GRE

Subjects and verbs must agree in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs; plural subjects take plural verbs. This fundamental rule becomes complex in various constructions.

Compound subjects joined by "and" typically take plural verbs (The teacher and the student are present). However, when compound subjects refer to a single entity, use a singular verb (Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich). With compound subjects joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the nearer subject (Neither the students nor the teacher was prepared. Neither the teacher nor the students were prepared).

Collective nouns take singular verbs when the group acts as a unit (The committee meets weekly) and plural verbs when members act individually (The committee disagree among themselves).

Indefinite pronouns require careful attention. Singular indefinite pronouns include anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something. Plural indefinite pronouns include both, few, many, several. Some indefinite pronouns (all, any, most, none, some) are singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to.

Intervening phrases between subjects and verbs do not affect agreement. The subject, not words in prepositional phrases or other modifiers, determines verb number (The box of chocolates was delivered. The results of the experiment indicate success).

Inverted sentences place verbs before subjects. Identify the true subject to ensure agreement (There are many reasons for this decision. Here is the solution).

Titles of works, company names, and words referred to as words take singular verbs (The New York Times publishes daily. Economics is challenging).

Amounts and measurements take singular verbs when considered as units (Ten dollars is the fee. Three miles is a long distance).

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number, gender, and person. Singular antecedents require singular pronouns; plural antecedents require plural pronouns.

Compound antecedents joined by "and" take plural pronouns (Maria and John brought their books). With antecedents joined by "or" or "nor," the pronoun agrees with the nearer antecedent (Neither the manager nor the employees received their bonuses. Neither the employees nor the manager received her bonus).

Collective noun antecedents take singular or plural pronouns based on whether the group acts as a unit or as individuals (The team celebrated its victory. The team put on their individual jerseys).

Indefinite pronoun antecedents follow the same singular/plural rules as subject-verb agreement. Traditionally, singular indefinite pronouns took singular pronouns matching assumed gender. Contemporary usage increasingly accepts "they" as a singular pronoun for indefinite antecedents and when gender is unknown or nonbinary (Everyone should bring their notebook).

Sentence Structure

Sentences consist of subjects and predicates. The subject names who or what the sentence is about. The predicate contains the verb and provides information about the subject.

Simple sentences contain one independent clause (The experiment succeeded). Compound sentences join two or more independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions, semicolons, or semicolons with conjunctive adverbs (The experiment succeeded, and the researchers celebrated. The experiment succeeded; the researchers celebrated. The experiment succeeded; therefore, the researchers celebrated).

Complex sentences combine one independent clause with one or more dependent clauses (Although initial results were disappointing, the experiment ultimately succeeded). Compound-complex sentences contain at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause (Although initial results were disappointing, the experiment succeeded, and the researchers published their findings).

Dependent Clauses

Dependent (subordinate) clauses cannot stand alone as sentences. Noun clauses function as subjects, objects, or complements (What she discovered amazed everyone. I know that you understand). Adjective clauses (relative clauses) modify nouns and begin with relative pronouns or relative adverbs (The student who studied passed. The place where we met was crowded). Adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs and begin with subordinating conjunctions (She left because she was tired. Although he tried hard, he failed).

Phrases

Phrases are groups of related words lacking subject-verb combinations. Prepositional phrases begin with prepositions and end with objects (in the morning, with great enthusiasm). Verbal phrases contain verbals—verb forms functioning as other parts of speech.

Participial phrases contain present participles (verb + ing) or past participles (usually verb + ed) functioning as adjectives (Running quickly, she caught the bus. Exhausted by the journey, he collapsed).

Gerund phrases contain gerunds (verb + ing functioning as nouns) and serve as subjects, objects, or complements (Swimming laps builds endurance. She enjoys reading mysteries).

Infinitive phrases contain infinitives (to + verb) and function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs (To succeed requires effort. She has a plan to implement. He left early to catch the train).

Appositive phrases rename or explain nouns (My brother, a talented musician, performed last night).

Absolute phrases modify entire sentences and contain nouns plus participles (The game having ended, the crowd dispersed. Weather permitting, we will proceed).

Punctuation