Grammar subject-verb agreement is a crucial aspect of the English language. It ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence match in number and person, helping the reader to understand the intended meaning of the sentence. As a copy editor, it is essential to have a solid understanding of grammar subject-verb agreement, as it can make a significant difference in the clarity and professionalism of the content you’re editing. One way to test your knowledge of subject-verb agreement is through multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Here are some MCQs for you to practice on grammar subject-verb agreement:
1. The group of tourists _____ excited to see the ancient ruins.
a) Is
b) Are
c) Were
d) Will be
Answer: b) Are
Explanation: The subject ‘group’ is plural, so the matching verb should also be plural. Therefore, the correct answer is ‘are.’
2. Neither the teacher nor the students _____ interested in the lecture.
a) Is
b) Are
c) Were
d) Will be
Answer: a) Is
Explanation: In this sentence, ‘neither’ is used to indicate a negative situation. Therefore, the matching verb should agree with the noun closest to it, which is ‘teacher.’ Since ‘teacher’ is singular, the correct answer is ‘is.’
3. Every afternoon, the dog and the cat _____ by the window.
a) Sit
b) Sits
c) Sat
d) Will sit
Answer: b) Sits
Explanation: In this sentence, ‘every’ is used to indicate a repetitive action. Therefore, the matching verb should agree with the singular subject ‘dog and cat,’ making the correct answer ‘sits.’
4. The cost of the product _____ too high for many customers.
a) Is
b) Are
c) Were
d) Will be
Answer: a) Is
Explanation: In this sentence, ‘cost’ is the subject and it is singular. Therefore, the matching verb should also be singular, making the correct answer ‘is.’
5. Both the lion and the tiger _____ from Africa.
a) Comes
b) Come
c) Came
d) Will come
Answer: b) Come
Explanation: In this sentence, ‘both’ is used to indicate two subjects. Therefore, the matching verb should agree with the plural subject ‘lion and tiger,’ making the correct answer ‘come.’
In conclusion, grammar subject-verb agreement is a critical aspect of the English language that cannot be overlooked. As a professional, it is essential to be aware of the correct usage of subject-verb agreement while editing content. Practicing MCQs on grammar subject-verb agreement can help you improve your knowledge and become a more competent editor.