James Angs Really Useful Grammar Notes to common mistakes in PSLE English

Paper 2.

Agreement Frequently tested structures

1) Johnny, like his brother, enjoys swimming. (The verb enjoys is consistent with the first
subject Johnny.)

Steak and baked potatoes are not on Franks diet. (A compound subject takes a plural verb)

Fish and chips is Ryans favourite dish. (The subject Fish and chips is a compound subject
that acts as a single unit)

The two sisters, together with their mother, go to the market every morning to buy
vegetables. (The verb go is consistent with the first subject sisters)

The little boy, as well as his mother, walks to school everyday. (The verb walks is
consistent with the first subject boy)

The pack of wolves moves slowly towards its prey. (The subject pack of wolves is
singular)

2) Everybody likes the new toys that they receive at the party. (The subject Everybody is
singular form)

Neither Mr Tan nor his pupils are familiar with the rules of the new computer game. (The
verb are is consistent with the second subject pupils)

Either the boys or their father has taken the umbrella. (The verb has is consistent with the
second subject father)

Neither (None) of the twins wants to go to the zoo. (Neither, none and nobody will be
in singular form)

All the pupils in the school are to go to the assembly hall now. (The subject All will be in
plural form)

3) Stephanie wondered what happened when she heard the fire alarm ring so loudly in the
office. (The two verbs are used together and the second verb is present tense and in plural
form)

The boy saw the cat jump over the balcony.

The man deliberately made the old woman trip by pushing her suddenly.

The boy complained to his teacher when he saw the school bully disturb the girls yesterday.
4) Aunt Mary is taking me and my brother to the shopping mall. (Note the subject is me
and not I) To check for correct answer, read the two individual subjects on its own.

E.g. Aunt Mary is taking me. Aunt Mary is taking my brother.

The principal reprimanded me and Jennifer for talking during the morning assembly.
E.g. The principal reprimanded me. The principal reprimanded Jennifer.