Fill in the blanks with a verb form that agrees with the subject.
1. The disabled ............................. God's special children.
The unemployed means all unemployed people. It is used with a plural noun.
2. The problems of the poor ........................................ often overlooked.
The subject is the plural noun causes.
3. The invention of fire ………………………. a major milestone in the history of mankind.
The subject is the singular noun invention.
4. His understanding of the situation ................................... remarkable.
The subject is the singular noun study.
5. Birds of a feather .............................. together.
The subject is the plural noun fruits.
6. The house with its furnishings ………………………..auctioned.
7. The boy along with his parents ……………………….. in the principal’s room.
8. He and I ……………………… friends.
When we connect two singular subjects with and, the verb should be plural.
9. Neither he nor she ………………………… there.
When we connect two subjects with neither/nor, the verb agrees with the subject close to nor.)
10. Either Mary or Martha ……………………… capable of doing this.
When we connect two subjects with either/or, the verb agrees with the subject close to or
11. Either James or Peter …………………………. to do the shopping.
When we connect two subjects with either/or, the verb agrees with the subject close to or
12. My friend and advisor …………………….. no more.
Here both nouns refer to the same person. Hence, a singular verb is used.
Answers
- The disabled are God’s special children.
- The problems of the poor are often overlooked.
- The invention of fire was a major milestone in the history of mankind.
- His understanding of the situation is remarkable.
- Birds of a feather flock together.
- The house with its furnishings was auctioned.
- The boy along with his parents was in the principal’s room.
- He and I are friends.
- Neither he nor she was there.
- Either Mary or Martha is capable of doing this.
- Either James or Peter has to do the shopping.
12. My friend and advisor is no more.
