MATERI TOEFL 1 - SUBJECT VERB-AGREEMENT PART-1 / TRIK NGEBEDAIN SUBJECT PLURAL DAN SINGULAR

Introduction

This tutorial focuses on subject-verb agreement, an essential aspect of English grammar frequently tested in the TOEFL exam. Understanding how to differentiate between singular and plural subjects and their corresponding verbs is crucial for achieving a high score, particularly in the Written Structure and Error Recognition sections.

Step 1: Understand Subject-Verb Agreement

• Definition: Subject-verb agreement means that the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number (singular or plural).
• Singular Subjects: A singular subject refers to one person or thing. Example: "The cat runs."
• Plural Subjects: A plural subject refers to more than one person or thing. Example: "The cats run."

Practical Advice

• Identify the subject of the sentence first.
• Ask if the subject is one or more than one to determine verb form.

Step 2: Identify Singular and Plural Subjects

• Common Singular Subjects:
  • A single noun (e.g., "dog," "car")
  • Indefinite pronouns (e.g., "everyone," "somebody")
• Common Plural Subjects:
  • A plural noun (e.g., "dogs," "cars")
  • Indefinite pronouns (e.g., "many," "several")

Practical Tips

• Use a table to memorize examples of singular and plural subjects.
• Practice recognizing subjects in sentences to build confidence.

Step 3: Use the Correct Verb Form

• Singular Verbs: Typically, singular verbs end in 's' (e.g., "runs," "jumps").
• Plural Verbs: Plural verbs do not have an 's' ending (e.g., "run," "jump").

Common Pitfalls

• Remember that collective nouns (e.g., "team," "group") may take singular or plural verbs depending on context. Example: "The team wins" (singular) vs. "The team are arguing" (plural, in British English).

Step 4: Practice with Examples

• Example 1: "The dog barks." (singular subject with singular verb)
• Example 2: "The dogs bark." (plural subject with plural verb)
• Create your own sentences and identify the subject and verb forms.

Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement is vital for success on the TOEFL exam. By differentiating between singular and plural subjects and applying the correct verb forms, you can improve your grammar skills. For further practice, explore additional TOEFL materials and exercises. Keep practicing, and good luck with your studies!