Fill in the blanks with a verb that agrees with the subject.
1He asked me whether either of the applicants ............... suitable.
Wrong!
After "either of the applicants", the verb is singular, so the correct answer is "was".
2Each of these minerals ............... found in India.
Wrong!
After "each of these minerals", the verb is singular, so the correct answer is "is".
3Many a man ............... died at sea.
Wrong!
The expression "many a" takes a singular noun and a singular verb, so the correct answer is "has".
4Either you or he ............... mistaken.
Wrong!
With "either you or he", the verb agrees with the nearer subject "he", so the correct answer is "is".
5Neither food nor water ............... given to the captives.
Wrong!
With two singular uncountable nouns joined by "neither... nor", the verb is singular, so the correct answer is "was".
6Physics ............... a branch of science.
Wrong!
The school subject "Physics" is treated as singular, so the correct answer is "is".
7The news ............... too good to be true.
Wrong!
The noun "news" is singular in meaning, so the correct answer is "is".
8"Plutarch's Lives" ............... an interesting book.
Wrong!
The book title "Plutarch's Lives" is treated as singular, so the correct answer is "is".
9The committee ............... submitted its report.
Wrong!
The collective noun "committee" is treated as one group here, so the correct answer is "has".
10Six miles ............... a long distance.
Wrong!
The measurement "Six miles" is treated as one whole amount, so the correct answer is "is".
11Justice as well as mercy ............... it.
Wrong!
With "as well as", the verb agrees with the first subject "Justice", so the correct answer is "allows".
12The house with its contents ............... insured.
Wrong!
With "with its contents", the verb agrees with the main subject "house", so the correct answer is "was".
Answers
- He asked me whether either of the applicants was suitable.
- Each of these minerals is found in India.
- Many a man has died at sea.
- Either you or he is mistaken.
- Neither food nor water was given to the captives.
- Physics is a branch of science.
- The news is too good to be true.
- “Plutarch’s Lives” is an interesting book.
- The committee has submitted its report.
- Six miles is a long distance.
- Justice as well as mercy allows it.
- The house with its contents was insured.