Agreement

Question 1

Name the 3 principles of subject-verb agreement.

Answer 1

1. formal (or grammatical) agreement
   a singular subject requires a singular verb; a plural subject requires a plural verb
2. notional concord
   when number of subject is uncertain or when overt grammatical form conflicts w/ intended meaning, we rely on the verb that matches the meaning, not the overt grammatical form.
   Fifty pages of manuscript is a day’s worth of work.
3. attraction (or proximity)
   verb takes the form of the closest subject
   For those who attended the second day of the annual meeting, there was an early morning panel and afternoon workshops.

Question 2

What is the elementary principle of subject-verb agreement?

Answer 2

The grammatical subject determines the number of the verb.

Thus

Nouns that appear in the predicate have no bearing on the number of the main verb

The only SIGN of Christmas WAS the stocking on the mantel

Question 3

The only sign of Christmas (was, were) the stocking on the mantel.

Answer 3

WAS

• Only the grammatical subject determines the number of the verb.
• Nouns that appear in the predicate have no bearing on the number of the main verb

Question 4

A pair of singular nouns joined by AND requires a (singular, plural) verb.

What are the two exceptions?

Answer 4

PLURAL

1. appositive nouns joined by AND
2. Nouns joined by AND that form a collective idea or unitary whole.

Question 5

Such an injustice and inequity (is, are) intolerable.

Answer 5

IS

Rule: APPOSITIVE NOUNS joined by and are treated as singular.

Question 6

Bacon and eggs (is, are) her favorite breakfast.

Answer 6

IS

Rule: Nouns joined by and to form a COLLECTIVE IDEA or UNITARY WHOLE are singular.

Question 7

Consumer and business confidence (remains, remain) high.

Answer 7

REMAIN

Remain is plural even though confidence is singular, because of the ELLIPTICAL CONSTRUCTION of the compound subject, i.e., the subject is “consumer [confidence] and business confidence.” To use a singular verb would imply that there is an entity known as “consumer and business confidence.

Question 8

For copyeditors, a style manual, as well as a dictionary, (is, are) useful.

Answer 8

IS

When a singular verb sounds better, use commas to set off the as well as phrase.

When a plural verb sounds better, do not set off the as well as phrase with commas.

Question 9

A style manual as well as a dictionary (is, are) always on his desk.

Answer 9

ARE

When a singular verb sounds better, use commas to set off the as well as phrase.

When a plural verb sounds better, do not set off the as well as phrase with commas.

Question 10

A host of competitive offers (has, have) been received.

Answer 10

HAVE

Collecting noun phrases usually take a plural verb

although

they may take a singular verb when the collecting noun (rather than the items being collected) imposes itself as the main idea.

Question 11

A fraction of the students (is, are) causing the disruptions.

Answer 11

ARE

RULE: Collecting noun phrases usually take a plural verb

although

they may take a singular verb when the collecting noun (rather than the items being collected) imposes itself as the main idea.

Question 12

A rash of glitches (has/have) slowed production.

Answer 12

HAS or HAVE

Collecting noun phrases usually take a plural verb

although

they may take a singular verb when the collecting noun (rather than the items being collected) imposes itself as the main idea.

Question 13

A set of keys (is, are) on the desk.

Answer 13

IS

Collecting noun phrases usually take a plural verb

although

they may take a singular verb when the collecting noun (rather than the items being collected) imposes itself as the main idea.

Question 14

Do you think that three cars (is, are) enough for one family?

Answer 14

IS

Rule: COLLECTIVE IDEA

The notionalist view is the norm: No matter the grammatical form a collective idea takes, it requires a singular verb.

Question 15

Eight hundred words (is,are) at least one hundred words too long.

Answer 15

IS

Rule: COLLECTIVE IDEA

Collective ideas always require a singular verb.

The notionalist view is the norm: No matter the grammatical form a collective idea takes, it requires a singular verb.

