Subject-Verb Agreement — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Everyone in the fifth-grade classes are bringing a packed lunch tomorrow.
Corrected: Everyone in the fifth-grade classes is bringing a packed lunch tomorrow.
Indefinite pronouns like everyone, someone, anyone, and nobody are singular and require singular verbs such as 'is.'
2. Fix the sentence:
Both of the science projects displays creative ideas about renewable energy sources.
Corrected: Both of the science projects display creative ideas about renewable energy sources.
Indefinite pronouns like both, few, many, and several are plural, so they take plural verbs such as 'display.'
3. Fix the sentence:
Nobody in the cafeteria want the leftover spinach casserole from yesterday's lunch menu.
Corrected: Nobody in the cafeteria wants the leftover spinach casserole from yesterday's lunch menu.
Nobody, no one, and none-of-the-pronouns ending in -body or -one are singular and pair with singular verbs like 'wants.'
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Several of my classmates are joining the spring debate club after school this Thursday.
Plural indefinite pronouns such as several, both, and many require plural verbs like 'are.'
2. Somebody has left a colorful umbrella underneath the bench near the playground entrance.
Singular indefinite pronouns ending in -body take singular verbs, so 'has' agrees with 'somebody.'
3. Each of the gymnasts performs a unique floor routine for Saturday's regional competition.
The indefinite pronoun 'each' is singular, so the verb takes the -s ending: 'performs.'
4. Few of the migrating geese stay in our pond once the autumn weather arrives.
Few, many, both, and several are plural indefinite pronouns, so they pair with plural verbs like 'stay.'
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Explain why 'everyone' takes a singular verb even when the sentence mentions many people.
Sample answer: Even though 'everyone' suggests a group, it is grammatically singular because it refers to each person one at a time. That is why we say 'Everyone is ready' instead of 'are ready,' even when the group is large.
Indefinite pronouns ending in -one or -body are singular antecedents, so they require singular verb forms regardless of group size.
2. How do you decide whether 'all' takes a singular or plural verb in a sentence?
Sample answer: I look at the noun that follows 'all of the.' If it is countable and plural, like 'students,' I use a plural verb. If it is uncountable, like 'water' or 'homework,' I use a singular verb to match.
Pronouns such as all, some, none, and most can be singular or plural depending on whether their referent is countable or uncountable.