Error Spotting - Subject Verb — Set 15
Questions 141–150 of 160
Either the team or the individual players are responsible for the loss.
Correct Answer: C. are responsible
With 'either...or', the verb agrees with the nearest subject 'players' (plural), so 'are' is correct. However, the sentence is checking if this is acceptable. With plural nearest subject, 'are' is appropriate. This sentence is actually correct as written.
There is several issues to be addressed in the meeting.
Correct Answer: A. There is
In an inverted sentence, the verb must agree with the plural noun 'issues'. It should be 'There are several issues'. The word 'several' indicates plurality.
The statistics prove that the results are accurate and consistent.
Correct Answer: D. No Error
This sentence is correct. 'Statistics' can be plural (multiple stats) or singular (the field). Here it's plural with the verb 'prove', and 'results' is plural with 'are'. The structure is grammatically sound.
Neither of these approaches satisfy the fundamental requirements.
Correct Answer: C. satisfy the
'Neither' is singular and requires 'satisfies', not 'satisfy'. The correct sentence should be: 'Neither of these approaches satisfies the fundamental requirements.'
Every person, place, and thing have a unique identity.
Correct Answer: C. have a
When subjects are connected by commas and 'and' with 'every', the verb is singular. It should be 'has', not 'have'. The correct sentence is: 'Every person, place, and thing has a unique identity.'
What is the criteria for the selection of candidates?
Correct Answer: A. What is
'Criteria' is plural and requires 'are', not 'is'. The correct sentence should be: 'What are the criteria for the selection of candidates?' Though some use 'criteria' as singular in informal speech, standard grammar requires the plural verb.
Either the manager or the staff member have made the decision.
Correct Answer: C. have made
With 'either...or', the verb agrees with the nearest subject 'member' (singular), so the verb should be 'has'. The correct sentence is: 'Either the manager or the staff member has made the decision.'
There has been multiple instances where the system has failed.
Correct Answer: A. There has
The subject is 'instances' (plural), so the verb should be 'have', not 'has'. The correct sentence is: 'There have been multiple instances where the system has failed.'
The number of visitors at the museum are increasing every month.
Correct Answer: C. are increasing
'The number of' is singular and requires 'is', not 'are'. The correct sentence should be: 'The number of visitors at the museum is increasing every month.'
Neither the proposal nor the alternative plan have been approved.
Correct Answer: C. have been
With 'neither...nor' and both singular subjects, the verb should be 'has', not 'have'. The correct sentence is: 'Neither the proposal nor the alternative plan has been approved.'