Subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of the English language, as it ensures clarity and coherence in communication. It is the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence concerning their number and person. This means that the verb must match the number and person of the subject, either singular or plural.
In this article, we will take a look at a few solved exercises of subject-verb agreement to help you understand this concept better.
Exercise 1:
The teacher, along with her students, (was/were) going on a field trip.
Solution: The correct answer is `were.` Even though the word `teacher` is singular, the phrase `along with her students` is plural. Therefore, the verb must agree with the plural subject, making the sentence: The teacher, along with her students, were going on a field trip.
Exercise 2:
Neither the books nor the pen (is/are) mine.
Solution: The correct answer is `is.` In this sentence, the word `neither` is used to denote two things that are not the case. Here, the subject is `neither the books nor the pen,` which is singular, so the verb `is` must agree with it.
Exercise 3:
Each of the players (has/have) their own tactics.
Solution: The correct answer is `has.` In this sentence, `each` is used to refer to individual players. Therefore, `each` is a singular subject, and the verb `has` must agree with it.
Exercise 4:
The committee (was/were) divided on the issue.
Solution: The correct answer is `was.` The word `committee` is a collective noun, which means it refers to a group of individuals as a single entity. Therefore, the verb must be in the singular form, making the correct sentence: The committee was divided on the issue.
Exercise 5:
My mom, as well as my dad, (is/are) coming to the party.
Solution: The correct answer is `is.` The phrase `as well as my dad` is just additional information, and the subject is `my mom,` which is singular. Therefore, the verb must agree with the singular subject, making the sentence: My mom, as well as my dad, is coming to the party.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of the English language that must be understood to ensure clear communication. It is crucial to pay attention to the number and person of the subject while selecting the verb to match it. By practicing exercises on subject-verb agreement, one can improve their language skills and avoid grammatical errors.