Final answer:
The sentence that uses correct subject-verb agreement is 'Either Julio or Kathy usually plans a holiday party.' It follows the rule that with compound subjects connected by 'or' or 'nor', the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is closer to the verb. Option B is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Subject-verb agreement is a convention of standard English grammar that requires the subject and verb in a sentence to match in number. This means that a singular subject pairs with a singular verb, while a plural subject pairs with a plural verb. When the subject is compound (connected by and), the verb usually takes the plural form. However, when a compound subject represents a single item or idea, it takes a singular verb. Moreover, if the compound subjects are connected by or or nor, the verb should agree with the part of the subject closer to the verb.
Let's review the student's question: 'Which of these sentences uses correct subject-verb agreement?' We will evaluate each option:
- a. Gifts, carols, and a party shows holiday spirit. (Incorrect: The compound subject is plural, so the correct verb should be 'show'.)
- b. Either Julio or Kathy usually plans a holiday party. (Correct: The compound subject is singular closest to the verb, so 'plans' is singular to match Kathy.)
- c. Both Julio and his mom works hard on the decorations. (Incorrect: The compound subject is plural, so the correct verb should be 'work'.)
Therefore, the sentence that demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement is option b: 'Either Julio or Kathy usually plans a holiday party.'