SVA (Day 3)

The horse ____down the street. 

• walk

• walks

Answer explanation

Rule #01

Singular subject requires –s form of the verb; plural subject requires base form of the verb.

My lack of experience _______ me from accepting a leadership role.

• keeps

• keep

Answer explanation

Rule #02

A prepositional phrase intervening between the subject and the verb should be disregarded in choosing the correct form of the verb.

 

The leader as well as his supporters ___ to the same tribe. 

• belong

• belongs

Answer explanation

Rule #3

The separation of the subject from the verb by words such as along with, as well, including with, altogether with, besides, or not must be ignored when determining whether to use a singular verb (-s form) or plural verb (base form).

 

How _____ the flowers grown quickly?

• has

• have

Answer explanation

Rule #04

When a subject is preceded by the verb, be careful to locate the subject and make the verb agree with it. Remember also that here and there are never subjects.

 

A good father and a good mother ____ very lucky to have.  

• is

• are

Answer explanation

Rule #05

A compound subject joined by and usually requires a plural form of the verb; however, if it signifies only one person or thing, use a singular verb.

 

Either Eunice or Carmela ____ expected to replace Jean on the committee.  

• are

• isa

Answer explanation

Rule #06

A compound subject joined by or, either…or, neither…nor requires a singular or a plural verb depending on the subject nearer the verb.

 

Each of our class officers _____ a commitment to serve the classroom wholeheartedly.  

• make

• makes

Answer explanation

Rule #07

The pronouns each, everyone, everybody, every one, anyone, anybody, someone, and somebody are singular and require singular verbs. Do not be misled by what follows of.

 

Swimming in the ocean and playing drums ____ my hobbies

• is

• are

Answer explanation

Rule #08

When infinitives and gerunds are used as subjects, they are singular unless joined by and to become plural.

 

Two-thirds of the mailing list has been sent  

• have

• has

Answer explanation

Rule #09

With words that indicate portions                  percent, fraction, part, majority, some, all, none, remainder, and so forth                   look at the noun in your of phrase (object of the preposition) to determine whether to use a singular or a plural verb. If the object of the preposition is singular, use a singular verb. If the object of preposition in plural, use a plural verb.

 

The number of students _____ expected to complete their assignments.

• are

• is

Answer explanation

Rule #10

The expression the number of is followed by a singular verb while the expression a number of is followed by a plural verb.