+194.+ Remember that in the present time form the third person singular
takes the s-form, but the s-form is never used _except_ with the _third
person singular_. We often make the mistake of using the _s-form_ with a
_plural_ subject. Notice carefully the following sentences, and correct
the errors. All of the sentences are wrong.
1. The days is getting shorter.
2. The men has struck.
3. The trains was late.
4. These papers is written for you.
5. You was disappointed, wasn't you?
6. There is several coming.
7. The nights was dark and cloudy.
8. The clouds has gathered.
9. They was anxious to come.
+195.+ +When two subjects are connected by _and_, the s-form of the
verb must not be used+, unless both subjects refer to one person; as:
The president and the secretary (two persons) were late.
The president and secretary (one person) was elected.
+196.+ +But when the two subjects are connected by _or_ or _nor_
then use the s-form of the verb+; as:
Neither Germany nor Russia admits a war of offense.
Either the House or the Senate rejects the bill.
+197.+ +Never use the infinitive sign _to_ by itself+; as:
I have not written and do not expect _to_.
He has not gone nor does he intend _to_.
+198.+ +Never use don't for doesn't.+ The use of _don't_ for _doesn't_
is a very common mistake. _Don't_ is a contraction of _do not_ and
_doesn't_ of _does not_. When you are in doubt as to which to use, think
or speak the two words in full and see if the verb agrees with the
subject. _Do not_ is used with a plural subject, and _does not_ with a
singular subject. For example: _He don't believe me_. This sentence in
full would be, _He do not believe me_, which is incorrect. _He does not_
(_doesn't_) _believe me_ is correct. Or, _They doesn't believe me_. This
sentence in full would read, _They does not believe me_, which is
incorrect. _They do not_ (_don't_) _believe me_ is correct.
+199.+ +Do not use _has got_, or _have got_ for _must_.+ For
example, do not say, _We have got to go_. Say, _We must go_. Not, _He
has got to do what I say_; but, _He must do as I say_.
+200.+ +Do not say _had ought_.+ For example: _You had ought to know
better_. Omit the _had_; it is unnecessary and incorrect. Say, _You
ought to know better_.
+201.+ +Do not say _says I_ or _thinks I_.+
Says I, "Will you go?"
Says he, "That's what will happen."
Thinks I to myself, "I'll show you."
These are incorrect. Say instead:
I said, "Will you go?"
He said, "That's what will happen."
I thought, "I'll show you."