SUBJECT-VERB

AGREEMENT

Copyright © 2015 by Sharon Serrago, Inc Page 143

 Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement is one of the areas you have surely studied in your English classes. As you
have seen, there are many rules governing the usage of subjects and verbs. We will cover several of
them here.

Agreement of Subjects and Verbs

The first thing you must know is that the subject of the sentence and the verb of the sentence must
agree in number. If the subject is plural, then the verb must be plural also. If the subject is singular,
then the verb must be singular also. Whatever the subject is, the verb must be the same. That’s why
we call it agreement. The subject and verb must agree with each other in number.

Perhaps the most critical thing for you to know is that all singular verbs end in “s”…. with the
exception of “I am” and “you are.” Look at these verbs: is, are, do, does, seem, seems, ask, asks, was,
were. The ones that end in “s” are all singular: is, does, seems, asks, was.

Look at all the following verbs and label each as singular or plural.
1. was _______________ 4. is _______________
2. look _______________ 5. were _______________
3. thinks _______________ 6. ask _______________

Now let’s look at some simple sentences and you decide which verb must agree with the subject.
Follow these steps.
1. Decide upon the subject.
2. Determine whether it is singular or plural.
3. Choose the verb form that is the same as the subject, singular or plural.

1. That man (is, are) the one who painted our house last summer.
2. Those children (was, were) arranged according to height.
3. James (asks, ask) a lot of questions because he is anxious to learn.
4. All our geese (swims, swim) in the pond adjacent to our property.
5. Some boys (runs, run) much faster than others.
6. Our vacation (lasts, last) for three weeks this year.
7. Sam (want, wants) to know the results of the test last week.
8. Each one (has, have) his own idea about how the outcome should be.
9. Everything (was, were) laid out on the table in preparation for the meal.
10. The cars (was, were) about to be washed by the school’s club.

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 Subjects and Prepositional Phrases

Trying to be sure the subject and the verb agree may seem like a simple task, but for many students
the task becomes complicated because of the difficulty in actually identifying the subject in the first
place. It’s easy enough to make the subject and verb agree you are looking at a very simple sentence,
but in a complicated sentence structure like you will find on the SAT, finding the subject is not such
an easy task at all.
There are some ways to make that task easier. First, you should eliminate constructions in the
sentences that you know can’t be the subject. One of the things we can eliminate is the prepositional
phrase. There may be several of them in one sentence. In fact, the more sophisticated the sentence, the
more propositional phrases the sentence is likely to have. Once you eliminate all prepositional
phrases, finding the subject will be much easier.

Let’s review what you already know about prepositions, and then we will move on to prepositional
phrases. A preposition is a word that shows a relationship to another word in the sentence. Many
prepositions show a spatial relationship to another word. Take a look at
this cat and the tree.

Any position the cat can have in relation to the tree is going to be a
preposition. For instance, the cat can be beside the tree, in the tree, on the
tree. Look at the prepositions that can express a spatial relationship: over,
above, under, underneath, between, by, beneath, to, from. He can go up,
down, into, out, through, across, along, around, beneath, beside, behind
the tree. These are only a few prepositions. There are others such as like, with, without, to, about,
after, during, following, concerning, regarding, aboard, against, amid among, around, at,
before, below, beyond, but, considering, despite, except, excluding, for, of, inside, near, off,
onto, outside, past, per, plus, round, save, since, toward, unlike, upon, versus, via, within.
We also have a compound prepositions, two or more words commonly used as a single
preposition: on top of, according to, along with, apart from, by virtue of, due to, except for, in
addition to, in between, out of. There are more, but you will be able to recognize them.

Let’s Practice – Finding Prepositions

Underline the prepositions in the following sentences.

1. He ran on the sidewalk.

2. The child jumped into the hole.
3. Before class, the children walked slowly down the hall.
4. Beside the road lay the old cart.
5. The cat sat on the shelf above the door.
6. Into the room they calmly strolled.
7. Under no circumstances are you to touch that glass sitting on the table.
8. He saw the book on top of the desk in his friend’s room.
9. We built the tree house for the child.
10. With a big crash, the tree toppled onto the garage.

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Next, we need to learn how to identify prepositional phrases so that we can eliminate them and make
it easier to find the subject of the sentence. It is important to know that every preposition must have
an object. Many students confuse the object of the preposition with the subject. When you eliminate
the whole phrase, this will not happen to you. The object of the preposition is the first noun after the
preposition. The two words together constitute a prepositional phrase. The prepositional phrase
begins with the preposition, ends with the 1st noun after it, and includes all words (adjectives and
adverbs only) in between.

Example: The dog with the dirt on his face ran through the puddle in the middle of the road.

These are the prepositional phrases:

with the dirt on his face through the puddle in the middle of the road

The nouns in the phrases are the objects of the prepositions: dirt face puddle middle road
In each phrase, the first noun after the preposition is the object of the preposition.
It is possible to have a compound object.

Example: My teacher gave the award to Bob and me.

