Error Spotting - Subject Verb — Set 8
Questions 71–80 of 160
Every person and every animal need care and protection.
Correct Answer: C. need care
When subjects are connected by 'and' with 'every', the subject remains singular. The verb should be 'needs', not 'need'. The correct sentence is: 'Every person and every animal needs care and protection.'
Neither the teacher nor the students have finished the assignment.
Correct Answer: C. have finished
With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearest subject 'students' (plural), so 'have' is correct. However, when one subject is singular and one is plural, some consider the nearest subject rule problematic. The safest answer is 'have' agrees with 'students'. This construction is correct as written.
The cabinet with all its ministers are meeting today at noon.
Correct Answer: C. are meeting
'Cabinet' is the singular subject. The phrase 'with all its ministers' is parenthetical and doesn't change the verb. It should be 'is', not 'are'. The correct sentence is: 'The cabinet with all its ministers is meeting today at noon.'
Each of the committee members have their own office space.
Correct Answer: B. members have
'Each' is singular and requires 'has', not 'have'. Although 'their' is used, the verb must be singular. The correct sentence is: 'Each of the committee members has their own office space.'
There has been several complaints about the new policy.
Correct Answer: A. There has
In an inverted sentence with 'There', the verb must agree with 'complaints' (plural). It should be 'There have been several complaints'. The plural noun requires the plural form of 'have'.
The variety of flowers in the garden look beautiful in spring.
Correct Answer: C. look beautiful
'Variety' is singular and requires 'looks', not 'look'. The correct sentence should be: 'The variety of flowers in the garden looks beautiful in spring.' The head noun 'variety' determines the verb form.
Either my parents or my sister are going to help with the project.
Correct Answer: C. are going
With 'either...or', the verb agrees with the nearest subject 'sister' (singular), so the verb should be 'is'. The correct sentence is: 'Either my parents or my sister is going to help with the project.'
The data has been analyzed and the results are conclusive.
Correct Answer: D. No Error
This sentence is correct. 'Data' can be treated as singular (the collective data set), requiring 'has been analyzed'. 'Results' is plural, requiring 'are conclusive'. Both parts are grammatically appropriate.
Every one of these solutions are effective and practical.
Correct Answer: C. are effective
'Every one' is singular and requires 'is', not 'are'. The correct sentence should be: 'Every one of these solutions is effective and practical.' 'Every one' remains singular regardless of what follows.
Neither option, nor suggestion, nor complaint were considered important.
Correct Answer: B. nor complaint were
With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearest subject 'complaint' (singular), so the verb should be 'was'. The correct sentence is: 'Neither option, nor suggestion, nor complaint was considered important.'