Subject-verb agreement is one of the most important grammatical concepts that both native and non-native English speakers need to master. It can be quite challenging, especially when dealing with complex sentences or subject-verb disagreements that are not easily noticeable. In this article, we will discuss a very difficult subject-verb agreement quiz that will challenge even the most experienced grammar enthusiasts.
1. Neither the teacher nor his students _______ surprised by the results of the exam.
A. was
B. were
Answer: A. was
Explanation: The subject of the sentence is “neither the teacher nor his students,” which is singular. Therefore, the correct verb form is “was.”
2. Each of the boys _______ a new backpack for the school year.
A. need
B. needs
Answer: B. needs
Explanation: “Each” is a singular pronoun, and therefore requires the singular verb form “needs.”
3. The group of experts _______ a decision on the matter.
A. have
B. has
Answer: B. has
Explanation: “The group of experts” is singular, which requires the singular verb form “has.”
4. The number of students participating in the program _______ increasing every year.
A. is
B. are
Answer: A. is
Explanation: “The number of students” is singular, which requires the singular verb form “is.”
5. One of the students in the class, as well as the teacher, _______ anxious about the upcoming test.
A. is
B. are
Answer: A. is
Explanation: “One of the students” is the subject of the sentence, which is singular and requires the singular verb form “is.”
6. Either the boy or his sisters _______ responsible for the missing book.
A. is
B. are
Answer: A. is
Explanation: “Either the boy or his sisters” is singular, so the correct verb form is “is.”
7. The committee members, as well as the chairman, _______ to attend the meeting.
A. refuse
B. refuses
Answer: B. refuses
Explanation: “The committee members” is plural, but “as well as the chairman” is singular. In subject-verb agreement, it is important to consider the subject closest to the verb, which in this case is singular. Therefore, the correct verb form is “refuses.”
8. The couple, along with their children, _______ planning a vacation to Hawaii.
A. is
B. are
Answer: B. are
Explanation: “The couple” is singular, but “their children” is plural. In this sentence, both subjects are considered, so the correct verb form is “are.”
9. The daily newspaper ____ a useful source of information for many people.
A. is
B. are
Answer: A. is
Explanation: “The daily newspaper” is singular, so the correct verb form is “is.”
10. The majority of the students in the class _______ for the test to be postponed.
A. ask
B. asks
Answer: B. asks
Explanation: “The majority of the students” is considered a singular subject, so the correct verb form is “asks.”
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of English grammar that requires attention to detail. This quiz demonstrates that even the most experienced grammar enthusiasts can find it challenging at times. Through practice and a keen awareness of subject-verb agreement rules, you can master this concept and communicate effectively in writing.