Question 16

A physician’s overarching objective and mission (is, are) to do no harm.

Answer 16

IS

Rule: COLLECTIVE IDEA

Collective ideas always require a singular verb.

The notionalist view is the norm: No matter the grammatical form a collective idea takes, it requires a singular verb.

Question 17

The couple (is, are) in therapy.

Answer 17

IS

RULE: Collective noun

Collective nouns are singular when the members of the collectivity are deemed to be acting as a group, plural when the members are acting as individuals

Collective nouns: class, committee, couple, jury, team, etc.

Question 18

The couple (disagrees, disagree) about money.

Answer 18

DISAGREE

RULE: Collective noun

Collective nouns are singular when the members of the collectivity are deemed to be acting as a group, plural when the members are acting as individuals

Collective nouns: class, committee, couple, jury, team, etc.

Question 19

Right or wrong? Revise if necessary.

The orchestra are tuning their instruments.

Answer 19

Awkward

Technically right per the rule governing collecting nouns (use plural when members of collective are acting as individuals)

but AWKWARD here. (The use of the plural occasionally sounds awkward.)

Preferable: The members of the orchestra are tuning their instruments.

Question 20

The recent divestiture, combined with rising costs, (is, are) expected to affect profits.

Answer 20

IS

Rule: COMBINED WITH; COUPLED WITH

Phrases headed by combined with or coupled with are set off by commas and do not affect the number of the main verb.

Question 21

The two sides are deadlocked in negotiations, and each (has, have) offered few concessions.

Answer 21

HAS

Rule: EACH

The pronoun each takes a singular verb, even when its antecedent is plural.

Question 22

We each (is, are) entitled to our own opinions.

Answer 22

ARE

Rule: EACH

When the adjective each follows a plural noun, the verb is plural.

Question 23

Each of these arguments (is, are) well reasoned.

Answer 23

IS

Rule: EACH OF

Each of is usually followed by a singular verb, although the plural is sometimes used.

Question 24

Each of these principles (has, have) stood the test of time.

Answer 24

HAVE

Rule: EACH OF

Each of is usually followed by a singular verb, although the plural is sometimes used.

Question 25

Two-thirds of the work (is, are) done.

Answer 25

IS

Rule: FRACTIONS

In such constructions as “two-thirds of the x,” the verb agrees with x (“work”).

Question 26

Two-thirds of the guests (is, are) here.

Answer 26

ARE

Rule: FRACTIONS

In such constructions as “two-thirds of the x,” the verb agrees with x (“guests”).

Question 27

Also in the employee handbook (is, are) procedures for submitting expense vouchers.

Answer 27

ARE

Rule: inverted word order

Although the verb precedes the subject (“procedures”), the subject determines the number of the verb.

Question 28

Eighty-five dollars (is, are) too high.

Answer 28

IS

Rule: Amounts of money are singular when a specific sum is named, plural when the sum is vague.

Question 29

Billions of dollars (was, were) wasted, and millions (is, are) unaccounted for.

Answer 29

were, are

Rule: Amounts of money are singular when a specific sum is named, plural when the sum is vague.

Question 30

Neither the president nor the secretary (was, were) at the meeting.

Answer 30

WAS

RULE: Formalists insists that a pair of singular nouns joined by neither…nor is singular.

but

notionalists allow the pair to be treated as singular or plural, depending on the emphasis desired.

Neither the president nor the secretary were at the meeting.

Question 31

None of the workers (is, are) here.

Answer 31

ARE

When the noun following none of is singular, the verb is singular.

When the noun following none of is plural (“workers”), either a singular or a plural is acceptable.

Question 32

None of these books (seems, seem) appropriate for this course.

Answer 32

seems [or seem]

When the noun following none of is plural (“workers”), either a singular or a plural is acceptable.

Question 33

One in two marriages (ends, end) in divorce.

Answer 33

ENDS

Rule: One in x

Formalists recommend a singular verb, arguing that “one” is the subject.

