Subject Verb Agreement Worksheet Class 7

Subject-Verb Agreement Worksheet: A Comprehensive Guide for Class 7 Students

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental concept in grammar that dictates that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. Mastering this skill is crucial for writing clear and grammatically correct sentences. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed explanation of subject-verb agreement, including various scenarios and examples, specifically tailored for Class 7 students. We'll move beyond simple exercises and delve into the nuances that often trip students up. By the end, you'll be equipped to confidently tackle any subject-verb agreement worksheet with ease.

Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement: The Basics

The basic rule is simple: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. Let's illustrate with examples:

• Singular: The dog barks loudly. (Singular subject "dog," singular verb "barks")
• Plural: The dogs bark loudly. (Plural subject "dogs," plural verb "bark")

Seems straightforward, right? However, the complexity arises when we encounter different sentence structures and tricky exceptions.

Identifying Subjects and Verbs: The Foundation

Before diving into agreement, it's essential to accurately identify the subject and verb in a sentence. The subject is the noun or pronoun performing the action, while the verb is the action word.

Example: The bird (subject) sings (verb) a beautiful song.

Practice: Identify the subject and verb in the following sentences:

1. The sun shines brightly.
2. Cats play with yarn.
3. She reads books every day.
4. He walks to school.
5. The flowers bloom in spring.

Tackling the Challenges: Common Scenarios in Subject-Verb Agreement

Now that we've established the basics, let's explore more complex scenarios that often cause confusion:

1. Intervening Phrases: Don't be fooled!

Intervening phrases, such as prepositional phrases (phrases beginning with prepositions like "of," "in," "with," "to," etc.), can sometimes make it difficult to identify the subject. Remember: These phrases do not affect the subject-verb agreement.

Example: The box of chocolates (subject) is (singular verb) delicious. ("of chocolates" is a prepositional phrase and does not change the singular nature of "box").

Practice: Choose the correct verb in the following sentences:

1. The basket of apples (is/are) on the table.
2. The group of students (was/were) excited about the trip.
3. The collection of stamps (is/are) valuable.

2. Compound Subjects Joined by "and": Usually Plural

When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they generally take a plural verb.

Example: My mother and father (plural subject) are (plural verb) going to the market.

Exception: If the compound subject refers to a single entity or idea, it takes a singular verb.

Example: Peanut butter and jelly (single entity) is (singular verb) my favorite sandwich.

Practice: Choose the correct verb:

1. My brother and sister (go/goes) to the same school.
2. Macaroni and cheese (is/are) a comfort food for many.
3. The teacher and the principal (arrive/arrives) early every morning.

3. Compound Subjects Joined by "or" or "nor": Agreement with the Closest Subject

When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Example: Either the cat or the dogs (plural subject closer to verb) are (plural verb) making that noise.

Example: Neither the dogs nor the cat (singular subject closer to verb) is (singular verb) making that noise.

Practice: Choose the correct verb:

1. Either my mom or my dad (is/are) picking me up from school.
2. Neither the students nor the teacher (was/were) ready for the quiz.
3. Neither the books nor the magazine (is/are) on the shelf.

4. Indefinite Pronouns: Singular or Plural?

Indefinite pronouns such as "everyone," "someone," "anyone," "nobody," "each," and "either" are always singular and take singular verbs.

Example: Everyone (singular) is (singular verb) welcome to the party.

However, indefinite pronouns such as "both," "few," "many," "several" are always plural and take plural verbs.

Example: Many (plural) are (plural verb) called, but few are chosen.

Some indefinite pronouns can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to:

• Some: Some of the cake is gone. (singular)
• Some: Some of the apples are rotten. (plural)

Practice: Choose the correct verb:

1. Everyone in the class (is/are) participating.
2. Somebody (has/have) left their phone.
3. Several of the students (was/were) absent today.

5. Collective Nouns: Singular or Plural?

Collective nouns (nouns that refer to a group of people or things, such as team, family, class, committee) can be singular or plural depending on the context. If the group acts as a single unit, use a singular verb. If the group acts as individuals, use a plural verb.

Example (singular): The team (singular) plays (singular verb) well together.

Example (plural): The team (plural) are (plural verb) arguing amongst themselves.

Practice: Choose the correct verb:

1. The family (is/are) having dinner together.
2. My class (is/are) divided on this issue.
3. The committee (has/have) reached a decision.

6. Subjects Followed by "with," "as well as," "in addition to," "along with," "together with," "besides": Ignore these phrases

Phrases such as "with," "as well as," "in addition to," "along with," "together with," "besides" do not affect subject-verb agreement. The verb agrees with the subject before the phrase.

Example: The teacher, along with her students, (is/are) going on a field trip. (The verb agrees with "teacher," not "students.")

Practice: Choose the correct verb:

1. The president, along with his staff, (is/are) attending the conference.
2. The movie, in addition to the previews, (was/were) quite long.
3. My sister, together with her friends, (is/are) planning a party.

Subject-Verb Agreement Worksheet Practice: Level Up!

Now let's put your knowledge to the test with a series of exercises designed to challenge your understanding of subject-verb agreement. Remember to carefully identify the subject of each sentence before choosing the correct verb.

Exercise 1: Basic Subject-Verb Agreement

1. The bird ________ (sing/sings) a sweet melody.
2. The flowers ________ (bloom/blooms) in the spring.
3. The books ________ (is/are) on the shelf.
4. He ________ (walk/walks) to school every day.
5. She ________ (read/reads) a novel every night.

Exercise 2: Intervening Phrases

1. The box of crayons ________ (is/are) on the desk.
2. A group of children ________ (play/plays) in the park.
3. The team of doctors ________ (is/are) working hard.

Exercise 3: Compound Subjects

1. My dog and cat ________ (chase/chases) each other.
2. Bread and butter ________ (is/are) a simple breakfast.
3. John and Mary ________ (go/goes) to the same school.

Exercise 4: Compound Subjects with "or" and "nor"

1. Either the dog or the cats ________ (make/makes) that noise.
2. Neither the teacher nor the students ________ (were/was) ready for the test.
3. Neither rain nor snow ________ (stop/stops) him.

Exercise 5: Indefinite Pronouns

1. Everyone ________ (is/are) invited to the party.
2. Someone ________ (has/have) taken my pen.
3. Many ________ (is/are) coming to the festival.

Exercise 6: Collective Nouns

1. The team ________ (play/plays) very well together.
2. The class ________ (is/are) studying hard for the exam.
3. The family ________ (is/are) going on vacation.

Exercise 7: Phrases that Don't Affect Agreement

1. The teacher, along with her students, ________ (is/are) going on a field trip.
2. The book, as well as the articles, ________ (was/were) helpful.
3. My friend, together with her dog, ________ (is/are) coming to the beach.

This worksheet is designed to help solidify your understanding of subject-verb agreement. Consistent practice is key to mastery. Review the explanations provided above if you have any difficulties, and remember to always identify the true subject of the sentence before determining the correct verb. Good luck!