Error Spotting - Subject Verb — Set 4
Questions 31–40 of 160
There is numerous opportunities for career advancement in this organization.
Correct Answer: A. There is
In inverted sentences with 'There', the verb must agree with the plural noun 'opportunities'. It should be 'There are numerous opportunities'. The word 'numerous' is an adjective modifying the plural noun.
The staff of the hospital work efficiently to serve the patients.
Correct Answer: B. the hospital work
'Staff' is a singular collective noun that typically takes a singular verb 'works' in American English. The correct sentence should be: 'The staff of the hospital works efficiently to serve the patients.' In British English, 'work' might be acceptable, but American standard requires 'works'.
Neither the principal nor the teachers were informed about the sudden closure.
Correct Answer: D. No Error
This sentence is correct. With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearest subject 'teachers' (plural), so 'were' is the correct verb form. The entire construction demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement.
Every one of the applicants have been interviewed by the selection panel.
Correct Answer: C. have been
'Every one' is a singular phrase and requires 'has been', not 'have been'. The correct sentence should be: 'Every one of the applicants has been interviewed by the selection panel.' Although 'applicants' is plural, 'every one' is singular.
The collection of paintings are displayed in the museum's main gallery.
Correct Answer: B. paintings are
'Collection' is singular and requires 'is', not 'are'. The correct sentence should be: 'The collection of paintings is displayed in the museum's main gallery.' 'Of paintings' is a prepositional phrase that doesn't affect the singular nature of 'collection'.
Either of the solutions solve the problem effectively and efficiently.
Correct Answer: C. solve the problem
'Either' is singular and requires 'solves', not 'solve'. The correct sentence should be: 'Either of the solutions solves the problem effectively and efficiently.' Indefinite pronouns like 'either' and 'neither' are always singular.
The government policies along with new regulations has been implemented.
Correct Answer: C. has been
The main subject is 'policies' (plural). The phrase 'along with new regulations' is a parenthetical expression that doesn't affect the subject. The verb should be 'have', not 'has'. The correct sentence is: 'The government policies along with new regulations have been implemented.'
The list of required documents were sent to all applicants yesterday.
Correct Answer: C. were sent
'List' is the singular subject. The phrase 'of required documents' is a prepositional phrase and doesn't change the subject. The verb should be 'was', not 'were'. The correct sentence is: 'The list of required documents was sent to all applicants yesterday.'
There are a book and several magazines on the reading table.
Correct Answer: D. No Error
This sentence is correct. In an inverted sentence starting with 'There', the verb 'are' correctly agrees with the plural compound subject 'a book and several magazines'. The plural verb is used because there are multiple items.
Each student and teacher have been assigned a new identification card.
Correct Answer: B. and teacher have
When connected by 'and' with 'each' or 'every', the subject remains singular. The verb should be 'has', not 'have'. The correct sentence is: 'Each student and teacher has been assigned a new identification card.'