Question 34

One in five children (is, are) not covered by health insurance.

Answer 34

IS [or ARE]

Formalists recommend a singular verb, arguing that “one” is the subject.

BUT

Notionalists allow for a singular or a plural verb.

Question 35

Mlynar, one of the few non-Russians who (knows, know) Grachev well, denies the report.

Answer 35

KNOW

Rule: One of those x who…

Formalists insist on a plural verb, arguing that “those x”—not “one”—is the subject of the verb.

Notionalists hold out for a singular verb.

The controversy over this rages on, leaving copyeditors free to use either.

Question 36

Heavy editing OR rewriting (is, are) not needed.

Answer 36

IS

A pair of nouns joined by or almost always takes a singular verb.

Question 37

His presence OR absence (is, are) irrelevant to the proceedings.

Answer 37

IS

A pair of nouns joined by or almost always takes a singular verb.

HOWEVER

On rare occasions (as here), the intended meaning requires a plural verb.

Question 38

This (is, are) many ways to approach the problem.

Answer 38

ARE

In the constructions there is and there are, the verb agrees with the ANTICIPATED SUBJECT.

Question 39

Thirty minutes (is, are) too long a commute.

Answer 39

IS

The singular verb is used when referring to a period of time.

Question 40

The 1950s (is, are) often regarded as a golden age for television.

Answer 40

IS

The singular verb is used when referring to a period of time.

Question 41

Due to bad weather, the flight to Toronto (may, might) be delayed, and it (may, might) be canceled.

Answer 41

may…might

Rule: Both might and may are used to describe unlikely future events, with might denoting less certainty.

Question 42

He (may, might) have won the election, had he been a better debator

Answer 42

MIGHT

Might have is used to denote a counterfactual past event (that is, an event that did not take place).

Question 43

He (may, might) have won the election; the absentee votes are still being counted.

Answer 43

MAY

Rule: May have is used to denote a speculation about a past event.

Question 44

Comprise is a synonym for…

Answer 44

include, embrace, or take in

Question 45

Compose is a synonym for…

Answer 45

constitute

Question 46

The parts are (composed, comprised) in the whole.

Answer 46

comprised

Question 47

The parts are (composed, comprised) in the whole.

Answer 47

comprised

Remeber: Comprise is a synonym for include, embrace, or take in

Question 48

The parts (compose, comprise) the whole.

Answer 48

COMPOSE

Compose is a synonym for “constitute”

Question 49

What is the fundamental rule of pronoun-antecedent agreement?

Answer 49

All pronouns much have a clear, unambiguous antecedent and must agree with that antecedent in number and gender.

Question 50

Everyone took (his, her, their) seat.

Answer 50

THEIR

Rule: Use the plural pronoun after an indefinite pronoun subject (everyone, anyone, someone, no one, etc.).

Question 51

Find and fix fault:

The governor described his health-care proposal to an enthusiastic crown. It was one of the best-attended campaign rallies of the year.

Answer 51

Fault: AWOL antecedent

“It” is meant to refer to “rally,” which is nowhere to be found in preceding sentence.

Revision: The governor described his health-care proposal…at one of the…

Or: The governor described…to an enthusiastic crown. The campaign rally was one of the best-attended campaign rallies of the year.

Question 52

Smith is the candidate (who, whom) we think will win.

Answer 52

WHO (nominative case)

[We think he will win (nominative case) >> the candidate who we think will win.

Rule: When who introduces a subordinate clause, the correct case of who depends on its function in that subordinate clause.

Question 53

Jones is the candidate (who, whom) we hope to elect.

Answer 53

WHOM (objective case)

[We hope to elect him (objective case) >> the candidate whom we hope to elect.]

Rule: When who introduces a subordinate clause, the correct case of who depends on its function in that subordinate clause.

Question 54

This book offers sounds advice to (whoever, whomever) will accept it.

