Grammar and Writing Standards: Subject-Verb Agreement and Sentence Completeness

Key idea: The speaker uses a real-world example to illustrate subject-verb agreement and shows how errors signal that the material wasn’t read.
Example from transcript: There’s an announcement in the biology class that you hate, and that you never walk in here, and I say, how are you? And you reply, I are fine. Nobody is gonna say that. The sentence demonstrates that the subject and the verb don’t agree.
Correction and stance:
- Correct form: "I am fine" (not "It is I am fine" or "I are fine").
- The speaker’s rule: Basically, don’t do that in anything you write to me; if I see stuff like that, zero points.
Significance: Demonstrates that subject-verb agreement is essential for readability and that grammar errors can signal a lack of attention to the material.
Practical takeaways:
- Always match the verb to the subject in each clause.
- Use the correct form for pronouns (I am, you are, he is, etc.).

Key idea: Incomplete sentences are a problem; sentences should have a complete predicate.
Transcript cues:
- Examples paraphrased from the talk include phrases like "You wouldn’t walk into the room, he answered the question, how are you?" and questions about obtaining a verb, followed by fragments like "and it would be an adjective".
Interpretation: These illustrate fragments or misplaced words that leave the sentence without a clear verb or complete meaning.
Guidance: Complete sentences with a clear verb and predicate; avoid sentence fragments.

Key idea: Be aware of observations that can counter an argument; anticipate possible objections.
Transcript cue: The line suggests considering counterarguments when presenting an argument.
Practical implication: In essays or discussions, include observations/evidence that address potential counterpoints and show how your position holds against them.

Transcript cue: "Okay. So we will be going to the library." indicates a planned follow-up activity.
Implication: Use library resources to reinforce reading comprehension, grammar practice, and evidence gathering.

Clear grammar and complete sentences are essential for effective communication in academics and professional settings.
The instructor’s penalties (e.g., zero) for grammar mistakes highlight accountability and the need to read and apply the material carefully.
Ethical/practical angle: Writing that demonstrates reading and understanding builds credibility and fairness in evaluation.

Ensure subject-verb agreement in every sentence.
Use the correct verb form for the subject (e.g., I am, you are, he is).
Write complete sentences with clear predicates; avoid fragments.
Anticipate counterarguments and integrate observations to address them.
Leverage library resources for practice and improvement.
Recognize that grammar mistakes can be read as a sign of not engaging with the material.

Everyday writing and exams benefit from disciplined grammar checks.
Real-world writing (emails, reports) relies on clarity through proper agreement and complete sentences.
The habit of preemptively countering objections strengthens argumentative writing.