Fill in the blanks with an appropriate verb form.
1. Neither praise nor censure ………………………. to affect him.
When we connect two singular nouns with neither/nor, the verb is singular.
2. Neither he nor his servants ……………………………. aware of the happenings.
When we connect a singular noun and a plural noun with neither/nor, the verb agrees with the number and person of the noun closest to it.
3. No house or shop ……………………………. left unsearched.
When we connect two singular nouns with or, the verb is singular.
4. Either he or I ……………………………… mistaken.
When we connect two nouns with either/or, the verb agrees in number and person with the noun closest to it.
5. Either you or he ……………………………… right.
When we connect two nouns with either/or, the verb agrees in number and person with the noun closest to it.
6. One of them ……………………………… agreed to come.
Here the subject is the singular noun one.
7. None of these books ……………………………. taught me anything worthwhile.
None is usually followed by a singular verb.
8. James, who ………………………….. my friend, has agreed to come with me.
The verb in the relative clause agrees with its antecedent in number and person.
9. I who …………………………….. your guardian will take care of you.
The verb in the relative clause agrees with its antecedent in number and person.
10. A lot of work ………………………………. to be done.
When a lot of is followed by an uncountable noun, the verb is singular in number.
11. A lot of people ……………………………….. to buy cars.
When a lot of followed by a plural noun, the verb is plural in number.
12. Plenty of books …………………………….. available on this subject.
Answers
1. Neither praise nor censure seems to affect him.
2. Neither he nor his servants were aware of the happenings.
3. No house or shop was left unsearched.
4. Either he or I am mistaken.
5. Either you or he is right.
6. One of them has agreed to come.
7. None of these books has taught me anything worthwhile.
8. James, who is my friend, has agreed to come with me.
9. I who am your guardian will take care of you.
10. A lot of work remains to be done.
11. A lot of people want to buy cars.
12. Plenty of books are available on this subject.
