Errors in the Subject-Verb Agreement


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Errors in the Subject-Verb Agreement

Errors in the Subject & Verb Agreement:  When we are able to find the right subject and verb will help you correct errors of subject-verb agreement.

The subject of a sentence must agree with the verb of the sentence.They must agree in two ways:

1) In Number: Singular or Plural.

2) In person : First, Second and Third.

Main Rule : A singular subject (she, Bill, car) takes a singular verb (is, goes, shines), whereas a plural subject takes a plural verb.

A) Two singular subjects connected by or, either/or, or neither/nor require a singular verb.

  • My aunt or my uncle are arriving by bus today.  (Incorrect)
  • My aunt or my uncle is arriving by bus today.  (Correct)
  • B)  As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected by and :

  • A car and a bike is my means of transportation.  (Incorrect)
  • A car and a bike are my means of transportation.  (Correct)
  • But note these exceptions:

  • Breaking and entering is against the law. (Correct)
  • The bed and breakfast was charming.  (Correct)    In those sentences, breaking and entering and bed and breakfast are compound nouns.
  • C)  When a phrase comes between the subject and the verb, remember that the verb still agrees with the subject, not the noun or pronoun in the phrase following the subject of the sentence.

  • The student, as well as the committee members,  are excited.  (Incorrect)
  • The student, as well as the committee members, is excited. (Correct)
  • Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    Read the following sentence and identify and correct the errors.

    My aunt or my uncle are arriving by bus today. 

    Right Option : D
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    Read the following sentence and identify and correct the errors.

    Sonja and Jason was overjoyed that their names are anagrams of each other.

    Right Option : B
    View Explanation
    Explanation
    Question : 3

    Read the following sentence and identify and correct the errors.

    Neither the teachers nor the principal is going to the conference on bullying.

    Right Option : C
    View Explanation
    Explanation
     
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