Unit 16 Subject-Verb Agreement Answers

Unit 16 Subject-Verb Agreement Answers: Mastering the Rules

Subject-verb agreement is one of the fundamental aspects of English grammar that can make or break the readability and clarity of written communication. When there is a mismatch between the subject and verb, it can lead to confusion, ambiguity, and grammatical errors. Therefore, it is crucial to learn the rules of subject-verb agreement and practice them consistently.

This article provides answers to the exercises in Unit 16 of the subject-verb agreement module. By reviewing these answers, you can test your understanding of the rules and improve your mastery of this essential skill.

Exercise 1: Choose the correct verb form to agree with the subject in each sentence.

1. The group of students (was/were) excited about the field trip. Answer: were.

Explanation: The subject “group” is singular, but it refers to multiple individuals who make up the group. Hence, the verb “were” is the correct form to match the plural meaning.

2. Each of the apples (is/are) ripe. Answer: is.

Explanation: The subject “each” is singular and takes a singular verb form.

3. Either John or his brothers (is/are) coming to the party. Answer: is.

Explanation: The subject “either” is singular, and the noun closer to the verb (“John”) is also singular. Therefore, the verb “is” agrees with the singular subject.

4. The committee (has/have) approved the proposal. Answer: has.

Explanation: The subject “committee” is singular and takes a singular verb form, even though it consists of multiple members.

5. Many of the students (enjoy/enjoys) playing sports. Answer: enjoy.

Explanation: The subject “many” is plural, and the verb “enjoy” agrees with it.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct verb form from the parentheses to complete each sentence.

1. Neither the children nor the parents (was/were) satisfied with the school`s decision. Answer: was.

Explanation: The subject closer to the verb is “neither,” which is singular, so the verb “was” agrees with it.

2. The majority of the voters (has/have) cast their ballots already. Answer: have.

Explanation: The subject “majority” is singular in form but denotes a plural meaning, so the verb “have” agrees with the plural noun “voters.”

3. Each of the players (know/knows) the rules of the game. Answer: knows.

Explanation: The subject “each” is singular and takes a singular verb form.

4. A group of tourists (was/were) taking photos at the monument. Answer: was.

Explanation: The subject “group” is singular, even though it refers to multiple individuals, so the verb “was” agrees with it.

5. Not only the students but also the teacher (enjoys/enjoy) the school field trip. Answer: enjoys.

Explanation: The subject closer to the verb is “teacher,” which is singular, so the verb “enjoys” agrees with it.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential skill that can enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of your writing. Reviewing the rules and practicing them consistently can help you avoid common errors and communicate your ideas clearly and accurately. With the answers to these exercises, you can test your knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Keep learning and practicing, and you`ll achieve mastery of subject-verb agreement in no time!