Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which verb correctly agrees with its subject in the sentence: 'Many () that intelligence () what intelligence tests (___).'?
Which verb correctly agrees with its subject in the sentence: 'Many () that intelligence () what intelligence tests (___).'?
- argue, are, tests (correct)
- argues, is, test
- argue, is, test
- argues, are, tests
Identify the correct agreement in the phrase: 'The popularity of violent movies (___) the values of our society.'
Identify the correct agreement in the phrase: 'The popularity of violent movies (___) the values of our society.'
- reflecting
- reflects (correct)
- reflected
- reflect
Which option completes the sentence correctly: 'Neither my mother nor my father (___) a university degree.'?
Which option completes the sentence correctly: 'Neither my mother nor my father (___) a university degree.'?
- had
- has (correct)
- have
- having
What is the correct verb form in: 'One computer for two or three students (___) inadequate.'?
What is the correct verb form in: 'One computer for two or three students (___) inadequate.'?
Complete the sentence correctly: 'The number of academics working this summer (___) increased this year.'
Complete the sentence correctly: 'The number of academics working this summer (___) increased this year.'
In the sentence 'All the furniture in the classroom have to be moved for the exam', what is the correct verb agreement?
In the sentence 'All the furniture in the classroom have to be moved for the exam', what is the correct verb agreement?
Which sentence correctly identifies the subject-verb agreement?
Which sentence correctly identifies the subject-verb agreement?
In the sentence 'When is Christmas holidays scheduled on the school calendar?', what is the error with subject-verb agreement?
In the sentence 'When is Christmas holidays scheduled on the school calendar?', what is the error with subject-verb agreement?
What is the correct verb form for the sentence 'The last two competitions in the tournament is the most important'?
What is the correct verb form for the sentence 'The last two competitions in the tournament is the most important'?
In the statement 'There is a ninety percent chance of rain in today's forecast', what should be the correct verb?
In the statement 'There is a ninety percent chance of rain in today's forecast', what should be the correct verb?
Study Notes
Subject-Verb Agreement
- A subject and verb must agree in number. This means that a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
- Ensure that verbs accurately reflect the number of the subject.
Finding and Correcting Mistakes
- Circle the verb in each sentence.
- Underline the subject. Double underline the head noun.
- Check if the verb agrees with the subject.
- If the verb does not agree, change the verb.
Examples:
- All the furniture in the classroom have to be moved for the exam. (Incorrect)
- All the furniture in the classroom has to be moved for the exam. (Correct)
- Accommodation near university is easy to find. (Correct)
- The competition between the finalists was fierce. (Correct)
Complex Subjects
- Recognize that a subject can be a phrase or a clause. The verb should agree with the head noun in the subject phrase or clause.
Examples
- Marvin’s excuses for not having completed his research paper bore me. (Incorrect)
- Marvin’s excuses for not having completed his research paper bores me. (Correct)
- The women riding in the back seat of the car was not injured in the accident. (Incorrect)
- The women riding in the back seat of the car were not injured in the accident. (Correct)
Other Important Points
- Collective Nouns: When a collective noun refers to a group as a single unit, a singular verb is used. If it refers to the members of a group individually, use a plural verb
- Indefinite Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns can be singular, plural, or either. Pay attention to the subject matter and choose the appropriate verb.
- Either/Neither: When used as subjects, either and neither are singular and take singular verbs.
- There: There is not the subject; the subject follows there. Match the verb to that subject.
- Subject/Verb Separation: Don’t let intervening phrases or clauses confuse you; focus on the subject.
- Parenthetical Phrases: Phrases between the subject and the verb should be ignored when making subject-verb agreement decisions.
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Description
Test your understanding of subject-verb agreement rules. This quiz will help you identify mistakes in subject-verb pairing and improve your writing accuracy. Practice with examples and correct sentences to master this essential grammar skill.
