Matching Subjects and Verbs Correctly

Khan Academy

This educational video provides a clear and accessible explanation of subject-verb agreement, a fundamental concept in English grammar. The narrator uses the analogy of a "square peg in a square hole" to illustrate the necessity of matching sentence parts correctly. The video breaks down the differences between singular and plural subjects and how they dictate the form of the verb, specifically highlighting the counter-intuitive rule that while plural nouns often end in "s," third-person singular verbs also end in "s." The video explores key grammatical themes including conjugation, singular versus plural forms, and the specific rules governing third-person singular verbs. It directly addresses the common confusion students face regarding why an "s" is added to verbs for singular subjects (e.g., "The dog barks") but removed for plural subjects (e.g., "The dogs bark"). Additionally, the video touches upon indefinite pronouns like "anyone," explaining why they are treated as singular subjects despite implying a group context. For educators, this video serves as an excellent tool for introducing or reinforcing grammar rules in upper elementary and middle school classrooms. The step-by-step strategy provided—finding the subject, determining if it is singular or plural, and checking for the "s"—gives students a practical method for self-editing. The visual use of a blackboard with clear color-coded text helps visual learners grasp the patterns of agreement, making it a valuable resource for writing workshops and grammar mini-lessons.