Making Subjects and Verbs Agree

Cross Out the

Prepositional Phrase

Sometimes a prepositional phrase comes between the subject and the verb. The verb must agree with the subject of the sentence and not with the object of the preposition.

The seats near the ring have the best view.

The air in the stadium contains a lot of smoke.

The seats near the ring have the best view.

In the first sentence, near the ring is a prepositional phrase. The subject is which is plural; therefore, the verb that agrees with it , is also plural.

The seats near the ring have the best view.

It is much less difficult to make the subject and verb agree if you GET RID OF THE prepositional phrase.

The air in the stadium contains a lot of smoke.

The subject air is singular, and it agrees with contains, which is also singular.

Some sentences begin with there and here. These words are never the subject of a sentence. Look for the subject after the verb.

There are many fans watching the fight.Here in the city is a large stadium.

Flip the sentence – Many fans are watching the fight.AndA large stadium is here in the city.