Part 40 (2/2)

_Old forms_.--Seest, sawest, hast=ha(ve)st, wilt, mayst, mightst, art, wast.

When a verb has two or more subjects connected by _and_, it must agree with them in the plural. _A similar rule applies to the agreement of the p.r.o.noun_.

CORRECT THE FOLLOWING ERRORS.

+Model+.--Poverty and obscurity _oppresses_ him who thinks that _it is oppressive_.

Wrong: the verb _oppresses_ should be changed to _oppress_ to agree with its two subjects, connected by _and_. The p.r.o.noun _it_ should be changed to _they_ to agree with its two antecedents, and the verb _is_ should be changed to _are_ to agree with _they_.

Industry, energy, and good sense is essential to success.

Time and tide waits for no man.

The tall sunflower and the little violet is turning its face to the sun.

The mule and the horse was harnessed together.

Every green leaf and every blade of gra.s.s seem grateful.

+Model+.--The preceding sentence is wrong. The verb _seem_ is plural, and it should be singular; for, when several singular subjects are preceded by _each_, every_, or _no_, they are taken separately.

Each day and each hour bring their portion of duty.

Every book and every paper were found in their place.

When a verb has two or more singular subjects connected by _or_ or _nor_, it must agree with them in the singular. _A similar rule applies to the agreement of the p.r.o.noun_.

CORRECT THE FOLLOWING ERRORS.

One or the other have made a mistake in their statement.

Neither the aster nor the dahlia are cultivated for their fragrance.

Either the president or his secretary were responsible.

Neither Ann, Jane, nor Sarah are at home.

To foretell, or to express future time simply, the auxiliary _shall_ is used in the first person, and _will_ in the second and third; but when a speaker determines or promises, he uses _will_ in the first person and _shall_ in the second and third.

CORRECT THE FOLLOWING ERRORS.

I will freeze, if I do not move about.

You shall feel better soon, I think.

She shall be fifteen years old to-morrow.

I shall find it for you, if you shall bring the book to me.

You will have it, if I can get it for you.

He will have it, if he shall take the trouble to ask for it.

He will not do it, if I can prevent him.

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