PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
WEEK 13 STYLE EXERCISES 7– SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT
SOME SUGGESTED ANSWERS

Exercise 1:

Rule 1. A verb must agree with its subject in person and number.
eg A box of light bulbs (was/were) dropped. (the subject is singular 'box' therefore the verb must also be singular 'was')

Exercise:
a. Both of them (know/knows) who is to blame.
b. This crowd of protestors (give/gives) the police a tough time.(the verb has to agree with the subject 'the crowd')

Rule 2. Singular subjects (compound subject) joined by the word ‘and’ are generally plural.
eg. Both the architect and the interior designer, like to push artistic boundaries. (the subject is joined by 'and' and so therefore the verb must be plural 'know').

Exercise 2: Where necessary, correct the verbs in the following sentences to ensure that they agree with the subject. You will get extra marks if you can identify the rule which explains your choice. The first one is done for you.

1. Comprehensive planning and following a budget is essential for financial success.

Answer: Comprehensive planning and following a budget are essential for financial success.

Reason: Singular subjects joined by ‘and’ require the plural form of the verb ‘to be’ (are).

2. Shirley as well as her mother and two sisters, are to go away on holidays tomorrow.

Answer: Shirley, as well as her mother and two sisters, is to go away on holidays tomorrow.

Reason: Phases like ‘as well as’, ‘in addition to’ etc do not make a singular subject plural. Shirley is a singular subject, therefore the verb is singular ‘is’.

3. ‘Hints on Gardening’ are an acceptable present for many households.

Answer: ‘Hints on Gardening’ is an acceptable present for many households.

Reason: Titles of works (‘Hints on Gardening’) mentioned terms, are singular 'is'.

Exercise 2: Underline the verbs in the following sentences and where necessary, correct them to make sure they agree with the subject.

1. A large consignment of eggs was/were sent to the market.('was' agrees with the singular collective noun 'consignment')

2. The boy as well as the older men, is/are expecting a wage increase. (after a subject joined by ‘either … or’, ‘neither … nor’, or ‘not only … but also’, the verb tends to agree with the subject nearest to it. Therefore, the verb should agree with the plural 'older men'.)

3. News was received that the proceeds of the dance was/were to be given to the hospital. (the subject is 'proceeds' which is plural therefore the verb is 'were').