Grammar Tutorial
In most cases the subject comes first and is followed by the verb. Sometimes, however, the subject and verb are reversed. Inverted sentences can cause confusion in subject-verb agreement.
In her hand is two red roses.
In her hand are two red roses.
Notice that the sentence begins with a prepositional phrase, in her hand. The phrase is followed by the verb, and the subject comes last. Often, it is easier to figure out correct subject-verb agreement in an inverted sentence by rephrasing it in normal order.
Two red roses is in her hand.
Two red roses are in her hand.
Now it is easy to see that the subject is roses, and the correct verb form is are.
Sentences beginning with 'here' and 'there'
Sentences beginning with here and there can also be confusing. Which of the following sentences is correct?
Here is my new car.
Here are my new car.
Neither here nor there are pronouns so they cannot be subject of a sentence. You know, then, this is an inverted sentence. Rearrange the sentence in normal subject and word order. Then choose the verb.
My car is here.
My car are here.
Car is a singular subject so it takes the singular verb is.
© 2014 Copy Rights Reserved at Online Tutor For English
Appositives in Complete Sentence
Present Perfect Continuous Tense
An Example of a Four-Paragraph Essay
An Example of a Three-Paragraph Essay
How to Write a Business Letter
Examples of a Well-Written Paragraph
Steps to Write a Three-Paragraph Essay
How to Write a Good Main Topic Sentence
How to Write Good Supporting Sentences
