Subject-Verb Agreement Exercise and Practice with Explanation

Question 1: The team of engineers ____ working on a new project. a) is b) are c) has d) have Answer: a) is

Explanation: In this sentence, “team” is a collective noun and is treated as a single entity, so the correct verb is “is.”

Question 2: Neither the students nor the teacher ____ happy with the test results.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: When using “neither…nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closer to it, which is “students” in this case. Since “students” is plural, the correct verb is “are.”

Question 3: Each of the books ____ worth reading.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “Each” is a singular pronoun, so the correct verb is “is.”

Question 4: The group of friends ____ going to the movies tonight.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: Similar to the first question, “group” is a collective noun and takes a singular verb.

Question 5: My collection of stamps ____ on display in the museum.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “Collection” is a singular noun, so the correct verb is “is.”

Question 6: Each of the apples ____ rotten.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “Each” makes the subject singular, so the correct verb is “is.”

Question 7: The news ____ shocking to everyone.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “News” is an uncountable noun and takes a singular verb.

Question 8: The committee ____ divided in its opinion.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “Committee” is a collective noun, so the correct verb is “is.”

Question 9: Neither the cat nor the dogs ____ allowed in the house.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: The verb agrees with the subject closer to it, which is “dogs.” Since “dogs” is plural, the correct verb is “are.”

Question 10: A number of students ____ attending the seminar.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: b) are

Explanation: “A number of” is plural, so the correct verb is “are.”

Question 11: The company, along with its subsidiaries, ____ responsible for the project.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: The subject is “company,” and “subsidaries” is a parenthetical element that doesn’t affect the subject-verb agreement.

Question 12: Ten dollars ____ a reasonable price for that book.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “Ten dollars” is treated as a singular amount, so the correct verb is “is.”

Question 13: The flock of birds ____ flying south for the winter.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “Flock” is a collective noun, and it takes a singular verb.

Question 14: The variety of colours ____ stunning.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “Variety” is singular, so the correct verb is “is.”

Question 15: Mathematics ____ my favorite subject.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “Mathematics” is an uncountable noun and takes a singular verb.

Question 16: The number of accidents on this road ____ decreased over the years.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “The number of” is followed by a singular noun, so the correct verb is “is.”

Question 17: One of the apples ____ rotten.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “One” makes the subject singular, so the correct verb is “is.”

Question 18: The staff ____ working diligently to complete the project.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “Staff” is a collective noun and takes a singular verb.

Question 19: Politics ____ a sensitive topic to discuss.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: a) is

Explanation: “Politics” is singular and takes a singular verb.

Question 20: The group of musicians ____ playing their instruments.

a) is

b) are

c) was

d) were

Answer: b) are

Explanation: Here, “musicians” is the subject, and it is plural, so the correct verb is “are.”

Remember that subject-verb agreement is essential to ensure grammatically correct sentences.

Author

  • Muhammad Irfan Abid is a seasoned English grammar expert, educator, and content creator with over 10 years of experience in teaching and developing English language resources. As the founder of lenglishgrammar.com, he is passionate about simplifying complex grammar concepts for students, competitive exam aspirants, and ESL learners across the globe.

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