Answer 54

WHOEVER (nominative)

Whoever functions as the subject of “will accept.” The object of the preposition to is the entire clause.

Rule: When who introduces a subordinate clause, the correct case of who depends on its function in that subordinate clause.

Question 55

ID the verbs and rule governing:

1) Do you mind me asking a question?
2) Do you mind my asking a question?

Answer 55

1) Fused participle (pronoun + gerund [i.e. verbal noun])
2) Possessive pronoun + gerund

Rule: When the stress falls on the person, the fused participle may be used; when the stress falls equally well, or better, on the action expressed by the participle, the possessive casse must be used.

Question 56

Find the fault:

Since the state has spent so much money on prisons, the education budget has suffered.

Answer 56

SINCE

It is ambiguous whether temporal or causal meaning of since is intended.

Best to choose another conjunction.

Question 57

Place the following causal conjunction by strength:

• since
• because
• as

Answer 57

1. because
2. since
3. as

Question 58

Find the fault:

As the rain continued into the evening, Pat felt remorse.

Answer 58

AS

Ambiguous conjunction: Is it temporal or causal?

Rule: Confine the causal as to sentences in which there is no possibility it will be mistaken for the temporal as.

Question 59

Find the fault:

As the parts are no longer available, the entire unit has to be replaced.

Answer 59

AS

The causal as is a weak indicator of causality; it is do lightweight when the cause-and-effect relation concerns a matter of any import.

Question 60

The preposition into is used with verbs of motion to indicate…

Answer 60

• entry go into the building
• involvement go into teaching
• condition get into trouble
• extent far into the night

Question 61

They turned themselves (into, in to) the police.

Answer 61

in to

Use the adverb in (adverb because it “completes” the meaning of a verb “turned in”) followed by the preposition to, which links the verb to an indirect object (“the police”).

Question 62

We refused to give (into, in to) his demands.

Answer 62

in to

Use the adverb in (adverb because it “completes” the meaning of a verb “give in”) followed by the preposition to, which links the verb to an indirect object (“the his demands”).

Question 63

Find and fix the fault:

She started panicking and got stressed out because she doesn’t have enough money.

Answer 63

Fault: Tense shift from main clause to subordinate when referring to same time period.

Fix: She started panicking and got stressed out because she didn’t have enough money.

Question 64

Find and fix the fault:

The new law requires the public school system to abandom any programs that involved bilingual students.

Answer 64

Fault: Tense shift from main clause to subordinate when referring to same time period.

Fix: The new law requires the public school system to abandom any programs that involve bilingual students.

Stick to a consistent vantage point!

Question 65

Find and fix the fault:

People express themselves more when their comments are delivered through the Internet rather than personally.

Answer 65

Fault: Perspective shift: flip-flop between active and passive voice.

Fix: People express themselves more when they deliver their comments through the Internet rather than personally.

Question 66

The following sequence of tenses is an example of what principle?

I mentioned that I was thirsty.

Answer 66

backshifting

Question 67

What are the three types of compounds?

Answer 67

open (think tank)

closed (jackknife)

hyphenated (mind-set)

Question 68

homemade (i.e. no dictionary entry) compounds that are placed before a noun are known as——

How are they punctuated?

Answer 68

PREPOSITIVE

hyphenated

e.g., forward-thinking editors

Question 69

Homemade/temporary (i.e., not in the dictionary) compounds that appear after the noun are referred to as——

How are they punctuated?

Answer 69

POSTPOSITIVE

They are left open (no hyphens)

e.g., editors who are forward thinking

compare to the prepositive

forward-thinking editors

Question 70

Which is correct?

(a) A happily married spouse
(b) A happily-married spouse

Answer 70

(a) a happily married spouse

Rule: Compound adjectives composed of adverb ending in “ly” and an adjective or participle standing in for an adjective do not take a hyphen (pre- or postpositively)

Question 71

Which is correct:

(a) a well-read woman
(b) a well read woman

Answer 71

(a) a well-read woman

Compound adjectives composed of an adverb that does not end in “-ly” and an adjective or participle standing in for an adjective always use a hyphen

Question 72

Which is correct?

