Subject-Verb Agreement — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which sentence has correct subject-verb agreement? 'The list of names ___ posted on the bulletin board.'
A) are
B) have been
C) is
D) were
The subject is 'list' (singular), not 'names'. The prepositional phrase doesn't affect agreement, so the verb is 'is'.
2. Pick the correct verb: 'There ___ a new student and two visitors in our classroom today.'
A) is
B) are
C) was
D) has
The compound subject 'student and visitors' is plural, so the verb after 'there' must be 'are'.
3. Choose correctly: 'Neither my friends nor my brother ___ coming to the party.'
A) are
B) is
C) were
D) have
The closer subject is 'brother' (singular), so the verb is 'is'.
4. Which is correct? 'A pile of clean clothes ___ on top of the dresser.'
A) are sitting
B) is sitting
C) were sitting
D) have sat
The subject is 'pile' (singular), so the verb is 'is sitting'. Prepositional phrases don't change agreement.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. Either the principal or the teachers are going to lead the meeting.
The closer subject is 'teachers' (plural), so the verb is 'are'.
2. The collection of antique coins is worth a lot of money.
The subject is 'collection' (singular), so the verb is 'is'. The prepositional phrase doesn't affect agreement.
3. There are several reasons why we should arrive on time tomorrow.
The subject is 'reasons' (plural), so the verb must be 'are'.
4. Neither the students nor the teacher is aware of the schedule change.
The closer subject is 'teacher' (singular), so the verb is 'is'.
5. Here are the books you ordered from the school library last week.
The true subject is 'books' (plural), so the verb is 'are'.