Subject-Verb Agreement — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The number of students absent today is smaller than the number recorded yesterday morning.
'The number of' is always singular because it names one count, so it takes a singular verb.
2. A number of fifth graders are planning to volunteer at the community garden cleanup.
'A number of' is plural because it refers to multiple individuals, so it takes a plural verb like 'are.'
3. The group of hikers is resting by the waterfall before continuing along the marked trail.
Collective nouns like group, team, and family are singular when the members act together as a unit.
4. A group of researchers are disagreeing about how to interpret the surprising experimental data.
When a collective noun emphasizes individual actions or differences, it can take a plural verb in American English contexts.
5. The variety of fresh fruits at the market is what makes Saturdays special for shoppers.
'The variety of' acts as a singular subject because it refers to one collection considered as a whole.
6. A pair of binoculars is kept in the desk drawer for the after-school birdwatching club.
'A pair of' is singular because it refers to one combined object, even though it includes two parts.
7. The total of all donations collected during the food drive has surprised the principal.
'The total of' is singular because it refers to one summed amount, so it takes a singular verb like 'has.'
8. A handful of fifth graders have been chosen to lead the morning announcements next week.
'A handful of' is plural because it refers to several countable people, so it pairs with plural verbs.
9. The committee of teachers has released its decision about the upcoming spring field trip.
Collective nouns like committee take singular verbs when the group acts unanimously as one decision-making unit.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
The number of new books
→ is impressive this year
is impressive this year
A number of volunteers
→ are signing up daily
are signing up daily
The group of swimmers
→ swims laps every morning
swims laps every morning
A pair of scissors
→ needs sharpening soon
needs sharpening soon
'The number of' and 'a pair of' are singular; 'a number of' is plural; collective groups are singular when acting together.