Subject-Verb Agreement Quiz

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In sentences where a prepositional phrase appears between the subject and the verb, which element should the verb agree with?

The subject of the sentence, irrespective of the prepositional phrase. (correct)

The object of the preposition within the phrase.

The preposition itself.

The noun or pronoun closest to the verb.

Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement when the subject follows the verb?

Under the bridge is several homeless individuals seeking shelter.

Through the forest run a swift river.

In the garden grows a variety of flowers. (correct)

Around the corner was a group of children playing.

Identify the sentence where the subject-verb agreement is correct, despite the presence of a prepositional phrase.

The stack of books have been placed on the table.

The leader of the expeditions were experienced.

The box of chocolates are missing.

The set of instructions is clear and concise. (correct)

Which sentence correctly handles subject-verb agreement when the subject appears at the end of the sentence?

Here are the keys to the kingdom. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence that maintains correct subject-verb agreement in a situation where the subject is separated from the verb by a lengthy modifying phrase.

The intricacies of quantum physics, often misunderstood by laypersons, presents significant challenges. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement when using a phrase that does not act as a conjunction?

Our team captain, as well as a few of the players, is attending the awards banquet tonight. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Consider the sentence: 'The box of chocolates, including the dark chocolate truffles, are missing.' Why is the subject-verb agreement incorrect, and how can it be corrected?

The subject is 'box', which is singular, so the verb should be 'is'; the corrected sentence is: 'The box of chocolates, including the dark chocolate truffles, is missing.' (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences correctly applies subject-verb agreement, considering intervening phrases?

The set of instructions, in addition to the diagrams, facilitates the assembly process. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence where the subject-verb agreement is incorrect due to an intervening phrase that is meant to confuse the reader.

A collection of antique books, including first editions, are up for auction. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the sentence, 'The President, together with the First Lady, are attending the gala,' what correction, if any, is needed to ensure correct subject-verb agreement?

Change 'are' to 'is' because the phrase 'together with the First Lady' does not create a compound subject. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates correct pronoun-antecedent agreement?

Neither the manager nor the employees wanted to change his or her approach. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the nuances of formal writing, identify the sentence with the most precise and grammatically sound pronoun-antecedent agreement.

The board of directors made its decision after careful consideration; they announced it promptly. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following sentences does the pronoun fail to clearly refer to a specific, unambiguous antecedent?

After interviewing several candidates, the manager selected her. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Select the sentence that avoids gender bias while maintaining grammatical correctness in pronoun usage.

Every doctor should prioritize their patient's well-being. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence that uses a pronoun to accurately reflect a collective noun acting as a unit.

The flock of birds suddenly changed its direction. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences contains the correct usage of relative pronouns?

The car which he bought was a classic. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which revision most effectively clarifies the pronoun reference in the following sentence: "The committee members reviewed the proposal, and they ultimately decided to postpone it until the next meeting?"

After reviewing the proposal, the committee members ultimately decided to postpone action on the proposal until the next meeting. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Consider the sentence: "The dog chased the cat, but it escaped up a tree." Although grammatically correct, which revision improves clarity regarding the pronoun 'it'?

The dog chased the cat, but the cat escaped up a tree. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Evaluate which of the following sentences demonstrates the most precise pronoun-antecedent agreement, avoiding ambiguity?

Each of the students hopes he or she will be selected for the internship. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Assess which sentence uses pronouns most effectively to maintain clarity and coherence, considering the proximity rule?

The manager told the employee, 'I need to see improvements in your performance.' (C) Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence where the pronoun reference is LEAST ambiguous.

The car and the motorcycle collided, and the former was a total loss. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences avoids pronoun ambiguity through restructuring?

She found it too difficult to carry the heavy suitcase upstairs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which sentence is the pronoun's antecedent made most clear through strategic placement and agreement?

Although the painting was beautiful, the gallery decided to sell it. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Select the sentence that best demonstrates how to resolve a pronoun ambiguity issue by replacing the pronoun with a noun.

The city council denied the permit because the council members opposed the development. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the stylistic effect of beginning a sentence with a coordinating conjunction?

It introduces a conversational tone, often adding emphasis and drawing attention to the statement. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk associated with overusing coordinating conjunctions at the beginning of sentences?

It may dilute the impact of individual points and overwhelm the reader. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Beginning a sentence with a coordinating conjunction is considered acceptable when:

The situation calls for an informal, conversational style. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What grammatical error is mentioned as a potential consequence of misusing coordinating conjunctions at the start of sentences?

Sentence fragments (D) Signup and view all the answers

To effectively use FANBOYS at the beginning of sentences, a writer should prioritize:

Varying sentence structures and strategically emphasizing key points. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is the use of 'me' as a subject most grammatically acceptable?

Between you and me, I prefer chocolate. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of subjective pronouns in a compound subject?

She and I will present the findings. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following sentences is the possessive case used correctly to indicate joint ownership?

We went to John and Mary's houses. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence is grammatically correct, adhering to standard rules of pronoun case and order?

The teacher gave hall passes to Sarah and me. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Select the option in which the pronoun case is correct within the context of the sentence.

We students are planning a surprise party. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence where the pronoun 'I' is correctly used in a compound construction serving as the subject.

My brother and I are going fishing. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence accurately uses pronouns to refer back to the correct nouns?

Because it was fun, the dog chased the cat. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Analyze the following sentences and identify the one that correctly uses subjective and objective pronouns.

Between you and me, the project is doomed. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the sentences correctly uses pronouns in a way that maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity?

John told Bill, 'I need to study.' (C) Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence that correctly uses both subjective and objective case pronouns.

She and her sister went to the mall, and they bought me a gift. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates the most effective pronoun placement to avoid ambiguity?

Because the bicycle was old, it needed new tires; John decided to replace them. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following sentences is the politeness convention of ordering nouns and pronouns correctly observed?

My friend and I watched the movie. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence violates the politeness convention regarding the order of nouns and pronouns?

I and my sister baked a cake (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence best demonstrates correct pronoun usage and placement for clarity and politeness?

John and I went to the store, and he bought a book for me. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which sentence is the placement of the pronoun potentially confusing to the reader?

John told his brother that he needed to focus on studying. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence exemplifies the correct placement of pronouns relative to nouns for conveying politeness?

My friends and I organized the event. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences contains an error in pronoun usage related to politeness or clarity?

Me and my sister are going to the movies. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence where pronoun placement creates ambiguity.

The manager told the employee that he needed to improve. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence best utilizes pronoun reference to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity?

Although the car was old, it still ran well; the owner took good care of it. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates the most effective use of pronouns to maintain clarity and politeness?

John and I decided to sell the car. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Verb Agreement

The verb must agree with the subject in number (singular/plural).

Prepositional Phrase

A group of words starting with a preposition that gives more detail.