Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of the English language that is often taught in school. It is the foundation of sentence construction, and it entails ensuring that the subjects and verbs in a sentence agree in tense, person, and number. If there is a disparity between the subject and verb, it can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and ultimately bad grammar. This article will provide a few multiple-choice questions with answers to test your knowledge of subject-verb agreement.
1. Which of the following sentences demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement?
a) The dog and the cat runs in the park.
b) The dog and the cat run in the park.
c) The dog and the cat running in the park.
d) The dog and the cat has run in the park.
Answer: b) The dog and the cat run in the park.
Explanation: In this sentence, the subject is “the dog and the cat,” which is plural. Therefore, it requires a plural verb, which is “run.”
2. Which of the following sentences demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement?
a) Either the cookies or the cake tastes delicious.
b) Either the cookies or the cake taste delicious.
c) Either the cookies or the cake tasting delicious.
d) Either the cookies or the cake has tasted delicious.
Answer: b) Either the cookies or the cake taste delicious.
Explanation: In this sentence, the subject is “either the cookies or the cake,” which is singular. Therefore, it requires a singular verb, which is “taste.”
3. Which of the following sentences demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement?
a) The group of students is going to the museum on Thursday.
b) The group of students are going to the museum on Thursday.
c) The group of students be going to the museum on Thursday.
d) The group of students were going to the museum on Thursday.
Answer: a) The group of students is going to the museum on Thursday.
Explanation: In this sentence, the subject is “the group of students,” which is singular. Therefore, it requires a singular verb, which is “is going.”
4. Which of the following sentences demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement?
a) My sister and I is planning a surprise party for our mom.
b) My sister and I are planning a surprise party for our mom.
c) My sister and I planning a surprise party for our mom.
d) My sister and me are planning a surprise party for our mom.
Answer: b) My sister and I are planning a surprise party for our mom.
Explanation: In this sentence, the subject is “my sister and I,” which is plural. Therefore, it requires a plural verb, which is “are planning.”
5. Which of the following sentences demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement?
a) Each of the students have their own locker.
b) Each of the students has their own locker.
c) Each of the students having their own locker.
d) Each of the students were given their own locker.
Answer: b) Each of the students has their own locker.
Explanation: In this sentence, the subject is “each of the students,” which is singular. Therefore, it requires a singular verb, which is “has.”
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of English grammar that every writer should master. These multiple-choice questions are just a few samplings of the many types of questions that could be asked about subject-verb agreement. If you want to improve your writing skills and avoid common grammatical errors, keep practicing and pay attention to the details.
