Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of English grammar that writers and editors must master. The agreement refers to the correspondence between the subject and verb in a sentence. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. In this article, we will discuss subject-verb agreement and provide a question bank to help you practice.
Subject-Verb Agreement: Rules to Remember
Here are some basic rules to remember when it comes to subject-verb agreement:
1. Singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs.
2. When the subject is a compound noun or pronoun, use a plural verb.
Example: The dog and the cat are sleeping.
3. When the subject is a collective noun, use a singular or plural verb depending on the context.
Example: The team is practicing. (singular verb)
The team members are practicing. (plural verb)
4. When the subject is a mass noun, use a singular or plural verb depending on the context.
Example: The flour is in the pantry. (singular verb)
The flours are in the pantry. (plural verb)
Subject-Verb Agreement Question Bank
Now that we have reviewed the rules of subject-verb agreement, let`s put our knowledge into practice. Here are some questions to test your understanding of the topic:
1. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
The group of students (is/are) excited for their field trip.
2. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
My friends and I (is/are) going to the beach this weekend.
3. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
The herd of cows (is/are) grazing in the field.
4. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
The news (is/are) always full of surprises.
5. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
The furniture in the living room (is/are) new.
6. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
The pack of wolves (is/are) howling at the moon.
7. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
The jury (deliberates/deliberate) for hours before reaching a verdict.
8. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
Neither John nor his friends (like/likes) to go to the movies.
9. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
The number of people attending the concert (is/are) expected to be high.
10. Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence:
The committee (debates/debate) the issue for hours before making a decision.
Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of English writing and editing. By mastering this grammar rule, you can make your writing more polished, professional, and easy to read. We hope that this article and question bank have helped you to improve your understanding of subject-verb agreement and to practice your skills.