Fill in the blanks.
1. Neither Sam nor his parents ……………………….. there.
When we connect a singular noun and a plural noun with neither/nor, the verb agrees with the noun closest to it.
2. Neither James nor his father ……………………..
When we connect a singular noun and a plural noun with neither/nor, the verb agrees with the noun closest to it.
3. The mother along with her children …………………………. waiting for the bus.
When we connect two nouns with along with, the verb agrees with the former.
4. Neither you nor I ……………………… right.
5. The politician and statesman ………………………. no more.
Here both nouns refer to the same person. This is evident from the fact that the article is used only once. Hence, we use a singular verb here.
6. The man as well as his wife …………………………. convicted.
When we connect two nouns with as well as, the verb agrees with the former.
7. Being able to speak several languages ………………………. an advantage.
Here the subject is a gerund phrase. In this case we use a singular verb.
8. Running ………………………. good for health.
When the subject is a gerund, the verb is singular.
9. Where they have gone ……………………… a mystery.
When the subject is a noun clause, the verb is singular.
10. The man and his wife …………………………………. waiting outside.
When you connect two singular nouns with and, the verb is plural.
11. Either he or you ……………………………. to go.
When we connect two pronouns with either/or, the verb agrees in number and person with the pronoun closest to it.
Answers
- Neither Sam nor his parents were there.
- Neither James nor his father smokes.
- The mother along with her children is waiting for the bus.
- Neither you nor I am right.
- The politician and statesman is no more.
- The man as well as his wife was convicted.
- Being able to speak several languages is an advantage.
- Running is good for health.
- Where they have gone is a mystery.
- The man and his wife are waiting outside.
- Either he or you have to go.
