Error Spotting - Subject Verb — Set 1
Questions 1–10 of 160
The team are playing well in today's match.
Correct Answer: A. The team are
The subject 'team' is singular and requires a singular verb 'is', not the plural verb 'are'. The correct sentence should read: 'The team is playing well in today's match.' In American English, collective nouns take singular verbs.
Neither of the students have submitted their assignments.
Correct Answer: B. have submitted
The indefinite pronoun 'neither' is singular and requires the singular verb 'has', not 'have'. The correct sentence should be: 'Neither of the students has submitted their assignment.' Pronouns like 'either', 'neither', 'each', and 'every' are always singular.
There is several reasons why we should reconsider this decision.
Correct Answer: A. There is
The verb 'is' does not agree with the plural noun 'reasons'. In inverted sentences starting with 'There', the verb must agree with the actual subject that follows. It should be 'There are several reasons.' The word 'several' is plural.
Each of the children were given a prize for their participation.
Correct Answer: B. were given
The indefinite pronoun 'each' is always singular and requires the singular verb 'was', not 'were'. The sentence should read: 'Each of the children was given a prize for their participation.' Even though we're talking about multiple children, 'each' emphasizes individuality.
The jury has reached their verdict after two hours of deliberation.
Correct Answer: D. No Error
The correct answer is 'No Error'. This sentence is correct. 'The jury' is a collective noun that takes a singular verb 'has', and 'their' is appropriately used as a singular pronoun in modern English. The entire structure demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement.
Either my brother or my parents is coming to the celebration.
Correct Answer: C. is coming
When using 'either...or', the verb agrees with the noun closest to it. Here, 'parents' is plural and closest, so the verb should be 'are coming'. The correct sentence is: 'Either my brother or my parents are coming to the celebration.'
What is the reason for their were absence yesterday?
Correct Answer: C. their were
'Their were' is grammatically incorrect. 'Were' is a verb while 'their' is a possessive pronoun. The correct form should be 'their absence' (possessive + noun). The sentence should read: 'What is the reason for their absence yesterday?'
The committee have approved the new budget proposal.
Correct Answer: B. have approved
The collective noun 'committee' is singular and requires the singular verb 'has', not 'have'. While some British contexts allow plural verbs with collectives, standard usage requires: 'The committee has approved the new budget proposal.'
Everyone in the class are expected to participate in the project.
Correct Answer: B. the class are
The pronoun 'everyone' is singular and requires the singular verb 'is', not 'are'. The correct sentence should be: 'Everyone in the class is expected to participate in the project.' Pronouns like 'everyone', 'someone', and 'anyone' are always singular.
Neither Susan nor her friends was willing to take the risk.
Correct Answer: C. was willing
With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearest noun. 'Friends' is plural and closest to the verb, so it should be 'were willing'. The correct sentence is: 'Neither Susan nor her friends were willing to take the risk.'