Let's start with an exercise to make sure we have this helping verb thing down pat. Because soon we'll move into verb agreement, and you really have to know verbs to get that right. And then you have to practice consistently, which I know you do because I read your writing all the time.
So, in the following sentences, pick out the verb and include all of its parts -- even the helpers. Keep in mind that the main verb can be just one word or more.
1. The proceeds from the fund drive should have been counted by now.
2. After all of her worries, Leslie was happy to pass the bar examination on her first try.
3. Sometimes a person's eyes will glow red in a color flash photograph.
4. Virtual reality can provide lifelike experiences as a cure for phobias such as fear of heights.
5. In spite of technology, meteorologists' forecasts often do go wrong.
6. Most people would have been glad for an offer like that.
7. Without a doubt, Fran has had an incredible streak of good luck lately.
See the answers in the post below.
So, in the following sentences, pick out the verb and include all of its parts -- even the helpers. Keep in mind that the main verb can be just one word or more.
1. The proceeds from the fund drive should have been counted by now.
2. After all of her worries, Leslie was happy to pass the bar examination on her first try.
3. Sometimes a person's eyes will glow red in a color flash photograph.
4. Virtual reality can provide lifelike experiences as a cure for phobias such as fear of heights.
5. In spite of technology, meteorologists' forecasts often do go wrong.
6. Most people would have been glad for an offer like that.
7. Without a doubt, Fran has had an incredible streak of good luck lately.
See the answers in the post below.
HOW VERBS AGREE WITH THEIR SUBJECTS
Every verb needs a subject. Verbs work almost the same way with any subject, but there's one exception. It's an important one that appears both in the present and present perfect tenses.
PRESENT
I talk.
Judy talks. She talks.
PRESENT PERFECT
I have talked.
Judy has talked. She has talked.
The change occurs because verbs agree with their subjects in number. Number means either singular or plural.
SINGULAR: refers to a single thing, such as a box, a book, a kitten, an elephant
PLURAL: refers to two or more things, such as boxes, books, kittens, elephants
In the present tense, the verb ends in -s or -es when the subject is a singular noun or he, she or it.
In the present perfect tense, when the noun is singular, the verb takes a helping verb has, which ends in -s, instead of have.
Let's take a closer look.
PRESENT TENSE
Singular subjects except I and you.
Plural subjects, along with I and you.
PRESENT PERFECT TENSE
Singular subjects except I and you.
Plural subjects, along with I and you.
Maybe this will help you remember:
Most babies/small children learn subject agreement by listening as they master the whole talking thing. It might start with "Baby want cookie," but then it turns into "I want a cookie."
Then they learn:
"I want a cookie. Daddy loves baby."
"He loves baby. The baby wants a cookie."
PRESENT
I talk.
Judy talks. She talks.
PRESENT PERFECT
I have talked.
Judy has talked. She has talked.
The change occurs because verbs agree with their subjects in number. Number means either singular or plural.
SINGULAR: refers to a single thing, such as a box, a book, a kitten, an elephant
PLURAL: refers to two or more things, such as boxes, books, kittens, elephants
In the present tense, the verb ends in -s or -es when the subject is a singular noun or he, she or it.
In the present perfect tense, when the noun is singular, the verb takes a helping verb has, which ends in -s, instead of have.
Let's take a closer look.
PRESENT TENSE
Singular subjects except I and you.
- The customer calls.
- Duty calls.
- He, she or it calls.
Plural subjects, along with I and you.
- Customers call.
- Duties call.
- You call.
- We call.
- They call.
PRESENT PERFECT TENSE
Singular subjects except I and you.
- A customer has called.
- Duty has called.
- He, she or it has called.
Plural subjects, along with I and you.
- Customers have called.
- Duties have called.
- I have called.
- You have called.
- We have called.
- They have called.
Maybe this will help you remember:
Most babies/small children learn subject agreement by listening as they master the whole talking thing. It might start with "Baby want cookie," but then it turns into "I want a cookie."
Then they learn:
"I want a cookie. Daddy loves baby."
"He loves baby. The baby wants a cookie."