http://www.ck12.org Chapter 13. Common Errors in Grammar and Punctuation
- Asocketwrenchorpowerdrillis a good tool to have in a situation like this.
If one of the nouns connected withorornoris plural, use the plural form of the verb if the plural noun is closer.
However, if the singular noun is closer to the verb, use the singular form of the verb:
- Apowerdrillorsocketwrenchesare good tools to have in a situation like this.
- Socketwrenchesorapowerdrillis a good tool to have in a situation like this.
There are a few exceptions to the rule of subject/verb agreement. Some nouns such ascivics, politics, mathematics,
measles, mumps,andnewstake the singular form of the verb:
- Thenewsis dire.
- Politicsis becoming more optimistic these days.
Review Questions
Circle the correct form of the verb in each sentence.
- Thereis/arefewer criminals on the street since the law was passed.
- That may be, but thereis/areno evidence that it’s making us any safer.
- Mathematicsis/arethe fundamental language of psychics.
- Jerry, who runs around all weekend trying to find great deals at big-box stores, sometimeslose/losessight of
what’s really important. - Civicsis/aretaught in every high school in America.
- The protesters holding that hand-painted signseem/seemsreally motivated.
- Throwing politicians to the media sharksdoes/dothem some good.
- Neither the sword nor the penis/aremost mighty in this situation.
- Charity or almshelps/helpthose suffering most from the recession.
- Potassium and wateris/area dangerous combination!
Commas and Semicolons
Avoid using commas to connectindependent clauses.Consider the following comma splices:
Example 1- I finally found my keys, I got to work just in time.
Example 2- It rained heavily during the afternoon, however we still managed to have a picnic.
Use a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction to connect independent clauses:
Example 1- I finally found my keys,and I got to work just in time.
Example 2- It rained heavily during the afternoon;however, we still managed to have a picnic.