Subject-Verb Agreement — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Choose the correct verb: "The group of students ___ ready for the test."
A) are
B) is
C) were
D) have been
The subject is "the group," which is singular even though it contains many students. Since "group" is one unit, it takes the singular verb "is."
2. Which sentence uses has or have correctly?
A) The mice has eaten the cheese.
B) She have a new red bicycle.
C) The teacher has graded all the papers.
D) They has finished their homework.
"The teacher" is singular, so it pairs with "has." If the subject were plural, like "the teachers," you would use "have" instead.
3. Choose the correct verb: "Each of the books ___ a different cover."
A) have
B) are having
C) has
D) were having
"Each" always means one at a time, so it is treated as a singular subject. Even though there are many books, "each" takes the singular verb "has."
4. Which sentence has an agreement error?
A) The baby sleeps in the crib.
B) We were late to the movie.
C) The players practices after school.
D) He reads a book every night.
"The players" is plural, but "practices" has an -s ending meant for singular subjects. The correct form would be "The players practice after school" without the -s on the verb.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The pile of dirty clothes is on the bedroom floor.
The subject is "the pile," not "clothes." Since "pile" is singular, it takes the singular verb "is" even though there are many clothes in the pile.
2. All of the cupcakes were gone before the party ended.
"All of the cupcakes" is plural because "cupcakes" names more than one item. Plural subjects use "were" in the past tense, not "was."
3. The captain of the team puts the trophy on the shelf.
The subject is "the captain," which is singular. The phrase "of the team" just describes which captain, so the verb still needs the singular form "puts."
4. Many animals at the shelter need new homes this month.
"Many animals" is plural because "many" tells you there is more than one. Plural subjects use the base form of the verb, so "need" is correct without -s.
5. One of my shoes is missing from the closet.
The subject is "one," which is always singular. Even though "shoes" is plural, the word "one" controls the verb, so "is" is correct.