EASY GRAMMAR: CONCORD (continued)

Refer to our previous post on CONCORD for a refresher.

Here, we look at the use of Correlative Conjunctions with regard to Concord. Examples of Correlative Conjunctions are: Neither/nor and Either/or.

When two words (nouns or pronouns) are joined with a Correlative Conjunction, the verb 'obeys' the second word(the word closest to the verb). It means that if the second word is singular, it takes a singular verb. If it's plural, it takes a plural verb. Examples:

a. Neither the men nor their mother spends time reading.

'The men' is plural, while 'their mother' is singular. Therefore, the sentence takes the singular verb 'spends' in deference to the second phrase. This happens vice versa. Other examples include:

b. Either you or I am happy.

c. Neither Chike nor his teachers are here.

Note: Quantifiers like 'none' and 'each' go with singular verbs (verbs that end with 's'). Examples:

a. None of the boys has arrived.

b. Each of them is here.

c. None of my relatives has travelled.

Note: Idiomatic expressions, proverbs and other Wise sayings are left the way they are said. Rules of concord do not apply to them. Examples:

a. All is well that ends well.

b. Not all that glitters is gold.

c. A rolling stone gathers no moss

Next lesson: Phrasal Verbs

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LIFE Changer (Questions and Answers) Chapter 1

Chapter 1 What time does Ummi’s husband usually close from work?. Ummi’s husband usually closes from work by 5pm. Why does Bint’s mom often enter her children’s bedroom without knocking on the door? – She wanted them to get used to her presence and to always ensure they maintain good hygiene by keeping their room tidy always. How many credits did Omar get in his WAEC? – Omar got 7 credits in his WAEC including in English and mathematics at his first attempt . Who answered the Teacher’s first question ? – Bint What did Omar demand his siblings refer to him as. – Omar demanded Teemah and Jamilar call him “My Learned Brother” . Why didn’t Ummi tell her children a story about her experience in the university? Ummi’s refused to tell her kids a story about her experience in the university because she felt they were much too young to know about life on campus, especially her own experience. Who is Teemah – She is Ummi’s first Daughter and also her second child. Who is Bint? – Bint

Life Changer Chapters 2 and 3(QandA)

Chapter 2 What is Ummi’s full name? Her name is Ummi Ahmad. Why did Salma say lecturers and policemen are alike? Salma accused lecturers of being corrupt, saying they take bribes just like police officers. Why did Ummi feel uncomfortable while speaking to the HOD? Ummi felt uncomfortable because the HOD referred to her as “my dear”. Why was Salma in shock moments after her discussion with a certain young man on the queue? Salma was surprised to find out that the young man she gossiped with turned out to be the lecturer they have all been waiting for. Why was Ummi scared of young male lecturers? Ummi wasn’t comfortable around young male lecturers because Salma had warned her that they always want to date female students and extort money from the guys. What tribe is Dr. Samuel Johnson from? Ummi’s HOD, Dr. Samuel Johnson is a Yoruba man. What is Ummi’s HOD’s name? Ummi’s HOD’s name is Dr. Samuel Johnson. Why was Ummi in shock when she met the HOD? Ummi was surprised to find out her HOD

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