Answers to Questions About Subject-Verb Agreement

Answers to Questions About Subject-Verb Agreement Answers to Questions About Subject-Verb Agreement Answers to Questions About Subject-Verb Agreement By Mark Nichol The agreement in number between subjects and verbs is often straightforward, but exceptions abound. Here are some readers’ questions about subject-verb agreement, and my responses and explanations. 1. Which verb form is correct singular or plural when using an optional plural: â€Å"The attached form(s) is provided for you to list the accounts you wish to establish† or â€Å"The attached form(s) are provided for you to list the accounts you wish to establish†? There’s no standard I know of, nor any easy solution that comes to mind, for noun-verb agreement in this case. This solution, for example, is logical but awkward: â€Å"The attached form(s) is/are provided for you to list the accounts you wish to establish.† This revision is better but still unsatisfactory: â€Å"The attached form (or forms) is provided for you to list the accounts you wish to establish.† But here’s an end run around the obstacle: â€Å"Please use the attached form(s) to list the accounts you wish to establish.† 2. I’m in the scientific field and have repeatedly run into writing something like â€Å"ten liters of water† and then asking myself whether it is correct to continue with a singular or a plural verb. I’m not sure whether the verb refers to liters or to water. The context should make clear whether the verb refers to the unit of measurement or to the substance measured; generally, in scientific content, it will be the substance. For example, in â€Å"Ten liters of water is/are left in the tank,† the quantity (not the number of units of a given quantity) is important. The tank contains water, not liters, so â€Å"Ten liters of water is left in the tank† is correct. However, consider whether an active construction (for example, â€Å"The tank now contains ten liters of water†) is more effective. 3. Why is it correct to write â€Å"There is only Tom and John there†? This is a case of an expletive sentence, one beginning with an expletive, or a filler word, such as there, which is not the subject. The subject of this sentence is â€Å"Tom and John,† but the context of the sentence is that a set of people is at a given location, so â€Å"Tom and John† is a single entity. However, for clarity, Tom and John should be considered separate entities: â€Å"There are only Tom and John there.† Better yet, revise the sentence to â€Å"Only Tom and John are there.† (The original sentence you posed is likely to be used in spontaneous conversation, but in writing, unless you’re conveying casual dialogue, I advise using the careful revision.) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:5 Uses of InfinitivesBody Parts as Tools of MeasurementGrammar Review #1: Particles and Phrasal Verbs

5 Tips for Teachers to Help Disorganized Students

5 Tips for Teachers to Help Disorganized Students A students poor organizational skills can easily be improved by providing a routine and by clearly stating directions and expectations. Disorganized students often forget homework, have messy desks, cannot keep track of their materials and have poor time management skills. Teachers can help these students by providing a structured routine along with strategies to keep them organized. Use the following tips to help your disorganized student manage their responsibilities. 1. Set up a Routine By providing structure in the classroom the disorganized student will have no choice but to stay organized. Establishing a classroom schedule will allow students to be less frustrated and confused, and will provide them with a sense of where they are going and what materials they will need. To lessen their confusion, place a schedule in their folder or tape one to their desk. This way, the student can use it as a reference throughout the day. 2. Use a Checklist A checklist is a great tool for a disorganized student because it shows them the expectations that they need to accomplish for the day in a visual format. For younger students, have the list already prepared for them and go over it with the student each morning. For older students, provide strategies for prioritizing their own checklists.   3. Monitor Homework Encourage parenteral support by writing a letter to parents describing your homework policy. Require that each night after the homework is completed, it is signed by a parent and returned to school the following day. This process will ensure the student stays on task and encourages parents to be involved. 4. Organize Classroom Desks A disorganized student will not take the time to clean out their desk. Each week set aside time in your class schedule so students can complete this task. Brainstorm organizational ideas with the students on specific ways they can keep their desks tidy. Make the list visible in the classroom so each week they can have access to it. Suggest that they label materials for easy access and throw away items they no longer use. 5. Use Memory Aids Memory aids are a helpful way to remember tasks and materials. Have the student use tangible items such as  sticky notes, rubber bands, index cards, alarm clocks, and timers to remind them to complete their tasks for the day. Encourage them to use memory aids like this acronym: CATS. (CCarry, AAssignment, TTo, SSchool) Teaching these new strategies will help students complete their tasks efficiently and effectively. These tips give students the tools they need to manage their obligations and to be successful in school. With a little help and ​encouragement, disorganized children can easily get on a new path.   Additional Tips to Keep Students Organized Use the buddy system and assign a classmate to assist the student with their organizational skills.Use different color paper for different subjects so it is easier to locate papers.Require papers be put into binders.Have the student put important materials in their take-home folder or backpack as soon as they receive them.Use different color folders for different subjects so the students can locate them easily.Provide containers for small items so they will not be lost.Provide a monthly calendar and label when assignments are due.Have the student show you their completed checklist each day before they go home.