SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN AGREEMENT -3

The words “I” and “you” although “I” stands for a single person, the only singular verb forms used with “I” are “am” AM and WAS.

          Example:  I am tired

                             I am going home now

                             I was hungry

Usually, “I” takes the plural form of the verb:

          Example:  I have two sisters

                             I have written two letters

                             I promise

The pronoun “you” always takes a plural verb:

        Example:  You are my best friend

                            You are playing Piano

                             Were you upset?

PRONOUNS AND SUBJECTS: 

The pronouns below are singular and must be used with singular verbs.

          Each           either          everyone             anyone                no one

          One            neither       everybody           anybody              nobody

Do not be confused when a prepositional phrase follows one of these pronouns.  The verb must still agree with the pronoun subject.

          Example:   Neither of these watches works

Exercise:    Choose the right verb

1.     (Was, Were) you praying in the church this morning?

2.     (Has, Have) you heard the latest news?

3.     Each of these pants (costs, cost) 100 pounds.

4.     You (is, are) my first choice of best man.

5.     Everyone in this group (has, have) a chance sing.