The compound object of the preposition is Bob and me.

Remember this: If a word functions as the object of the preposition, it cannot possibly be the subject.
Thousands and thousands of students will make the mistake of calling the object of the preposition the
subject of the sentence. Make sure that you know the difference!

CRITICAL: You must learn to eliminate prepositional phrases when you analyze test questions for
subject-verb agreement. The harder the questions are, the more critical it is that you get rid of the
prepositional phrases before analyzing the sentence.

Let’s Practice – Identifying Prepositional Phrases

Underline the prepositional phrases in the following sentences. Put parentheses
around the object of the preposition in each sentence.

1. Behind the tree on the side of the bank is the wagon.

2. The girl with the purple flower on her skirt was at the park in Dallas in the middle of the day.
3. Along the side of the road lay a robin, all crusted with dirt and debris.
4. Without a doubt, the most critical factor in the experiment is the health of the participants.
5. The dog in the window of the pet shop looked at us and barked for attention.
6. The man on the bench under the tree is reading a book about the discovery of America.
7. In spite of the torrential rain, the troop marched through the woods and followed a trail of yellow
corn left by their captain.

Once you eliminate the prepositional phrases, you will find it much easier
to identify the subject of the sentence.
If a word is part of a prepositional phrase, it is not possible for it to be the subject.

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 Parenthetical Expressions, Appositives, and other Distractors

Another thing you will need to eliminate when looking for the subject of the sentence is all sorts of
stuff that really isn’t part of the major sentence elements. If you can’t find the subject, then you can’t
be sure that the subject and verb agree.
Your first task is to get rid of prepositional phrases when you are analyzing sentences.
Your second task is to get rid of any information in the sentence that is set off by commas. This can
include a great many things, namely appositives, parenthetical expressions, and non-restrictive clauses
and phrases, which we will learn about much later. Rather than go into all the possibilities, let’s just
say that if anything in the sentence has commas before it and after it, then you want to consider getting
rid of it. Look at the following diagram.

Sentence………… , ////////////, …………..

All the stuff between the commas should be eliminated. You will not find the subject of the sentence
in that information. Just consider, the commas that set off the information are telling you that this
information, while perhaps interesting, is not part of the basic sentence.

,
Example: Get on Board a motivation group that works with both employers and employees help ,
both parties to understand the problems inherent in the management of business.

If you look carefully, you will see that the subject and the verb of the sentence do not agree. Most
students will miss a question like this since the sentence sounds so good to be wrong. Again, here’s
our trick that will help us to see the answer quickly. Get rid of the information set off by commas: a
motivation group that works with both employers and employees. You see the comma before the
phrase and after the phrase. Don’t read the stuff in between. Skip over it, and you will see the mistake
in the sentence easily. Get on Board help both parties….

Finding the Verb of the Sentence

When you are trying to find the subject of the sentence, your first task is to draw a line through the
prepositional phrases. Then eliminate any information set off by commas.

Now it’s time to find the verb. The simplest way is to look for a word that shows action. That’s the
verb. It tells what’s happening. It might also help to know that all verbs have a form for “ing.”
run … running sing … singing think … thinking ask … asking
The only verb that is different is the verb “be.” You have to memorize the various forms of that verb.
am, are, is, was, were, be, been, being. There it is. The “ing” form for be is being. Of course, you
have to know that was is part of the be verb. You can’t say wasing. Other than this one verb, all other
verbs have an ing form that is very easy to find.

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When you locate the verb, ask who is doing that action. That will lead you to the subject, since the
subject generally performs the action.

Example: Between every class, that student in the black baseball hat shouts to the rest of the students
in the hallway.

First, draw a line through the prepositional phrases.

Between every class, that student in the black baseball hat shouts to the rest of the students in the
hallway.

Next you find the verb from the words that are left.
 Look for a word that shows action. In this example, the action is shouts. That’s the verb.
 To be sure it’s a verb, try putting -ing onto some form of the word. Shouting. All verbs have a
form for -ing.

Now ask yourself who is doing that action. That will be the subject. In this sentence you would ask,
“Who is shouting?” Answer: The student. The subject, then, is student.
subject verb
Answer: Between every class, that student in the black baseball hat shouts to the rest of the students
in the hallway .

Once you have found the subject and the verb, you are ready to see if they agree. Remember that if the
subject is singular, then the verb must be singular. It must end in s. If the subject is plural, the verb
must also be plural. It cannot end in s. All singular verbs end in s.

Let’s Practice – Identifying Subjects and Verbs

Draw a line through the prepositional phrases in the following sentences. Identify
the subject and verb of the sentence. If the subject and verb agree in number, write
Correct in the blank. If they do not agree, write Incorrect.

