Was or Were Subject Verb Agreement Worksheet Answers

Subject-verb agreement is an important aspect of grammar that ensures that the verb in a sentence matches its subject in number and person. When it comes to using “was” or “were” in a sentence, it is important to understand the rules and guidelines for using these verbs correctly.

In this article, we will go through a worksheet that includes several examples of sentences and ask you to choose between “was” or “were” as the correct verb to use. By the end of the worksheet, you will have a better understanding of how to use “was” and “were” in your writing.

Worksheet Questions

1. The dog (was/were) barking all night long.

2. The students (was/were) studying for their final exams.

3. The flowers in the garden (was/were) blooming beautifully.

4. The cars in the parking lot (was/were) all different colors.

5. The boy and his sister (was/were) playing in the yard.

6. The keys to the car (was/were) on the kitchen counter.

7. The children in the classroom (was/were) learning about math.

8. The birds in the trees (was/were) singing a beautiful melody.

9. The books on the shelf (was/were) stacked neatly.

10. The popcorn in the microwave (was/were) ready to be eaten.

Answers

1. The dog was barking all night long. (Singular subject “dog” requires a singular verb “was.”)

2. The students were studying for their final exams. (Plural subject “students” requires a plural verb “were.”)

3. The flowers in the garden were blooming beautifully. (Plural subject “flowers” requires a plural verb “were.”)

4. The cars in the parking lot were all different colors. (Plural subject “cars” requires a plural verb “were.”)

5. The boy and his sister were playing in the yard. (Compound subject “boy and his sister” requires a plural verb “were.”)

6. The keys to the car were on the kitchen counter. (Plural subject “keys” requires a plural verb “were.”)

7. The children in the classroom were learning about math. (Plural subject “children” requires a plural verb “were.”)

8. The birds in the trees were singing a beautiful melody. (Plural subject “birds” requires a plural verb “were.”)

9. The books on the shelf were stacked neatly. (Plural subject “books” requires a plural verb “were.”)

10. The popcorn in the microwave was ready to be eaten. (Singular subject “popcorn” requires a singular verb “was.”)

Conclusion

Understanding subject-verb agreement and how to use “was” and “were” correctly is essential when it comes to writing clear and concise sentences. By completing this worksheet, you should have a better understanding of how to use these verbs in your writing.

Remember to always match your verb with your subject in number and person. If you are still unsure about whether to use “was” or “were,” consult a grammar guide or ask a professional copy editor for assistance. With practice, you will be able to use these verbs with confidence and produce effective writing.