• Singular subject → Singular verb. Plural subject → Plural verb.

• Ignore extra words between the subject and verb.

• Prepositional phrases don’t change verb agreement.

• With "There" or "Here," the subject comes after the verb.

• In questions, the subject often follows the verb.

• "And" joins subjects → Use a plural verb.

• "And" as one unit → Use a singular verb.

• Singular subjects with "or/nor" → Singular verb.

• Plural subjects with "or/nor" → Plural verb.

• Mixed subjects (singular + plural) → Verb matches the closer subject.

• Units of measurement → Singular verb.

• Collective nouns → Usually singular.

• Titles of books, movies, etc. → Always singular.

• Infinitives ("to + verb") joined by "and" → Plural verb.

• Gerunds ("-ing" verbs) → Singular unless joined by "and."

• "Each," "Every," "No" → Singular verb.

• Most indefinite pronouns → Singular verb.

• Exceptions ("Both, Few, Many, Several, Others") → Plural verb.

• "All, Any, Most, Some" → Verb agrees with the noun after them.

• Final rule: Only the subject determines verb agreement.

Finding Subjects & Verbs

• Subject = The noun/pronoun doing the action.

  • Example: Janet washed the car. (Janet = subject)

• Verb = The action or state of being.

  • Example: He ran around the block. (Ran = verb)

Key Rules:

1. Infinitives ("to + verb") are not the main verb.

   • Example: He helped to build the roof. (Helped = main verb)

2. The subject comes before "of" phrases.

   • Example: A basket of apples adds freshness. (Basket = subject)

3. Find the verb first, then ask "who or what" does the action.

   • Example: The jet engine passed inspection. (Engine = subject)

4. Commands have an understood subject ("you").

   • Example: (You) Stop!

5. A sentence may have multiple subjects and verbs.

   • Example: He and I like cake. (He, I = subjects, like = verb)

Subject-Verb Agreement Rules:

1. Singular subjects → Singular verbs. Plural subjects → Plural verbs.

   • Example: She talks. vs. They talk.

2. "Or" / "Nor" → Verb agrees with the closest subject.

   • Example: Neither the plates nor the bowl goes on the shelf.

3. "And" joins subjects → Use a plural verb.

   • Example: A car and a bike are my transport.

4. Ignore extra phrases ("along with," "as well as").

   • Example: The politician, along with the reporters, is arriving.

5. "Each," "Everyone," "Someone" → Singular verb.

   • Example: Each of the girls sings well.

6. Percentages & fractions match the noun they describe.

   • Example: Fifty percent of the pie has disappeared. (Pie = singular)

   • Example: Fifty percent of the pies have disappeared. (Pies = plural)

7. "Either" & "Neither" as subjects → Singular verbs.

   • Example: Neither of them is available.

8. "Here" or "There" → Subject follows the verb.

   • Example: There are four hurdles to jump.

9. Sums of money & time → Singular verb.

   • Example: Ten dollars is a high price.

10. Collective nouns (team, staff) → Singular or plural depending on meaning.

• Example: The staff is in a meeting. (as one group)

• Example: The staff are arguing. (as individuals)

What is Propaganda?

• Biased information used to promote or harm a cause, person, or idea.

• Often misleading, found in ads, media, and politics.

• Recognizing it prevents manipulation.

Why It Matters

• Propaganda influences opinions and choices.

• Recognizing these tricks helps us think critically and avoid being misled.

Common Propaganda Techniques:

Name Calling – Using negative labels to discredit.

1. • Example: Calling an opponent “corrupt” without proof.

   • Ask: Who is making the claim? Is there evidence?

Glittering Generalities – Using vague, emotional words without proof.

1. • Example: “Our product is the best!”

   • Ask: What does this mean? Can it be proven?

Transfer – Linking a person/product with something positive or negative.

1. • Example: A politician posing with a national flag to seem patriotic.

   • Ask: Is the connection real or misleading?

Testimonial – A celebrity/influencer endorses a product or idea.

1. • Example: A famous athlete promoting a brand of shoes.

   • Ask: Do they really use it? Are they paid for this?

Bandwagon – Pressuring people to follow the crowd.

1. • Example: “Everyone is using this! Don’t miss out!”

   • Ask: Is this actually true? Do I need it?

Plain Folks – Powerful people acting "normal" to seem relatable.

1. • Example: A rich politician eating at a street food stall.

   • Ask: Is this real or staged?

Card Stacking – Showing only positives while hiding negatives.

1. • Example: An ad listing benefits but skipping side effects.

   • Ask: What’s missing? Is there another side?