________ 1. Long before the last freeze of the winter, come beautiful blooms of the violet.
________ 2. Throughout the room was the unbelievably loud and shrill cries of the child.
________ 3. After the second course of their meal, the third course of the feast, which included
cheeses, cream, and fruits, were served.
________ 4. Even after the encore the cheers of the attentive man in the audience was quite
astounding.
________ 5. Quietly through the leaves of the tree comes the mournful chirps of the lonely bird.
________ 6. Only after the judge’s final sentence does the attorney for the defense feel he can relax.
________ 7. Far away from the crowd comes the muddy waters rushing past the flooded banks.
________ 8. From the house on the distant hill, few details of the newly blooming tree are seen.

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 Let’s Practice –Eliminating prepositional phrases
Draw a line through the prepositional phrases before you begin looking for the subject. Decide
whether the subject of the sentence is singular or plural. Then underline the correct form of the verb
in parentheses.

1. The author of the stories in these books (is, are) Jackie Lander.
2. Candace, along with her sisters Lucy and Janet, (was, were) at the party.
3. One typewriter for two or three students (seems, seem) adequate.
4. This collection of poems (look, looks) interesting.
5. The poems in our literature book (is, are) well chosen
6. Many lines in the poem (is, are) especially good.
7. The scenes on each village street (lives, live) again.
8. The antics of the old man always (makes, make) me laugh.
9. Kathy, along with her sisters, (has, have) chicken pox.
10. A ring of towering mountains (enclose, encloses) the valley.
11. The cause of her troubles (was, were) apparent.
12. The cut of her clothes (is, are) always just right.
13. This book of short stories (is, are) interesting.
14. Members of the council (enjoys, enjoy) special privileges.
15. The cats in the alley (is, are) wild.

Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects

You should find it easier to find subjects now. However, there is still something that might confuse
you. Sometimes you will have a sentence that has an indefinite pronoun as the subject. In order to
determine whether or not the verb agrees with the subject, you will have to know whether the pronoun
is singular or plural. You will need to have these pronouns memorized.

Singular Indefinite Pronouns

everyone someone no one anyone each
everybody somebody nobody anybody either
everything something nothing anything neither
one

It’s easy to remember that the first twelve pronouns are singular. Look at the ending of each one of
them. They all end in singular words: one, body, thing. The pronoun is everyone, not every twenty;
everybody, not every bodies. That will help you to remember that they are singular words. Even
though conceptually, the sentence may be talking about several people, the word itself is a singular
indefinite pronoun and will require a singular verb to go with it.

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There are four more in the chart that you need to know: each, either, neither, and one. Try this to help
you remember that they are singular. Put the word one after each of the words. That will indicate to
you that they are singular. Just like we say everyone, we can say each one, neither one, and either
one. Here are some examples of these pronouns as subjects. Notice that you must ignore the
prepositional phrases! The verb agrees with the subject ... not with the object of the preposition.

Each of the cars is painted red. Neither of the boys was going to the movie.
Everyone in those rooms has to get his books. Everybody in the stands is ready to leave.

Let’s Practice – Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects

Draw a line through the prepositional phrases before you begin looking for the subject. Decide
whether the subject of the sentence is singular or plural. Then underline the correct form of the verb
in parentheses to agree with the subject.

1. We were amazed to discover that one of the horses (was, were) limping severely.
2. Not one of the characters in those plays (seem, seems) good enough for the part.
3. Along the path, each of the trees loaded with pecans (is, are) a haven for the chipmunks.
4. It was no surprise that neither of the girls (has, have) good table manners.
5. Not one of the bills (was, were) counterfeit.
6. Somebody in those clubs (was, were) not following the correct procedure.
7. Each of the signals on those two streets (is, are) broken.
8. We were surprised to see that one of the pictures (was, were) more blue than green.
9. One of these notebooks (is, are) yours.
10. Inside the store, one of the rooms (was, were) under construction.
11. Each of us (was, were) acting silly.
12. Neither of the rugs (lie, lies) flat.
13. One of the children (was, were) going to the concert.
14. Everything on those shelves (has, have) a special purpose.
15. Neither of the reports (is, are) written clearly.
16. Someone in the masses of people (was, were) responsible for that remark.
17. Everybody in the rooms (has, have) agreed that the temperature is uncomfortable.
18. Each of the players (was, were) prepared for the meet.
19. Neither of the girls (plays, play) the piano.
20. Something in the trees (was, were) causing the branches to move

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Compound Subjects Joined by Or/Nor

When we have a compound subject, two subjects joined with a conjunction, we have another problem.
If the two subjects are joined by and, then you have a plural subject, and you will need a plural verb.
However, if the two subjects are joined with or or nor, we have a decision to make.
Since we actually have two subjects to look at, we could have several variations:

Singular …. Plural Plural …. Singular

Singular …. Singular Plural …. Plural

Because of the confusion, we have a special rule.

Rule: When you have a compound subject whose parts are joined by or or nor,
the subject closer to the verb determines its number.

This section of subject-verb agreement is critical. This is a rule you will have to memorize.

subject 1 subject 2
Example: Neither the customers nor the manager was aware of the storm.

