Subject and verb agreement is a crucial aspect of the English language, ensuring clarity and coherence in your writing. Understanding how to match the subject with its corresponding verb can sometimes be a daunting task, but with a little practice and the right tools, you can master it in no time! In this article, we will provide you with an answer key to help you identify the correct agreement between your subject and verb.
The basic rule for subject and verb agreement is that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example, “The cat sits on the mat” uses the singular verb “sits” because the subject “cat” is singular. On the other hand, “The cats sit on the mat” uses the plural verb “sit” because the subject “cats” is plural.
Below are some examples and their corresponding answers to test your understanding of subject and verb agreement:
1. The girl _____ (plays/play) soccer every Saturday.
Answer: plays
Explanation: The subject, “girl” is singular and therefore requires a singular verb, which is “plays.”
2. The dogs _____ (barks/bark) at the mailman every day.
Answer: bark
Explanation: The subject, “dogs” is plural and requires a plural verb, which is “bark.”
3. The politician, along with his team, _____ (is/are) working on a new policy.
Answer: is
Explanation: Although “team” is plural, the subject is “politician,” which is singular. Therefore, the verb should also be singular, making “is” correct.
4. Either the cats or the dog _____ (is/are) causing the mess.
Answer: is
Explanation: The subject before “or” is singular, which means the verb should be singular. Therefore, “is” is the correct answer.
5. One of the students _____ (has/have) a question for the teacher.
Answer: has
Explanation: “One” is a singular subject, which requires a singular verb. Therefore, “has” is the correct answer.
6. The committee _____ (discuss/discusses) the new proposals tomorrow.
Answer: discusses
Explanation: “Committee” is a singular noun even though it refers to a group of people. Therefore, the verb should also be singular, making “discusses” the correct answer.
In conclusion, subject and verb agreement is a vital aspect of writing clear and concise sentences. By understanding this grammatical rule, you can ensure your writing is grammatically correct and easy to understand. Remember to always match the verb to the corresponding subject, whether it is singular or plural. With practice, you can master subject and verb agreement and create effective and compelling writing.