Error Spotting - Subject Verb — Set 7
Questions 61–70 of 160
The pile of books were stacked neatly on the shelf.
Correct Answer: B. books were
'Pile' is singular and requires 'was', not 'were'. The correct sentence should be: 'The pile of books was stacked neatly on the shelf.' 'Of books' is a prepositional phrase that modifies the singular noun 'pile'.
Neither the doctor nor the nurses was available during the emergency.
Correct Answer: C. was available
With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearest subject 'nurses' (plural), so the verb should be 'were'. The correct sentence is: 'Neither the doctor nor the nurses were available during the emergency.'
What is the percentage of people who has voted in the election?
Correct Answer: C. who has voted
The relative pronoun 'who' refers to 'people', which is plural, so the verb should be 'have', not 'has'. The correct sentence is: 'What is the percentage of people who have voted in the election?'
Each book and magazine have been catalogued in the library system.
Correct Answer: C. have been
When subjects are connected by 'and' with 'each' or 'every', the subject remains singular. The verb should be 'has been', not 'have been'. The correct sentence is: 'Each book and magazine has been catalogued in the library system.'
The audience were enthusiastic about the performance throughout the evening.
Correct Answer: B. were enthusiastic
'Audience' is singular and requires 'was', not 'were'. The correct sentence should be: 'The audience was enthusiastic about the performance throughout the evening.' In American English, collective nouns take singular verbs.
The wages of the workers have not increased for three years.
Correct Answer: D. No Error
This sentence is correct. 'Wages' is plural and requires the plural verb 'have'. The entire construction properly demonstrates subject-verb agreement.
Neither of the two candidates were qualified for the position.
Correct Answer: C. were qualified
'Neither' is singular and requires 'was', not 'were'. The correct sentence should be: 'Neither of the two candidates was qualified for the position.'
Either the students or the teacher are responsible for the damage.
Correct Answer: C. are responsible
With 'either...or', the verb agrees with the nearest subject 'teacher' (singular), so the verb should be 'is'. The correct sentence is: 'Either the students or the teacher is responsible for the damage.'
There is several items in the shopping cart that you forgot to check.
Correct Answer: A. There is
In an inverted sentence, the verb must agree with the plural noun 'items'. It should be 'There are several items'. 'Several' indicates plurality.
The team of researchers have made a breakthrough discovery.
Correct Answer: B. researchers have
'Team' is singular and requires 'has', not 'have'. The correct sentence should be: 'The team of researchers has made a breakthrough discovery.' 'Of researchers' is a prepositional phrase that doesn't change the subject.