The two parts of the subject are customers (plural) and manager (singular). You choose the subject
closer to the verb. Since the verb is was, you look only at the subject manager (since it is closer).
Since manager is singular, you must choose a singular verb to agree with it. Remember that all
singular verbs end in s.

If we switch the order of the subjects, you must evaluate the sentence differently.

subject 1 subject 2
Example: Neither the manager nor the customers were aware of the storm.

The two parts of the subject are still customers and manager, but in this example manager comes first
and customers comes closer to the verb. Since customers is plural, you must use a plural verb.

Here’s another example:

We were all surprised that Mary Ellen or her sisters were responsible for providing the food.

The two parts of the subject are Mary Ellen and sisters. Since sisters is closer to the verb were, you let
that part of the subject determine the verb. Since sisters is plural, you must have a plural verb.
Remember that all singular verbs end in s; for a plural verb, you must choose the verb form that does
NOT end in s.

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Let’s Practice - Compound Subjects Joined by Or/Nor

Choose the correct form of the verb for these sentences that have compound subjects. Remember
the rule: When you have a compound subject whose parts are joined by or or nor, the subject
closer to the verb determines its number.

1. Neither the mechanic nor his workers (was, were) able to get the car running again.
2. Neither the manager nor the employee handling all the outstanding accounts (has, have) been
successful in reconciling the financials.
3. We tried to tell the teacher that either Bob or his three friends taking the same class (was, were)
responsible for the broken desk.
4. None of the witnesses could tell whether the man driving the blue car or the ladies in the red
suburban (was, were) guilty of running the light.
5. Nothing in the report indicates that either the ladies from the office or the men from the health
club (is, are) in line for a promotion.
6. Either Samson or his opposing candidate in the elections (speak, speaks) tonight.
7. Every time the teacher enters that classroom, either Bob or one of the other students (erase,
erases) the board.
8. Neither Jerry nor his parents (is, are) willing to accept responsibility for the broken window.
9. The woman knew that either the brakes or the steering column of her car (was, were) broken.
10. Either the cat or her kittens (has, have) turned over the milk.
11. The principal or her assistant (attends, attend) every game.
12. Neither Trisha nor her friends (is, are) going to visit the ruins of ancient Rome.
13. We were told that either Jim or his friends (has, have) decided to buy the car.
14. Neither Dot nor Avery (has, have) suggested that we read this book.
15. Either the boys or their father (was, were) talking excitedly about the event.
16. Either Jerry or his brothers (ask, asks) more questions than is necessary.
17. Neither the boys nor the girl (ask, asks) many questions before the test.
18. We were surprised to learn that neither Jeremy nor the twins (has, have) been tardy all year.
19. We offered them advice, but neither the girls nor the boy (was, were) interested in our opinions.
20. Either Jeremy or the boys from the hiking club (was, were) responsible for losing the backpack.

We will combine all these rules about subject-verb agreement in the next exercise. If you don’t
remember how to find the correct answer, look back at the previous pages and study the portion you
need to review.

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 Let’s Practice – Subject / Verb Agreement I
Check each of the following sentences to see that the subject and the verb agree. If the
agreement is correct, write C in the blank provided. If the agreement is not correct, write I in
the blank

______________ 1. During the summers either James or John go to Ruidoso to watch the horse
races in the mountains of New Mexico.

______________ 2. Several of the horses in the race is there for the first time.

______________ 3. Because the altitude is so high in the mountains, each of the horses need
several days to get acclimated to the area.

______________ 4. Even though the boys do not place bets on the horses, each one of them have
fun watching the races to see which horse will win.

______________ 5. Standing at the edge of the fence that separates the track from the spectators,
neither of the boys takes his eyes off the long line of horses as they walk past.

______________ 6. Every spectator in the stands try to decide which horse looks like the best
runner.

______________ 7. Because the ugliest horse sometimes runs the fastest, choosing a horse on its
looks is not smart.

______________ 8. There’s always some horses that don’t want to get into the stalls when the
time comes for the race to begin.

______________ 9. Sometimes neither the jockey nor the horse’s trainer knows what the horse
will do.

______________ 10. There seems to be few reasons why a horse would be so contrary when the
jockey wants him to do something.

______________ 11. Both the horse’s training and his temperament is responsible for winning a
race.

______________ 12. From the time the bell rings and the gates opens, the excitement of the crowd
sets the mood for an exciting day at the races.
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 Let’s Practice – Subject / Verb Agreement II

Underline the verb that agrees in number with its subject.

