More About Subjects, Action Verbs, and Linking Verbs Flashcards
What determines whether a verb is singular or plural?
The number of the subject (one = singular, more than one = plural)
How does a verb change with a singular subject?
Action verb ends in -s (e.g., “A bird sits on my windowsill”)
How does a verb change with a plural subject?
Action verb does not end in -s (e.g., “Two birds sit on my windowsill”)
What are some examples of irregular plural nouns that don’t end in -s?
Woman → Women
Tooth → Teeth
Man → Men
Mouse → Mice
How do linking verbs change between singular and plural subjects?
Singular: uses “is” (e.g., “The dog is frisky”)
Plural: uses “are” (e.g., “The dogs are frisky”)
Why is this sentence incorrect? “The mayor unlike his assistants are going to prison for fraud”
The subject is singular (mayor), so it requires a singular verb “is”
What are the different forms of “to be” in present tense?
I am
You (or we) are
He/She/It is
They are
What are the different forms of “to be” in past tense?
I was
You (or we) were
He/She/It was
They were
What is a preposition?
A word that connects and shows a relationship between a noun and other words
What are some helping words that combine with “be”?
Would
Could
Should
To
Can
Will
What’s the difference between “it’s” and “its”?
it’s = combination/contraction
its = possession
How do linking verbs create contractions?
By dropping letters and using an apostrophe
here + is = here’s
is + not = isn’t
What are verbs of the senses, and how do they relate to linking verbs?
Verbs of the senses are a type of linking verb that connect the subject to a descriptive state, describing how something looks, feels, sounds, tastes, or smells (e.g., “The cake looks delicious”)
What is the function of a linking verb?
To link the subject to an action or descriptive word, showing the state of being or condition of the subject
How do linking verbs show different time perspectives?
Present: is/am/are
Past: was/were
Future: will be
