Flexibility in English / Common Errors (1)

Flexibility in English / Common Errors (1) (28:00)

When is a noun not a noun? And is improper agreement really like wearing plaid with stripes? Part one of this program summarizes the parts of speech and then looks at the ways in which one part of speech can be used syntactically as another. In part two, tiny animated dancers and other helpers provide examples of errors in subject/verb agreement and article/noun agreement. Idiom is also addressed. (28 minutes)

Introduction (00:35)
This program discusses how the versatility of the English language allows it to grow and the more common grammatical errors in subject verb agreement and article pronoun agreement.

Syntax for Proper Communication (01:40)
As a living breathing organism, the English language must change to stay alive. Syntax, the grammar of sentences, helps in proper communication if the rules are followed.

Parts of Speech (03:40)
Before knowing how words can work as different parts of speech, one needs to know the eight parts. For an example, the word "place" is used as a verb, noun, and adjective.

Nouns as Verbs and Verbs as Nouns (02:51)
Various examples are given on how to use the same word as both a noun and a verb.

Proper Subject/Verb Agreement (04:35)
"Subjects number" means the noun's number is either singular or plural and the verb agrees in number with its noun or subject. Various examples are given.

Difficult Subject/Verb Agreement (04:29)
Appositive phrases and collective nouns make subject/verb agreement more difficult.

Intervening Phrases and Clauses (03:10)
Intervening phrases and clauses make identifying the subject difficult since it is so far away from the verb. Compound subjects joined with "and" or "or" have different rules for agreement.

Agreement with Articles (03:01)
Indefinite article "a" is used before nouns beginning with consonants; "an" is used before nouns beginning with vowels. "The" is the definite article when talking about a particular noun.

Review of Syntax and Agreement (02:18)
To communicate correctly proper syntax is needed. The English language is very flexible and elastic. Focusing on the subject helps with correct agreement.