1. Everyone in the class (was, were) to give a report.

2. Either Felicia or Ellen (is, are) planning a hobo party.
3. (Does, Do) either of them know how to swim?
4. (Does, Do) Allen or the girls in the class know why radium glows in the dark?
5. The length of these boats (are, is) twenty feet.
6. The number of immigrants in the United States (is, are) astounding.
7. Inside the door (stands, stand) severely undernourished kittens.
8. In the last few months, everyone in the courses (has, have) had to fill out an additional form.
9. One of the players (is, are) hurt.
10. Around the corner (sits, sit) among a group of strangers three frightened children.
11. The students in the algebra class (have, has) finished taking the exam.
12. (Do, Does) either of the girls own a bicycle?
13. Each of those jackets (costs, cost) too much.
14. Every one of these planes (carries, carry) fifty passengers.
15. Judy, along with the rest of the girls, (has, have) already gone to the banquet.
16. Each of the organizations (has, have) a faculty sponsor.
17. The infantry, which fights with portable weapons, (constitutes, constitute) the largest division.
18. Either Jerry or his brothers (ask, asks) more questions than is necessary.
19 . Either the orchestra or the choir (gives, give) two free concerts a year.
20 . If you sit quietly, there (is, are) a greater possibility of seeing the rare bird.
21. My neighbor and closest friend (is, are) Susan Willis.
22. Kim, Chris, and my brother Ed (think, thinks) that the Steelers will win.
23. Nobody in our class (wants, want) to be the moderator of the meeting.
24. Every one of my friends (has, have) read this fascinating book about planets.
25. Along the road (sits, sit) hidden among the bushes two newborn puppies.
26 . Under the old boards (was, were) a frightened mouse.

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 Test Taking Practice
Find the underlined portion of the sentence that contains an error.
Approach each question methodically. Look specifically for errors in
subject-verb agreement.

1. Either the captain or the members of the crew on the ship was responsible for the accident that
a b c
had occurred during last night’s shift. No error
d e
2. Either James or the workers in the store believe that under the steps sit a lost puppy cowering
a b c
in fear and yelping for our attention. No error
d e
3. The teacher was adamant when he said that each of the students in the room are responsible
a b c
for the damaged equipment. No error
d e
4. The ladies living in the apartment next to my patio is planning to look for another job after
a b
their immediate supervisor retires from the company. No error
c d e
5. Each of the man’s children knows the value of money and frequently refers to the adage “A
a b
penny saved is a penny earned.” No error
c d e
6. Before they can make any decisions about the experiment, the boys in the chemistry class needs
a b c
to consult their data. No error
d e
7. Neither the students in the room nor the teacher know why the alarm suddenly began to sound
a b c d
so loudly in the halls. No error
e
8. There was reasons the man decided not to pursue the thief running from the store. No error
a b c d e
9. Even after Jeremy had worked at the store for months, neither his supervisor nor the store’s
a b c
owners of the large chain was aware of his superior work. No error
d e
10. Each of the children were supposed to be given awards at the end of the play. No error.
a b c d e

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A vocabulary study over the words in this passage follows this test. You should consider doing the
vocabulary study first, then taking this test. All subsequent vocabulary tests cover words you are sure
to see in your college studies and in your more difficult reading passages on the PSAT and SAT. You
will want to know them!

Passage Based Testing

The passage below contains underlined sections for you to consider editing
and revising. Choose the answer choice that best completes the sentence
according to conventional grammar standards. Look specifically for errors
in subject-verb agreement in this test.

As the sergeant looked over his new recruits, he was not 1. A) NO CHANGE
totally incurious about the backgrounds of the men he was B) encounters
to train, but he knew that the personal stuff would have to C) encountered
come later. At this time, he had other concerns that were D) encountering
paramount. He was cognizant of his responsibility for
preparing his fold for those imminent situations that each 2. A) NO CHANGE
of the soldiers ❶ encounter almost daily in the line of B) is
duty, and he was ready to get started. C) are
D) was
Decorousness, while appropriate in formal military
settings, ❷were not something he pressed upon his men, 3. A) NO CHANGE
nor did he want them to move in the opposite direction and B) expecting
❸
expects equality among all members. There is an order C) expect
and equilibrium in the dissemination of power. The men D) expected
would see this and would come to appreciate and rely
upon it. 4. A) NO CHANGE
B) are
Perhaps the most important aspect of being part of large C) were
teams ❹ is the cooperation that must exist among its D) was
members. Dissention among the men could be dangerous,
almost treacherous to a company of men whose ❺ life 5. A) NO CHANGE
depends upon their working together as a unit, and not as B) lives depend
separate individuals. At some time, each of the men C) lives depended
❻
exercise reserve and ❼ inhibits the ardor of his passions D) life depending
regarding an issue or a command.
6. A) NO CHANGE
The sergeant was not presumptuous enough to think he B) exercised
could train this group of young men without some amount C) exercises
of frustration and difficulty, but his intention was to D) exercising
prepare them to face dangerous situations and not be
called upon to retreat from their position. 7. A) NO CHANGE
B) inhibit
With a quick movement he made an about face, called his C) inhibited
men to attention, and began their arduous journey. D) inhibiting

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College Readiness Vocabulary
Definitions
1. ardor (AR dur) Definition: warmth or heat of emotion; extreme force, vigor, or energy
Synonyms: passion, intensity, fervor, enthusiasm, zeal
Derivatives: ardour, ardors
Overcome with ardor, she jumped into the arms of her fiancé.

