Subject-Verb Agreement

Lack of sleep and poor nutrition often _____ in the body’s breakdown. 

• results
• result

Answer explanation

AND between the two nouns makes it a plural subject

Neither the textbook nor the lectures ______ the kind of detailed information that the instructor regularly puts on exams.

• provides
• provide

Answer explanation

We conjugate the verb with the second item, which, in this case, is plural.

Having a goal, as well as a desire to fulfill the goal, ______ extremely important in a person’s future success.

• is
• are

Answer explanation

as well as a desire' isn't the same as using 'and'. We ignore this phrase so the subject is singular.

The build-up of gases in the air from burning large tracts of forest ______ to global warming.

• contributes
• contribute

Answer explanation

build-up' is our subject and it's singular. Ignore the prepositional phrases.

After slash and burn, there ______ not enough nutrients in the soil to support vegetation.

• is
• are

Answer explanation

With 'There… and 'Here…' type phrases, the subject is after the verb.

A safe and healthy environment ______ in the top three concerns of Canadians these days.

• ranks
• rank

Answer explanation

Even though there's an 'and', it's between the adjectives. This is a singular subject: environment.

Every child and adult who purchases a ticket ______ eligible to receive a voucher from one of our sponsors.

• is
• are

Answer explanation

Every is like each. It refers to one person even if it's every child and adult. Singular.

With less exposure to smoke ______ fewer illnesses and a stronger health care system.

• comes
• come

Answer explanation

The subject is after the verb and is plural.

Although downloading music and movies from the Internet ______ illegal, it is not practical to impose a harsh penalty.

• is
• are

Answer explanation

'Downloading' is singular.

Rising levels of C02 in the atmosphere ______ the growth of trees but ______ trees to die younger.

• increases, causes
• increases, cause
• increase, cause
• increase, causes

Answer explanation

'Levels' is plural and applies to both cases, so increase and cause.