Subject-verb agreement is an essential grammatical concept that every writer needs to understand. It refers to the proper matching of the subject and verb in a sentence, which is critical in ensuring that the message is conveyed effectively. The following subject-verb agreement MCQs (multiple-choice questions) with answers will help you test your knowledge of this concept.
MCQ 1: Which of the following sentences demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement?
a. The dog barks loudly at the mailman.
b. The dogs barks loudly at the mailman.
c. The dog bark loudly at the mailman.
d. The dog barked loudly at the mailman.
Answer: a. The dog barks loudly at the mailman.
Explanation: In this sentence, the subject (the dog) is singular, and the verb (barks) is also singular, which is correct subject-verb agreement.
MCQ 2: Which of the following sentences demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement?
a. The group of students were playing outside.
b. The group of students was playing outside.
c. The group of student was playing outside.
d. The groups of students were playing outside.
Answer: b. The group of students was playing outside.
Explanation: In this sentence, the subject (group) is singular, and the verb (was) is also singular, which is correct subject-verb agreement.
MCQ 3: Which of the following sentences demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement?
a. Either John or his siblings are coming to the party.
b. Either John or his siblings is coming to the party.
c. Either John or his sibling is coming to the party.
d. Either John or his siblings were coming to the party.
Answer: b. Either John or his siblings is coming to the party.
Explanation: In this sentence, the subject (John or his siblings) is compound and connected by the conjunction „or“. In such cases, the verb should agree with the subject closest to it, which is „siblings.“ Therefore, the singular verb „is“ is the correct choice.
MCQ 4: Which of the following sentences demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement?
a. The news about the hurricane are devastating.
b. The news about the hurricane is devastating.
c. The news about the hurricanes is devastating.
d. The new about the hurricanes are devastating.
Answer: b. The news about the hurricane is devastating.
Explanation: In this sentence, the subject (news) is singular, and the verb (is) is also singular, which is correct subject-verb agreement.
MCQ 5: Which of the following sentences demonstrates proper subject-verb agreement?
a. A number of students have failed the test.
b. A number of students has failed the test.
c. A numbers of students have failed the test.
d. A numbers of student has failed the test.
Answer: a. A number of students have failed the test.
Explanation: In this sentence, the subject (number) is singular, and the verb (have) is plural, which may seem confusing. However, the phrase „a number of“ is plural and requires the plural verb „have.“
In conclusion, proper subject-verb agreement is crucial in effective communication. These MCQs with answers serve as a quick assessment tool to test your understanding of this grammatical concept. Keep practicing to master this important language skill.