2. cognizant (KOG nuh zunt) Definition: aware, having knowledge

Synonyms: au courant, conscious, informed, sentient
Derivatives: cognition, cognizable, cognizably, cognizance, cognize, cognized, cognizing
To be a successful politician, it is necessary to be cognizant of your community's needs.

3. concord (KON kord) Definition: agreement; concurrence in attitudes, consensus

Synonyms: concert, agreement, consensus, understanding
Derivatives: concordal, concordance, concordant, concordatory
The town council voiced its concord for the new ordinance and adjourned the meeting.

4. decorousness (DEK ur us ness) Definition: proper behavior

Synonyms: civility, decentness, modesty, propriety
Derivatives: decorous, decorously, decorum
Their good manners and decorousness made them a favorite with their professors.

5. despicable (des PIK uh bul) Definition: very bad, contemptible

Synonyms: pitiable, scurvy
Derivatives: despicability, despicableness, despicably
We thought he was a despicable person, until we learned that he had been framed for the murder.

6. equanimity (ee kwuh NIM uh tee) Definition: a calm temper, an even disposition
Synonyms: levelheadedness, aplomb, composure, confidence, poise, sangfroid
Derivatives: equanimous, equanimously
She was well-regarded for her equanimity and ability to settle disputes.

7. equilibrium (ee kwuh LIB ree um) Definition: a state of balance between opposing forces
Synonyms: balance, poise
Derivatives: equilibriums, equilibrize, equilibrate
The crew tried frantically to restore equilibrium to the small boat and prevent it from capsizing.

8. exigent (EK seh junt) Definition: urgent, requiring immediate attention

Synonyms: acute, critical, imperative, insistent, necessary
Derivatives: exigency, exigencies, exigence, exigently
Make sure you take care of your exigent needs first; everything else can be dealt with later.

9. fold (noun) (FOLD) Definition: a group bound together by common beliefs; fenced enclosure for sheep
Synonyms: congregation
Derivatives: folds
The nuns welcomed the young neophytes into their fold.

10. incurious (in KYOOR ee us) Definition: uninterested, lacking normal curiosity
Synonyms: callous, detached, impassive, indifferent, languid, phlegmatic, stoic, stolid
Derivatives: incuriosity, incuriously, incuriousness
Even those with the most incurious natures will be interested in the new exhibit about modern-day inventions.

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College Readiness Vocabulary
Definitions
11. lithe (LIETH) Definition: flexible and graceful
Synonyms: agile, lean, limber, nimble, pliable, supple
Derivatives: lithely
The ballerina was lithe and nimble, impressing everyone in the audience.

12. perfidious (pur FID ee us) Definition: calculated to deceive; deceitful; treacherous
Synonyms: betraying, insidious, recreant, unreliable
Derivatives:
The girl's perfidious nature stunned her teachers.

13. pithy (PITH ee) Definition: concise and meaningful

Synonyms: compendious, laconic, succinct, summary, terse
Derivatives: pithier, pithiest, pith
She was able to summarize her feelings into one pithy sentence.

14. portly (PORT lee) Definition: heavy or rotund in a stately manner, stout
Synonyms: ample, burly, corpulent, fleshy, rotund
Derivatives: portliness
The portly dog was happy to perform tricks in exchange for treats and belly rubs.

15. presumptuous (preh ZUMP choo us) Definition: brazenly overstepping bounds, arrogant
Synonyms: audacious, conceited, egotistic, insolent, pompous, pretentious, supercilious
Derivatives: presume, presumer, presumption, presumptive, presumptively, presumptuously, presumptuousness
He was fired for his presumptuous actions and stubborn attitude.

16. reserve (reh ZURV) Definition: self-restraint

Synonyms: reticence
Derivatives: reserved, reservedly, reserveless
The basketball player exhibited great reserve as he quietly exited the court.

17. retrogress (REH truh gres) Definition: to move backward, to degenerate

Synonyms: recede, retract, retreat
Derivatives: retrogressed, retrogressing, retrogression, retrogressive, retrogressively
Without consistent treatment, the patient's condition is likely to retrogress.

18. snippet (SNIP it) Definition: a small amount, morsel

Synonyms: bit, fragment, piece, smidgen, snip
Derivatives: snippiness, snippety, snippy
He made an inaccurate assumption based on a snippet of a conversation he had overheard.

19. unimpeachable (un im PEE chuh bul) Definition: not to be called into question, exempt from liability
Synonyms: irreproachable, blameless
Derivatives: unimpeachableness, unimpeachably, unimpeached
The mayor believed himself to be unimpeachable and beyond reproach.

20. woe (WOE) Definition: great sorrow, grief, or misfortune

Synonyms: affliction, anguish, dejection, hardship, rue, tribulation
Derivatives: woes, woebegone, woeful, woebegoneness, woefully, woefulness
Everyone was filled with a feeling of woe upon hearing of his neighbor's untimely death.

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College Readiness Vocabulary
Matching Test
Directions: Match the vocabulary word to its definition.

