As we are only about a week away from your CA, we will be finishing up the worksheets early next week and completing filing by the end of the week so that you can do your revision. For this weekend, I will be going through some basic Grammar Rules with you.
Basic Rule
The basic rule states that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb.
The trick is in knowing whether the subject is singular or plural. The next trick is recognizing a singular or plural verb.
Hint: Verbs do not form their plurals by adding an s as nouns do. In order to determine which verb is singular and which one is plural, think of which verb you would use with he or she and which verb you would use with they.
Example:
talks, talk
Which one is the singular form?
Which word would you use with he?
We say, "He talks." Therefore, talks is singular.
We say, "They talk." Therefore, talk is plural.
talks, talk
Which one is the singular form?
Which word would you use with he?
We say, "He talks." Therefore, talks is singular.
We say, "They talk." Therefore, talk is plural.
Rule 1
Two singular subjects connected by or or nor require a singular verb.
Example:
My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today
My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today
Rule 2
Two singular subjects connected by either/or or neither/nor require a singular verb as in Rule 1.
Examples:
Neither Juan nor Carmen is available.
Either Kiana or Casey is helping today with stage decorations.
Neither Juan nor Carmen is available.
Either Kiana or Casey is helping today with stage decorations.
Rule 3
As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected byand.
Example:
A car and a bike are my means of transportation.
A car and a bike are my means of transportation.
Rule 4
Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by words such as along with, as well as, besides, or not. Ignore these expressions when determining whether to use a singular or plural verb.
Examples:
The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly.
Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.
The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly.
Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.
Rule 5
The pronouns each, everyone, every one, everybody, anyone, anybody, someone, andsomebody are singular and require singular verbs. Do not be misled by what follows of.
Examples:
Each of the girls sings well.
Every one of the cakes is gone.
Each of the girls sings well.
Every one of the cakes is gone.
NOTE: Everyone is one word when it means everybody. Every one is two words when the meaning is each one.
Rule 6
When either and neither are subjects, they always take singular verbs.
Examples:
Neither of them is available to speak right now.
Either of us is capable of doing the job.
Neither of them is available to speak right now.
Either of us is capable of doing the job.
Rule 7
Use a singular verb with sums of money or periods of time.
Examples:Ten dollars is a high price to pay.
Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense.
Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense.
Homework:
- Vocabulary Practice 2.1 and 2.2 (Look for the meanings of words you are unsure and complete the 10 MCQ questions)
- CA Revision Practice Paper
As promised, I have managed to find some videos on the topic of ants which we had done for the comprehension open-ended passage. Remember that you do not have to just look at comprehension open-ended passages as just your piece of work only. From the work you do in class, there are also facts and new knowledge to be learnt. This is the wonder of learning. If you just simply look at every piece of work in class as a torture and something you hate, you will not be able to think positively and make improvements. Learn to appreciate and see the positives out of your learning in school. :) Be positive and work hard.
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
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