contain two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so). Each clause must have its own subject and verb, and both clauses must agree in tense and number. In this exercise, identify the correct subject-verb agreement for each sentence below.
1. The sun was shining, and the birds (was, were) singing.
2. She went to the store, and he (buys, bought) some milk.
3. The students took the test, but none of them (pass, passed).
4. The party was fun, yet the music (wasn`t, weren`t) great.
5. He missed his flight, so he (booked, books) another one.
Exercise 3: Mixed Sentences
In this exercise, you will identify both subject-verb agreement in simple and compound sentences. Apply the rules practiced in Exercise 1 and Exercise 2.
1. The cat was sleeping on the couch, but the dog (is, are) barking outside.
2. She was reading a book, and he (is, are) writing a report.
3. The children played outside, and they (return, returned) home for dinner.
4. My phone (was, were) not working correctly, and I (need, needs) to get a new one.
5. The flowers (smell, smells) sweet, but the bees (are, is) buzzing around them.
In conclusion, mastering agreement in simple and compound sentences is crucial for strong and effective writing. Taking the time to practice exercises like these can help you identify subject-verb agreement quickly and easily, leading to better written work and stronger communication with your audience.