Practice 1

_____________1. ardor a. aware, having knowledge

_____________2. cognizant b. proper behavior
_____________3. concord c. a state of balance between opposing forces
_____________4. decorousness d. agreement; concurrence in attitudes
_____________5. despicable e. very bad, contemptible
_____________6. equanimity f. warmth of emotion; extreme force, or vigor
_____________7. equilibrium g. a calm temper, an even disposition
_____________8. exigent h. uninterested, lacking normal curiosity
_____________9. fold i. urgent, requiring immediate attention
_____________10. incurious j. a group bound together by common beliefs

Practice 2

_____________11. lithe k. brazenly overstepping bounds, arrogant

_____________12. perfidious l. to move backward, to degenerate
_____________13. pithy m. flexible and graceful
_____________14. portly n. a small amount, morsel
_____________15. presumptuous o. concise and meaningful
_____________16. reserve p. self-restraint
_____________17. retrogress q. calculated to deceive; deceitful; treacherous
_____________18. snippet r. heavy or rotund in a stately manner, stout
_____________19. unimpeachable s. great sorrow, grief, or misfortune
_____________20. woe t. not called into question, without liability

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College Readiness Vocabulary
Multiple Choice Test

Directions: Find the correct vocabulary word that fits the definition.

_____________1. great sorrow, grief, or misfortune

a. reserve b. snippet c. woe d. equanimity e. fold
_____________2. self-restraint
a. concord b. reserve c. equilibrium d. snippet e. equanimity
_____________3. a calm temper, an even disposition
a. snippet b. concord c. exigent d. equanimity e. woe
_____________4. brazenly overstepping bounds, arrogant
a. presumptuous b. incurious c. perfidious d. lithe e. pithy
_____________5. a small amount, morsel
a. fold b. woe c. reserve d. concord e. snippet
_____________6. urgent, requiring immediate attention
a. incurious b. exigent c. portly d. presumptuous e. perfidious
_____________7. to move backward, to degenerate
a. perfidious b. exigent c. reserve d. retrogress e. incurious
_____________8. not to be called into question, exempt from liability
a. pithy b. presumptuous c. exigent d. incurious e. unimpeachable
_____________9. heavy or rotund in a stately manner, stout
a. portly b. pithy c. lithe d. perfidious e. exigent
_____________10. flexible and graceful
a. lithe b. pithy c. decorousness d. despicable e. perfidious
_____________11. warmth or heat of emotion; extreme force, vigor, or energy
a. reserve b. woe c. exigent d. snippet e. ardor
_____________12. uninterested, lacking normal curiosity
a. exigent b. pithy c. incurious d. cognizant e. decorousness
_____________13. calculated to deceive; deceitful; treacherous
a. cognizant b. exigent c. presumptuous d. incurious e. perfidious
_____________14. proper behavior
a. presumptuous b. decorousness c. incurious d. perfidious e. lithe
_____________15. aware, having knowledge
a. exigent b. cognizant c. incurious d. pithy e. despicable

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College Readiness Vocabulary
Sentence Completion Test

Directions: Find the correct word from the box below to complete the sentences that follow.

ardor cognizant concord decorousness despicable

Exercise A equanimity equilibrium exigent fold incurious

_________________ 1. Nothing interested him anymore; since the loss of his job, he had become ________.
_________________ 2. My father was always careful to take care of our _________ needs first and his afterward.
_________________ 3. I don't feel as passionate about my art now; all my _______ for it has diminished.
_________________ 4. During the argument he lost all sense of _______ and became enraged.
_________________ 5. The hang glider struggled to restore _______ as the wind batted his small craft around.
_________________ 6. The shepherd kept the sheep together in the _____ where they could be safe and protected.
_________________ 7. The team was in complete _______; everyone agreed to reschedule the game.
_________________ 8. Never under-estimate the necessity of _______; good manners are always important.
_________________ 9. He went through life in a daze and was barely ______ of those around him.
__________ _____ 10. We have never met a more _________ person than that distasteful, lying thief.

Exercise B lithe perfidious pithy portly presumptuous

reserve retrogress snippet unimpeachable woe

_________________ 11. She was ill-equipped to handle her grief; she had never experienced such _____.
_________________ 12. I don't need very much fabric; this _________ will work just fine.
_________________ 13. It is a mistake to be ____________ in your actions and overstep your bounds.
_________________ 14. I find that short, _________ statements are more effective than drawn-out orations.
_________________ 15. The _________ cat jumped swiftly down from the counter, its leap swift and graceful.
_________________ 16. He was skilled at maintaining ______ under pressure and not showing his true feelings.
_________________ 17. His deceitful nature made it easy for the jury to see through his ______ lies.
_________________ 18. His behavior was __________; no one could find fault with his previous actions.
_________________ 19. Though he was short and overweight, the _________ man was still very agile.
_________________ 20. We thought his behavior was improving, but it actually began to _____________.

