50 Quiz on Subject-Verb Agreement with Answer Key

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar. It ensures that subjects and verbs in a sentence match in number (singular or plural). Getting this right is crucial for clarity, coherence, and fluency in both speaking and writing. In this post, we will explore 50 exercises on subject-verb agreement, ranging from basic to more advanced questions, with detailed answers at the end. By the time you’re done, you’ll have mastered this essential grammar rule!

Subject-verb agreement isn’t just about memorizing rules; it’s about understanding how subjects and verbs interact in different sentence structures. A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. But there are also a number of exceptions and nuances that can make this rule seem more complicated than it really is. The quiz below will test your understanding and provide explanations for each example to ensure you grasp the concept fully.

Subject-Verb Agreement with Answer

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Verb

(Answers at the bottom)

1. The team (is/are) practicing for the upcoming game.
2. Each of the players (has/have) their own unique style.
3. Neither the dog nor the cat (was/were) outside during the storm.
4. The teacher, along with her students, (was/were) on a field trip.
5. The jury (is/are) still deliberating on the case.

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

6. My mother, as well as my father, (is/are) going to the meeting.
7. The books on the shelf (was/were) dusty and old.
8. Neither the manager nor the employees (was/were) ready for the audit.
9. The number of applicants (is/are) higher than expected.
10. There (was/were) several questions about the new policy.

Exercise 3: Correct the Sentence

11. The cat and the dog has been playing outside.
12. The group of students are waiting for the bell.
13. Each of the participants have received a certificate.
14. The children in the park enjoys the sunshine.
15. The news are very disturbing today.

Exercise 4: Identify the Subject and Verb Agreement

16. The teacher and the student (is/are) preparing for the exam.
17. The children’s toys (has/have) been scattered everywhere.
18. Either the cat or the dog (is/are) responsible for the mess.
19. The coach, along with his players, (was/were) interviewed by the media.
20. My brother and his friend (is/are) coming over tonight.

Exercise 5: Advanced Challenges

21. Neither the manager nor the staff (was/were) able to solve the issue.
22. The number of hours she worked (is/are) impressive.
23. Some of the cake (was/were) eaten before I could get a slice.
24. Either the book or the pen (was/were) lost.
25. Neither the rain nor the wind (was/were) enough to stop the marathon.

Exercise 6: Plural and Singular Nouns

26. The dogs in the park (runs/run) fast.
27. The news of their success (was/were) widely shared.
28. Neither the students nor the teacher (was/were) at the meeting.
29. Every one of the books (is/are) on the table.
30. Both the artist and the sculptor (has/have) achieved great success.

Exercise 7: Indefinite Pronouns and Agreement

31. Everyone in the class (is/are) eager to start the project.
32. Few of the employees (was/were) aware of the policy change.
33. Each of the players (has/have) a specific role in the game.
34. Neither of the children (was/were) interested in the movie.
35. Many of the people (was/were) satisfied with the service.

Exercise 8: Collective Nouns

36. The family (is/are) going on vacation next month.
37. The team (is/are) celebrating their victory tonight.
38. The audience (was/were) clapping enthusiastically.
39. The committee (has/have) made a decision.
40. The government (is/are) launching new initiatives.

Exercise 9: Sentence Types

41. There (was/were) many options available for the trip.
42. Either the cake or the cookies (is/are) going to be served for dessert.
43. Both the paintings and the sculptures (was/were) showcased at the gallery.
44. The books on the shelf (is/are) very old and valuable.
45. All the students (has/have) submitted their assignments.

Exercise 10: More Complex Sentences

46. The teacher, who is very kind, (was/were) absent yesterday.
47. The lawyer, along with her colleagues, (has/have) prepared the case.
48. The children, despite their excitement, (is/are) behaving well.
49. The committee members, after much discussion, (has/have) agreed on the final decision.
50. Either the phone or the laptop (is/are) going to be repaired today.

Answer Key 

Question	Answer
1	is
2	has
3	was
4	was
5	is
6	is
7	were
8	were
9	is
10	were
11	has
12	is
13	have
14	enjoy
15	is
16	are
17	have
18	is
19	was
20	are
21	were
22	is
23	was
24	was
25	was
26	run
27	was
28	was
29	is
30	have
31	is
32	were
33	has
34	was
35	were
36	is
37	is
38	was
39	has
40	is
41	were
42	is
43	were
44	are
45	have
46	was
47	has
48	are
49	have
50	is

Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement is essential for constructing grammatically correct and clear sentences. Whether you’re writing an essay, giving a speech, or having a conversation, understanding the nuances of subject-verb agreement ensures your communication is effective and polished. With consistent practice, you’ll begin to notice improvements in your ability to construct sentences correctly, making your writing more professional and fluent. Remember, subject-verb agreement may seem straightforward, but small errors can significantly impact the clarity of your message.

Don’t forget to practice these exercises regularly and refer back to the answer key whenever you’re unsure. Keep honing your skills, and soon enough, subject-verb agreement will feel like second nature!