Fill in the blanks
1. The problems of the poor ……………………. often overlooked.
Correct!
Wrong!
Here the subject is the plural noun problems.
2. The quality of these apples ………………………. not very good.
Correct!
Wrong!
The subject is the singular noun quality.
3. The introduction of reforms ……………………… benefitted the nation greatly.
Correct!
Wrong!
The subject is the singular noun introduction.
4. His knowledge of Indian languages ………………………. commendable.
Correct!
Wrong!
The subject is the singular noun knowledge.
5. The state of his affairs …………………….. a cause of concern.
Correct!
Wrong!
The subject is the singular noun state.
6. …………………………. your father and mother at home?
Correct!
Wrong!
When two singular nouns are connected by and, the verb is plural.
7. He and I ……………………….. cousins.
Correct!
Wrong!
When two singular pronouns are connected by and, the verb is singular.
8. Time and tide ………………………. for no man.
Correct!
Wrong!
When two singular nouns suggest one idea, the verb is singular.
9. The rise and fall of the tide ………………………… due to lunar influence.
Correct!
Wrong!
10. The writer and painter ………………………. no more.
Correct!
Wrong!
When two singular nouns refer to the same person, the verb is singular.
11. The house, with its furniture and appliances, ……………………….. insured.
Correct!
Wrong!
Words joined to a singular subject by with, as well as and along with are parenthetical. Hence, the verb is singular.
12. The ship, with its crew, ……………………… sunk.
Correct!
Wrong!
Words joined to a singular subject by with, as well as and along with are parenthetical. Hence, the verb is singular.
Answers
- The problems of the poor are often overlooked.
- The quality of these apples is not very good.
- The introduction of reforms has benefitted the nation greatly.
- His knowledge of Indian languages is commendable.
- The state of his affairs was a cause of concern.
- Are your father and mother at home?
- He and I are cousins.
- Time and tide waits for no man.
- The rise and fall of the tide is due to lunar influence.
- The writer and painter is no more.
- The house, with its furniture and appliances, is insured.
- The ship, with its crew, has sunk.
