GQ 1.4

rules for apostrophe

When a singular noun needs to show possession, put an apostrophe and an “s” at the end, e.g. Harry’s

• When a plural noun that ends in “s” needs to show possession, just add an apostrophe, e.g. cows’

• When a plural noun that does not end in “s” needs to show possession, add an apostrophe-s, e.g.

children’s

• Personal pronouns have specialized forms and do not get apostrophes, e.g. my, our, your, its

• Other forms of pronouns do get an apostrophe to show possession, e.g. someone’s

subject verb agreement

Subject-Verb agreement is the concept that singular subjects go with singular verbs while plural subjects go with plural verbs

• Usually only a concern for present tense verbs and third person subjects

• For most nouns, putting an “s” on the end makes the noun plural. For verbs, putting an “s” on the end makes them singular. They are opposites.

Examples: The dogs play in the yard. (plural)

The dog plays in the yard. (singular)

subject verb agreement rules

Example: Jim, who has a lot of work to do and not much

time to do it, is late.

• When two subjects are connected with an “or” or a “nor,”

the subject closer to the verb determines whether the verb

is singular or plural.

Examples: Neither the nuns nor the priest was present.

Neither the priest nor the nuns were present.

• Be careful how titles or compound nouns affect subject-verb

agreement.

Examples: Macaroni and cheese is what I want for lunch.

Pride and Prejudice is my favorite Jane Austen

novel.

• As long as you can pick out the subject and verb, you

should be able to get them to “agree” with each other.

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