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 Answers for Subject-Verb Agreement

Check Your Answers - Agreement of Subjects and Verbs

Verb Sing./Pl.
Subject Verb
1. was singular 1. man is
2. look plural 2. children were
3. thinks singular 3. James asks
4. is singular 4. geese swim
5. were plural 5. boys run
6. ask plural 6. vacation lasts
7. Sam wants
8. one has
9. everything was
10. cars were
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Let’s Practice – Finding Prepositions
1. on 2. into 3. before, down 4. beside 5. on, above
6. into 7. under, on 8. on top of, in 9. for 10. with, onto
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Let’s Practice – Identifying Prepositional Phrases
1. Behind the (tree) on the (side) of the (bank) is the wagon.
2. The girl with the purple (flower) on her (skirt) was at the( park) in (Dallas) in the (middle) of the (day).
3. Along the (side) of the (road) lay a robin, all crusted with (dirt and debris).
4. Without a (doubt), the most critical factor in the (experiment) is the health of the (participants).
5. The dog in the (window) of the pet (shop) looked at us and barked for (attention).
6. The man on the bench under the (tree) is reading a book about the (discovery) of (America).
7. In spite of the torrential (rain), the troop marched through the (woods), following a trail of yellow (corn) left by
their (captain).
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Let’s Practice – Identifying Subjects and Verbs
correct 1. Long before the last freeze of the winter, come beautiful blooms of the violet.
incorrect 2. Throughout the room was the unbelievably loud and shrill cries of the child. (cries were)
incorrect 3. After the second course of their meal, the third course of the feast, which included cheeses, cream, and fruits,
were served. (course was served)
incorrect 4. Even after the encore the cheers of the attentive man in the audience was quite astounding. (cheers were)
incorrect 5. Quietly through the leaves of the tree comes the mournful chirps of the lonely bird. (chirps come)
correct 6. Only after the judge passes the sentence does the attorney for the defense feel he can relax.
incorrect 7. Far away from the crowd comes the muddy waters rushing past the flooded banks. (waters come)
correct 8. When the evening sun sets over the distant hills, few details of the newly blooming tree are seen.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Let’s Practice – Eliminating Prepositional Phrases
1. is 6. are 11. was
2. was 7. live 12. is
3. seems 8. make 13. is
4. looks 9. has 14. enjoy
5. are 10. encloses 15. Are
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Let’s Practice – Indefinite Pronouns as Subjects
1. (one) was 6. (somebody) was 11. (each) was 16. (someone) was
2. (one) seems 7. (each) is 12. (neither) lies 17. (everybody) has
3. (each) is 8. (one) was 13. (one) was 18. (each) was
4. (neither) has 9. (one) is 14. (everything) has 19. (neither) plays
5. (one) was 10. (one) was 15. (neither) is 20. (something) was

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Let’s Practice - Compound Subjects Joined by Or/Nor

1. (workers) were 6. (candidate) speaks 11. (assistant) attends 16. (brothers) ask
2. (employee) has 7. (one) erases 12. (friends) are 17. (girl) asks
3. (friends) were 8. (parents) are 13. (friends) have 18. (twins) have
4. (ladies) were 9. (column) was 14. (Avery) has 19. (boy) was
5. (men) are 10. (kittens) have 15. (father) was 20. (boys) were
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let’s Practice - Subject / Verb Agreement I

1. I John goes 7. C
2. I Several are 8. I horses are
3. I each needs 9. C
4. I one has 10. I reasons seem
5. C 11. I training and temperament are
6. I spectator tries 12. I gates open
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Let’s Practice – Subject / Verb Agreement II

1. was 7. stand 13. costs 19. gives 25. sit
2. is 8. has 14. carries 20. is 26. was
3. does 9. is 15. has 21. is
4. does 10. sit 16. has 22. think
5. is 11. have 17. constitutes 23. wants
6. is 12. does 18. ask 24. has
_________________________________________________________________________________

Test Taking Practice

1. b 2. b 3. c 4. b 5. e
6. c 7. c 8. a 9. d 10. b
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Passage Based Testing

1. b 2. d 3. c 4. a 5. b 6. c 7. a
_________________________________________________________________________________

Vocabulary Matching Test Answers

1. f 2. a 3. d 4. b 5. e 6. g 7. c 8. i 9. j 10. h
11. m 12. q 13. o 14. r 15. k 16. p 17. l 18. n 19. t 20. s
_________________________________________________________________________________

Vocabulary Multiple-Choice Tests Answers

1. c 2. b 3. d 4. a 5. e 6. b 7. d 8. e 9. a 10. a
11. e 12. c 13. e 14. b 15. b
______________________________________________________________________________

Vocabulary Sentence Completion Answers

1. incurious 2. exigent 3. ardor 4. equanimity 5. equilibrium
6. fold 7. concord 8. decorousness 9. cognizant 10. despicable
11. woe 12. snippet 13. presumptuous 14. pithy 15. lithe
16. reserve 17. perfidious 18. unimpeachable 19. portly 20. retrogress

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