Questions and Answers
Identify the correct verb form for the following sentence: 'Either the manager or the employees _____ responsible for the mistake.'
What is the correct verb to complete the sentence: 'The team _____ winning the championship this year.'
Which of the following sentences uses the subject-verb agreement correctly?
Choose the correct completion for this sentence: 'Mathematics _____ a challenging subject for many students.'
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Which sentence demonstrates the correct subject-verb agreement with collective nouns?
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Select the sentence that correctly uses subject-verb agreement with a compound subject.
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What is the correct verb for this sentence: 'None of the cake _____ left for the guests.'
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Identify the correct verb form: 'Either my parents or my sister _____ coming to the event.'
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Choose the grammatically correct sentence: 'Neither the cats nor the dog _____ interested in playing.'
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Which of the following uses subject-verb agreement incorrectly?
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Study Notes
Subject-Verb Agreement: Singular vs. Plural Subjects
- Definition: Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that the verb must match the subject in number (singular or plural).
Singular Subjects
- A singular subject refers to one person, place, thing, or idea.
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Rule: Use a singular verb form (usually ends in -s or -es in present tense).
- Examples:
- The cat runs fast.
- She reads a book.
- Examples:
Plural Subjects
- A plural subject refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
-
Rule: Use a plural verb form (does not end in -s or -es in present tense).
- Examples:
- The cats run fast.
- They read books.
- Examples:
Key Points
-
Indefinite Pronouns: Some indefinite pronouns are treated as singular (e.g., anyone, everyone) while others are plural (e.g., several, few).
- Singular Example: Everyone is welcome.
- Plural Example: Few are attending.
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Compound Subjects: When subjects are joined by 'and,' they are typically plural.
- Example: The dog and the cat are playing.
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Using 'Or' or 'Nor': When subjects are joined by 'or' or 'nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closer to the verb.
- Example: Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
-
Collective Nouns: A collective noun can be singular or plural depending on whether the group acts as one unit or as individuals.
- Singular Example: The team wins the game.
- Plural Example: The team are arguing among themselves.
-
Exceptions: Some nouns that appear plural may still take a singular verb (e.g., mathematics, news).
- Example: Mathematics is my favorite subject.
Tips for Correct Usage
- Identify the subject and determine if it is singular or plural.
- Choose the correct verb form that corresponds to the subject’s number.
- Be cautious with collective nouns and compound subjects to ensure proper agreement.
Subject-Verb Agreement Overview
- Subject-verb agreement is a grammatical rule ensuring the verb matches the subject in number, either singular or plural.
Singular Subjects
- Singular subjects denote one entity, whether a person, place, thing, or idea.
- Rule: Use a singular verb form, which often ends in -s or -es in present tense.
- Examples include:
- The cat runs fast.
- She reads a book.
Plural Subjects
- Plural subjects represent more than one entity.
- Rule: Use a plural verb form that does not end in -s or -es in present tense.
- Examples include:
- The cats run fast.
- They read books.
Key Points
-
Indefinite Pronouns: Some are singular (e.g., anyone, everyone) and some are plural (e.g., several, few).
- Singular Example: Everyone is welcome.
- Plural Example: Few are attending.
-
Compound Subjects: Subjects linked by 'and' are treated as plural.
- Example: The dog and the cat are playing.
-
Using 'Or' or 'Nor': The verb agrees with the subject closer to the verb.
- Example: Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
-
Collective Nouns: These can be singular or plural based on whether the group acts as one unit or individuals.
- Singular Example: The team wins the game.
- Plural Example: The team are arguing among themselves.
-
Exceptions: Certain nouns that appear plural take a singular verb, such as mathematics or news.
- Example: Mathematics is my favorite subject.
Tips for Correct Usage
- Identify the subject to determine if it’s singular or plural.
- Select the appropriate verb form that matches the subject's number.
- Pay attention to collective nouns and compound subjects to ensure correct agreement.
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Description
Test your knowledge on subject-verb agreement focusing on singular and plural subjects. This quiz will cover rules surrounding verb forms and include examples to help reinforce your understanding. Perfect for students looking to sharpen their grammar skills.
