Fill in the blanks with a verb that agrees with the subject.
1. The puppy or the kitten ………………………. the cheese.
When we connect two singular nouns with or, the verb is singular.
2. Neither you nor I ………………………. fit for this job.
When we connect two nouns or pronouns with neither/nor, the verb agrees with the noun/pronoun closest to nor.
3. Either he or you ………………………. to do the shopping.
When we connect two nouns or pronouns with either/or, the verb agrees with the noun/pronoun closest to or.
4. Neha …………………………… what to do after school.
5. The Chairman along with the Secretary …………………………. present at the meeting.
When we connect two nouns with along with, the verb agrees with the former.
6. Both the manager and the assistant manager …………………………… expected to be present at the meeting.
When we connect two singular nouns with and, the verb is plural.
7. One of my cousins …………………………. to be an archeologist.
Use a singular verb after one of.
8. A famous poet and singer ………………………. in this neighborhood.
Here both nouns refer to the same person; hence we use a singular verb.
9. The woman who …………………………. next door is a writer.
The verb or a relative clause agrees with its antecedent.
10. The price of essential commodities ……………………….. gone up.
Here the subject is the singular noun price.
11. A mother sparrow with her chicks ………………………. in that nest.
When two nouns are connected with 'with', the verb agrees with the former noun.
12. Neither answer …………………………… correct to me.
Use a singular verb after either or neither.
Answers
- The puppy or the kitten has eaten the cheese.
- Neither you nor I am fit for this job.
- Either he or you have to do the shopping.
- Neha doesn’t know what to do after school.
- The Chairman along with the Secretary was present at the meeting.
- Both the manager and the assistant manager are expected to be present at the meeting.
- One of my cousins wants to be an archeologist.
- A famous poet and singer lives in this neighborhood.
- The woman who lives next door is a writer.
- The price of essential commodities has gone up.
- A mother sparrow with her chicks lives in that nest.
- Neither answer seems correct to me.
