Error Spotting - Subject Verb — Set 13
Questions 121–130 of 160
Neither the solution nor the advice were helpful in this situation.
Correct Answer: C. were helpful
With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearest subject 'advice' (singular), so the verb should be 'was'. The correct sentence is: 'Neither the solution nor the advice was helpful in this situation.'
There have been considerable progress made towards the goal.
Correct Answer: A. There have
'Progress' is singular (uncountable), so the verb should be 'has', not 'have'. The correct sentence is: 'There has been considerable progress made towards the goal.'
Either the doctor or the nurses are available for consultation.
Correct Answer: D. No Error
This sentence is correct. With 'either...or', the verb agrees with the nearest subject 'nurses' (plural), so 'are' is correct.
The jury have deliberated for hours and reached a verdict.
Correct Answer: B. have deliberated
'Jury' is singular and requires 'has', not 'have'. The correct sentence should be: 'The jury has deliberated for hours and reached a verdict.' In American English, 'jury' takes a singular verb.
Every one of the employees have received their year-end bonus.
Correct Answer: C. have received
'Every one' is singular and requires 'has', not 'have'. The correct sentence is: 'Every one of the employees has received their year-end bonus.' 'Every one' remains singular even with 'their'.
What is the list of applicants who was rejected?
Correct Answer: C. who was
The relative pronoun 'who' refers to 'applicants', which is plural, so the verb should be 'were', not 'was'. The correct sentence is: 'What is the list of applicants who were rejected?'
The committee of experts have reviewed all the submissions.
Correct Answer: B. experts have
'Committee' is singular and requires 'has', not 'have'. The correct sentence should be: 'The committee of experts has reviewed all the submissions.' 'Of experts' is a prepositional phrase that doesn't change the subject.
Neither of the two books explain the concept properly.
Correct Answer: C. explain the
'Neither' is singular and requires 'explains', not 'explain'. The correct sentence should be: 'Neither of the two books explains the concept properly.'
There is many reasons why the project failed.
Correct Answer: A. There is
In an inverted sentence, the verb must agree with the plural noun 'reasons'. It should be 'There are many reasons'. The adjective 'many' indicates plurality.
Either the parents or the child are at fault for the incident.
Correct Answer: C. are at fault
With 'either...or', the verb agrees with the nearest subject 'child' (singular), so the verb should be 'is'. The correct sentence is: 'Either the parents or the child is at fault for the incident.'