Fill in the blanks with a verb form that agrees with the subject or a pronoun that agrees with its antecedent.
1. The horse and carriage ………………….. waiting at the door.
The verb is singular when two or more nouns suggest one idea to the mind or refer to the same person or thing.
2. No nook or corner ……………………. left unexplored.
Two or more singular subjects connected by or require a singular verb.
3. The quality of the apples ………………………… not very good.
Here the proper subject is the singular expression ‘quality’ and hence the verb should be singular.
4. His knowledge of Indian languages ……………………….. commendable.
Here the proper subject is the singular expression ‘knowledge’ and hence the verb should be singular.
5. Excessive consumption of beverages such as tea and coffee …………………….adverse effects on health.
Here the proper subject is the singular expression ‘consumption’ and hence the verb should be singular.
6. The rise and the fall of the tide ……………………… due to the influence of the moon.
The verb is singular when two or more nouns suggest one idea to the mind or refer to the same person or thing.
7. Please allow John and ………………………. to go to the movies.
Here the noun John and the pronoun me are the objects of the verb allow. Pronouns used as objects should be in their object form.
8. He is as good a player as ……………………
Either I am or me is possible here. The subject pronoun is not normally used after ‘as’ without a following verb.
9. All passengers must buy …………………… tickets.
A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number, gender and person.
10. Every man must bear ………………….. own burden.
A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number, gender and person.
11. Each girl gave ……………………… own version of the story.
A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number, gender and person.
12. I am not one of those who believe everything ……………………. hear.
Here the pronoun 'they' refers back to 'those'.
Answers
1. The horse and carriage is waiting at the door.
2. No nook or corner was left unexplored.
3. The quality of the apples was not very good.
4. His knowledge of Indian languages is commendable.
5. Excessive consumption of beverages such as tea and coffee has adverse effects on health.
6. The rise and the fall of the tide is due to the influence of the moon.
7. Please allow John and me to go to the movies.
8. He is as good a player as me / I am.
9. All passengers must buy their tickets.
10. Every man must bear his own burden.
11. Each girl gave her own version of the story.
12. I am not one of those who believe everything they hear.
