Verbs | Grammar, Usage & Correction
Correct the mistakes relating to the use of verbs in the sentences given below.
Neither Virat nor Shreyas ___ guilty for India’s loss.
- (a)
are
- (b)
is
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
Two or more singular nouns or pronouns connected by neither nor take a singular verb.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
The shop along with the inventory ___ sold.
- (a)
were
- (b)
was
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
When a singular noun or pronoun is joined to another noun or pronoun by with, the verb is singular.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
Each of the alleged rioters ___ caught.
- (a)
were
- (b)
was
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
A singular verb follows each.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
Neither of the students ___ interested in reading.
- (a)
are
- (b)
is
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
A singular verb follows neither.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
The police ___ still under the command of LG.
- (a)
are
- (b)
is
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
A collective noun in the singular may take the verb in the singular when it is thought to be a single entity.
Here, “police” is considered as a single unit.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
His colleagues as well as the manager ___ given appraisal.
- (a)
were
- (b)
was
Answer: Option A
Explanation :
When two subjects are joined by “as well as”, the verb agrees in number and person with the first one. ‘Colleagues’ is the first noun which is plural.
Hence, option (a).
Workspace:
The teacher as well as the students ___ the seminar.
- (a)
attend
- (b)
attends
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
When a singular noun or pronoun is joined to another noun or pronoun (singular or plural) by ‘as well as’, the verb is singular.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
Rajma and chawal ___ his favourite dish.
- (a)
are
- (b)
is
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
If two nouns joined by ‘and’ refer to the same person or thing, the verb is singular.
‘Rajma and chawal’ are both items of ‘food’ i.e. they refer to the same thing.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
The state of affairs in the city ___ such as to cause disturbance to normal life.
- (a)
were
- (b)
was
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
The verb should agree in number with the noun which is its proper subject. Here, the subject noun is “state” which is singular.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
Measles have broken out in the country.
- (a)
have
- (b)
has
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
The names of diseases take singular verbs.
Measles has broken out in the country.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
In the following questions, identity if the given sentence is correct or incorrect.
Poha and jalebi are the staple breakfast in Bhopal.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
If two different singular nouns express one idea, the verb should be in the singular form.
Poha and jalebi is the staple breakfast in Bhopal.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
Not only the prime-mister, but also his cabinet members was asked to resign.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
When not only - but also is used to combine two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject close to it.
Not only the prime-mister, but also his cabinet members were asked to resign.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
The cost of all grocery items have gone up
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
The verb must agree with the actual subject of the sentence.
‘Cost’ is the subject in the sentence (singular)
Hence the verb it takes is also singular.
The cost of all grocery items has gone up.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
A honest man and friendly neighbour have passed away.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
When two nouns are joined by ‘and’ and they refer to the same person or thing, the verb is singular.
A honest man and friendly neighbour has passed away.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
Sanjay as well as his brothers have gone to play.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
When the subject of the sentence consists of two nouns joined with “as well as”, then the verb agrees with the first subject.
Sanjay as well as his brothers has gone to play.
Hence option (b).
Workspace:
The 'Arabian Nights' are an interesting movie.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
‘Arabian Nights’ is the title of a movie and hence a singular verb should be used.
‘Arabian Nights’ is an interesting movie.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
Three miles are not a long journey for a marathon runner.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
When a plural noun denotes some specific quantity taken as a whole, it takes a singular verb.
Three miles is not a long journey for a marathon runner.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
The whereabouts of the mastermind behind the terrorist attach remains unknown.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option A
Explanation :
The given sentence is grammatically correct.
The nouns headquarters, whereabouts, alms etc. can be followed either by a singular or a plural noun.
Hence, option (a).
Workspace:
A great deal of effort have gone in to making this event a phenomenal success.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
In this case, the expression ‘a great deal of’ refers to an amount (a great deal of effort) it is followed by a, singular verb.
A great deal of effort has gone in to making this event a phenomenal success.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
The ferocious lioness with her cubs have escaped.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
When the subject of the sentence consists of two nouns joined with “with”, the verb agrees with the first subject.
The ferocious lioness with her cubs has escaped.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
I have watched this documentary last year.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
The present perfect tense should not be used when time is specified.
I watched this documentary last year.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
The committee is examining the proposal and is likely to take a decision on it very soon.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option A
Explanation :
The given sentence is correct.
Hence, option (a).
Workspace:
Mathematics is his favorite area.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
Here, the reference is to the subject economics, which is a singular noun, hence it should be followed by the singular verb.
The given sentence is grammatically correct.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
The majority of the people believes that aliens exist.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
If the word majority is followed by a plural noun, it is followed by a plural verb.
The majority of the people believe that aliens exist.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
The number of days he was absent last week are five.
- (a)
Correct
- (b)
Incorrect
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
A number + plural noun + plural verb
The number of + plural + singular verb
The number of days he was absent last week is five.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
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