Helping verbs and linking verbs agree with their subjects. When the subject is I, use am for the present tense and was for the past.

Examples:

I am impatient. I was a sailor.

When the subject is you, we, they or a plural noun, use are for the present tense and were for the past tense.

Librarians are helpful. We were lazy.

When the subject is it, she, he or a singular noun, us is for the present tense and was for the past tense.

She is a jogger. He was listening.

All compound subjects joined be and take the same verb form as plural nouns. Use are or we.

Andy and Kim were celebrating the holiday.

When compound subjects are joined by or, the verb agrees with the closer subject.

The boys or the girl is ready. The girl or the boys are ready

Using the space provided, write the correct form of verb in the parentheses.

1. I curious about Arbor Day. (am, are)

2. My teacher explaining the meaning of Arbor day (was, were)

3. An arbor an area with trees and shrubs. (is, are)

4. People recognizing the value of trees. (is, are)

5. The teacher or the students planting trees. (is, are)

6. We planning a special program for Arbor Day. (is, are)

7. The senators or the mayor making a speech. (was, were)

8. People planting trees along the main street. (was, were)

9. The trees small. (was, were)

10. The teachers and the students busy. (is, are)

11. The teacher or the students happy about the event. (is, are)

12. The trees ready. (is, are)

13. Many states and provinces now observing Arbor Day. (is, are)

14. It a legal holiday in many states. (is, are)