These Jeans Are…A Pair of Jeans Is…
By the end: I can use agreement with jeans, trousers and pairs.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Choose a short recording.
Use the plural item
Jeans, trousers, shorts and glasses normally take plural agreement in these everyday meanings.
These jeans are new.
My glasses are on the desk.
Count a pair
A pair of counts one item or set. The singular word pair takes is.
This pair of jeans is new.
A pair of glasses is on the desk.
Count several pairs
Use pairs after two or more. Pairs takes are.
Two pairs of shorts are in the bag.
These pairs of shoes are on sale.
Guided practice
Say or write your answer first. Compare form and meaning with the model.
1. Complete: My trousers ___ black.
Compare a model and explanation
are
Trousers takes plural agreement.
2. Complete: This pair of trousers ___ black.
Compare a model and explanation
is
The main noun pair is singular.
3. Complete: Two ___ of jeans are here.
Compare a model and explanation
pairs
Two needs plural pairs.
4. Correct: These glasses is expensive.
Compare a model and explanation
These glasses are expensive.
Glasses takes are.
5. Correct: This jeans are new.
Compare a model and explanation
These jeans are new.
Use these with the plural item.
6. Count one item using pair: jeans.
Compare a model and explanation
a pair of jeans
Pair supplies the countable unit.
7. Ask about the location of your glasses.
Compare a model and explanation
Where are my glasses?
Use are with glasses.
8. Give both versions: new trousers, one pair.
Compare a model and explanation
These trousers are new. This pair of trousers is new.
The change in agreement follows the main noun.
A short conversation
Listen first, then open the transcript when useful.
Open the conversation transcript
A: Are these jeans yours?
B: Yes. That pair is mine too.
A: How many pairs have you got?
B: Three. Two pairs are blue and one pair is black.
Listening checks
Listen to each extract or open its transcript. These three questions have a separate score.
Mastery quiz
Choose the best answer for each situation. The score is out of eight.
Use it in your own words
Speaking 1
Describe jeans, trousers or glasses using plural agreement.
Reveal a possible response
My jeans are blue. My glasses are new.
Success check: Use are with the item names.
Speaking 2
Describe one pair and two pairs.
Reveal a possible response
This pair of shorts is clean. Those two pairs are old.
Success check: Match is/are to pair/pairs.
Put it all together
Pack for a trip. Mention three paired items and count at least one using pairs.
Reveal a possible response
My jeans are in the bag. One pair of shorts is clean. Two pairs of socks are on the bed.
Success check: Keep demonstratives, numbers and verbs consistent.
Take it with you
I can use agreement with jeans, trousers and pairs.