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English: Subject–Verb Agreement MCQs — English (page 2)

48 multiple-choice questions on English: Subject–Verb Agreement from English, each with the correct answer and, where available, a teacher's explanation. Read through them to revise the chapter, then practise the same questions one by one to test yourself.

26. The box of chocolates on the table.

  1. are
  2. is
  3. have been
  4. were

Answer: B) is

Explanation: The subject is "box" (singular); "of chocolates" does not change it. Subject–Verb Agreement · Basic agreement

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27. One of my friends a doctor.

  1. is
  2. have been
  3. are
  4. were

Answer: A) is

Explanation: "One" is the subject. Subject–Verb Agreement · Basic agreement

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28. Ali and Sara good friends.

  1. are
  2. was
  3. is
  4. has been

Answer: A) are

Explanation: Two subjects joined by "and" take a plural verb. Subject–Verb Agreement · Basic agreement

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29. The quality of these mangoes excellent.

  1. is
  2. were
  3. are
  4. have been

Answer: A) is

Explanation: The subject is "quality". Subject–Verb Agreement · Basic agreement

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30. The cost of the new buses very high.

  1. is
  2. are
  3. were
  4. have been

Answer: A) is

Explanation: The subject is "cost". Subject–Verb Agreement · Basic agreement

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31. Physics my favourite subject.

  1. is
  2. were
  3. are
  4. have been

Answer: A) is

Explanation: Singular in meaning. Subject–Verb Agreement · Tricky subjects

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32. The scissors on the table.

  1. is
  2. has been
  3. was
  4. are

Answer: D) are

Explanation: "Scissors" is plural. Subject–Verb Agreement · Tricky subjects

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33. Neither he nor I guilty.

  1. were
  2. are
  3. am
  4. is

Answer: C) am

Explanation: The nearer subject is "I". Subject–Verb Agreement · Either-or & neither-nor

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34. Twenty years a long time.

  1. are
  2. have been
  3. is
  4. were

Answer: C) is

Explanation: A period as one unit – singular. Subject–Verb Agreement · Tricky subjects

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35. Not only the captain but also the players tired.

  1. has been
  2. was
  3. is
  4. were

Answer: D) were

Explanation: "Not only … but also" – nearer subject "players". Subject–Verb Agreement · Either-or & neither-nor

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36. The teacher, along with his students, present.

  1. were
  2. was
  3. are
  4. have been

Answer: B) was

Explanation: With "along with" the verb follows the first subject. Subject–Verb Agreement · Tricky subjects

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37. Neither of the two answers correct.

  1. is
  2. have been
  3. were
  4. are

Answer: A) is

Explanation: "Neither of" takes a singular verb. Subject–Verb Agreement · Either-or & neither-nor

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38. Ten kilometres a long distance to walk.

  1. is
  2. were
  3. have been
  4. are

Answer: A) is

Explanation: Distance as one unit – singular. Subject–Verb Agreement · Tricky subjects

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39. Either the students or the teacher responsible.

  1. is
  2. were
  3. are
  4. have been

Answer: A) is

Explanation: Nearer subject "teacher" is singular. Subject–Verb Agreement · Either-or & neither-nor

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40. None of the information useful.

  1. have been
  2. were
  3. was
  4. are

Answer: C) was

Explanation: "Information" is uncountable, so singular. Subject–Verb Agreement · Tricky subjects

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41. The boys playing cricket.

  1. are
  2. was
  3. has
  4. is

Answer: A) are

Explanation: Plural subject. Subject–Verb Agreement · Basic agreement

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42. Every boy and every girl given a prize.

  1. was
  2. have been
  3. are
  4. were

Answer: A) was

Explanation: "Every … and every …" takes a singular verb. Subject–Verb Agreement · Tricky subjects

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43. A number of students absent today.

  1. are
  2. has been
  3. was
  4. is

Answer: A) are

Explanation: "A number of" = many → plural. Subject–Verb Agreement · Tricky subjects

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44. Bread and butter my favourite breakfast.

  1. were
  2. have been
  3. is
  4. are

Answer: C) is

Explanation: Two nouns that form one idea take a singular verb. Subject–Verb Agreement · Tricky subjects

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45. Many a student failed in this subject.

  1. are
  2. has
  3. have
  4. were

Answer: B) has

Explanation: "Many a" + singular noun + singular verb. Subject–Verb Agreement · Tricky subjects

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46. The number of students small this year.

  1. is
  2. have been
  3. are
  4. were

Answer: A) is

Explanation: "The number of" → singular. Subject–Verb Agreement · Tricky subjects

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47. The minister, as well as his secretaries, arrived.

  1. were
  2. are
  3. have
  4. has

Answer: D) has

Explanation: "As well as" does not make the subject plural. Subject–Verb Agreement · Tricky subjects

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48. Neither the teacher nor the students present.

  1. were
  2. was
  3. has been
  4. is

Answer: A) were

Explanation: The verb agrees with the nearer subject ("students"). Subject–Verb Agreement · Either-or & neither-nor

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