Grammar and Language Workbook

8. Into the arena (marches, march) the Olympic athletes.
9. (Is, Are) the Rodriguezes coming to the picnic?
10. On top of the refrigerator (sits, sit) the box of doughnuts.
11. From the back of the room (comes, come) a shout of joy.
12. Here (begins, begin) a fascinating story.
13. (Do, Does) the yogurt shop sell fat-free yogurt?
14. Beside the prima ballerina (dances, dance) several members of the chorus.
15. Between the two pillars (is, are) a knob that opens the secret compartment.
16. Under the canopy of stars (ambles, amble) Tina and Tom.
17. Through the window (glows, glow) soft candlelight.
18. There (rests, rest) two sleepy children.
 Writing Link 
Write a question you would like to ask a celebrity. Be sure the verb agrees with
its subject.

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Unit 7, Subject-Verb Agreement
161
Copyright © by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Name ___________________________________________________ Class _________ Date ____________________
Grammar
Lesson 48
Subject-Verb Agreement with Special Subjects
A 
collective noun
names a group. A collective noun is considered singular when it refers
to a group as a whole; it is considered plural when it refers to each member of the group
individually.
The committee sponsors an essay contest every year. (singular)
The committee disagree about how to divide the funds. (plural)
Certain nouns that end in -s, such as mathematics, measles, and mumps, take singular
verbs. Other nouns that end in -s, such as scissors, pants, binoculars, and eyeglasses, take
plural verbs. Many nouns that end in -ics may be singular or plural, depending upon
their meaning. 
Mathematics fascinates Cory. (singular)
Eyeglasses were prescribed by Jolene’s ophthalmologist. (plural)
Physics is my favorite science course. (singular)
The physics of the invention baffle Dr. Sorenson. (plural)
When a noun of amount refers to a total that is considered as one unit, it is singular and
takes a singular verb. When a noun of amount refers to a number of individual units, it is
plural and takes a plural verb.
One hundred fifty dollars seems like a lot to pay for one dress. (singular)
One hundred fifty dollars are packed into that jar. (plural)
A title is always singular, even if a noun within the title is plural.
Wuthering Heights is the subject of Corinne’s book report.
 Exercise 1