Fill in the blanks.
1. The chairman as well as the secretary ………………………… present at the inauguration of the sports club.
Correct!
Wrong!
When we connect two singular subjects with as well as, the verb is singular.
2. The bunch of flowers ……………………….. fresh.
Correct!
Wrong!
Here the subject is the collective noun bunch of flowers. Collective nouns are usually treated as singular.
3. The poet and thinker ………………………. no more.
Correct!
Wrong!
Here both nouns refer to the same person. That is why we use the article only once.
4. Neither Sam nor his parents …………………………. to be involved in this.
Correct!
Wrong!
When we connect two nouns with neither/nor, the verb agrees with the noun closer to nor.
5. Sheela as well as her sisters …………………………. always on time.
Correct!
Wrong!
6. Every adult citizen ……………………….. a vote.
Correct!
Wrong!
Use a singular verb with each and every.
7. Either Shyam or Rahul ………………………….. to complete the assignment.
Correct!
Wrong!
When we connect two singular nouns with either/or, the verb agrees with the noun closer to or.
8. Neither James nor Stella ……………………….. submitted their assignment.
Correct!
Wrong!
9. Bread and butter ………………………… served for breakfast.
Correct!
Wrong!
When two nouns together express one idea, the verb is singular.
10. There ……………………. fifteen apples in the basket.
Correct!
Wrong!
11. Nobody ………………………… what he is going through.
Correct!
Wrong!
Use a singular verb after nobody.
12. …………………….. there anybody inside?
Correct!
Wrong!
Answers
- The chairman as well as the secretary was present at the inauguration of the sports club.
- The bunch of flowers looks fresh.
- The poet and thinker is no more.
- Neither Sam nor his parents seem to be involved in this.
- Sheela as well as her sisters is always on time.
- Every adult citizen has a vote.
- Either Shyam or Rahul has to complete the assignment.
- Neither James nor Stella has submitted their assignment.
- Bread and butter was served for breakfast.
- There are fifteen apples in the basket.
- Nobody knows what he is going through.
- Is there anybody inside?
