Notes on "A Rushed Breakfast"

Basics of Subject-Verb Agreement

A singular noun takes the singular form of a verb, such as "is," while a plural noun takes the plural form, such as "are." This applies as well to the structure "there" + "be."

• There aren't any shirts in my drawer!
• Do you know if there is any strawberry jam left, Robert?

With an expression of quantity, such as "some of" or "half of," choose the form of the verb according whether the noun or pronoun following it is singular or plural.

• I think some of them are clean.
• Half of the grapefruit is left for someone else.

Words such as "every," "everything," and "everyone" always take a single verb.

• Everyone arrives at the kitchen table.
• One of my friends is waiting at the corner.

Causative Verbs

Causative verbs are used when someone is doing something for someone else. When the verb following a causative verb is in the -ed form (the past participle), the past participle functions as an adjective.

• The kids and Louise stand up together to get Becky's lunch made quickly.

For more on causative verbs, click here.

Expressions: making requests

Several different modal verbs are used to ask a question politely. "Can" is the most informal, used only in speech.

• Could you pour me some coffee, please?
• Who would like some orange juice?
• Can you pass the butter?