Subject-verb agreement in noun phrases

How to use noun phrases with finite verbs

In every noun phrase, there is a modifier, head, and a qualifier. The head of a phrase is the only obligatory element in a phrase. In Introduction to noun phrase, I wrote that

Introduction to noun phrase

However, it is important to note that a noun phrase can ACTUALLY contain a finite verb. But the finite verb will be a part of the Qualifier. Remember the

The structure of a noun phrase is MHQ: M=Modifier; H=Head; Q=Qualifier.

The Head is the only obligatory part.

The Qualifier can be a relative clause. For example:

1. The man whose daughter you TEACH is a soldier.

   In this example, '‘the’ is the Modifier, ‘man’ is the Head, and ‘whose daughter you teach’ is the Qualifier. The Qualifier here is a relative clause that has a finite verb you ‘teach’.

2. I bought a new car that IS very fast.

3. I live in the city where I STUDY.

4. I like the woman who LIVES next door.

From the other examples above, we can observe that the finite verbs are in capital letters and they are parts of the relative clauses which serve as qualifiers of the noun phrases and are therefore part of the noun phrases. It is, therefore, imperative to foreground that a noun phrase, or any type of phrase, can have a finite verb; but the finite verb will be a part of the Qualifier.

In noun phrases, the subject-verb agreement is with the Head (the actual subject), and not with the Qualifier.
The Qualifier can be either a relative clause or a prepositional phrase.

Let’s look at these examples to buttress this truth.

1. The quality (subject) of your questions has always attracted attention.

   ‘of your questions’ is a prepositional phrase, and the head of the phrase is ‘quality’ which is singular and must therefore attract a singular verb.

   This is simple. What are we talking about? Are we talking about your questions or the quality? The quality! Of course. You gerrit?

2. The man (subject) who lives on the premises is here.

3. People (subject) who talk during movies are weird.

   ‘who talk during movies’ is a relative clause and a qualifier, not the head.

In the second example, the agreement with the verb will not be with the prepositional phrase; I mean it won’t be with ‘premises’ in ‘on the premises’ because that’s not the Head. The Head is ‘man’.

Furthermore, it is imperative to note that the Head of a noun phrase agrees with the verb, so when you use a noun phrase or see one used in a question, you must identify the head and use the correct finite verb.

Here’s a very tricky question below.

JAMB 2002

Fill each gap with the most appropriate option from the lists provided.The quality of your questions which ....... always attracted attention ....... never been in doubt.

• A. have / has

• B. have / have

• C. has / has

• D. has / have

You may leave your answer below in the comment section.

I hope I’ve been able to clarify some grey areas in the use of noun phrases.

I trust you enjoy reading this newsletter as much as I enjoy writing it to you. Till I write to you again. Don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water and minding your own business.

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With love and everything English,

Francis