(a) a rather-awkward moment
(b) a rather awkward moment

Answer 72

(a) a rather-awkward moment

Compound adjectives composed of an adverb that does not end in “-ly” and an adjective or participle standing in for an adjective always use a hyphen

Question 73

Which is correct:

(a) an extremely well-read woman
(b) an extremely well read woman

Answer 73

(b) an extremely well read woman

Per Chicago, when a hyphenated compound adjective is further modified by an adverb, the original compound hyphen is sometimes dropped to avoid possible misreading.

Question 74

Which compound adjective is correct?

(a) pre-Industrial Revolution machinery
(b) pre-Industrial-Revolution machinery
(c) pre–Industrial Revolution machinery

Answer 74

(c) pre–Industrial Revolution machinery

Rule: Compound adjectives composed of compound nouns and prefixes or suffixes call for an EN DASH when used as modifiers (to avoid a lot of unsightly hyphens).

Question 75

Which compound is correct?

(a) Academy-Award-winning actor
(b) Academy Award winning actor
(c) Academy Award–winning actor

Answer 75

(c) Academy Award–winning actor

Rule: Compound adjectives composed of compound nouns and prefixes or suffixes call for an EN DASH when used as modifiers (to avoid a lot of unsightly hyphens).

Question 76

Which compound adjective is correct?

(a) Pulitzer Prize-gathering news organization
(b) Pulitzer Prize–gathering news organization
(c) Pulitzer-Prize-gathering news organization

Answer 76

(b) Pulitzer Prize–gathering news organization

Rule: Compound adjectives composed of compound nouns and prefixes or suffixes call for an EN DASH when used as modifiers (to avoid a lot of unsightly hyphens).

Note: this does not just apply to proper nouns/adjectives.

Question 77

Holding our nephew’s sweet-smelling, cuddly body made my husband and (I, me) realize that we wanted a child of our own.

Answer 77

ME

Use the objective case (me) as the subject of an infinitive. In this case, the infinitive is bare–that is, it does not include “to.” The way to read it is “…made us [to] realize…”

The compound subject might give writers trouble, so the easy way to figure out whether to use I or me is to substitute we or us.

Question 78

He said that surgeries and therapy had helped him not only [to recover from his fall], but had also [freed him of the debilitating back pain].

Answer 78

Fault: Miscoordination

He said that surgeries and therapy had not only [helped him to recover from his fall], but also [freed him of the debilitating back pain].

• In this sentence the coordinates come in matched pairs, with a quantifier (both, either, neither, not only) marking the first coordinate and a coordinator (and, or, nor, but also) marking the second.*
• Rule: The phrases following coordinations much be PARALLEL.*
• In the original sentence, there’s an infinitive (to recover) in the first coordinate and a past participle (freed) in the second.*
• FIX: The easiest way to repair an unbalanced coordination is to zero in on the second coordinate and then force the first coordinate to match it by sliding its quantifier into a more suitable spot. [source: Pinker p.96]*

Question 79

With Mr. Ruto’s appearance before the court, a process began that could influence not only [the future of Kenya] but also [of the much-criticized tribunal].

Answer 79

With Mr. Ruto’s appearance before the court, a process began that could influence the future not only [of Kenya] but also [of the much-criticized tribunal].

Fault: Miscoordination

Rule: The phrases following coordinations much be PARALLEL.

In this sentence the coordinates come in matched pairs, with a quantifier (both, either, neither, not only) marking the first coordinate and a coordinator (and, or, nor, but also) marking the second.

In the original sentence, we have a direct object (the future of Kenya) in the first coordinate and an oblique object (of the much criticized tribunal) in the second.

FIX: The easiest way to repair an unbalanced coordination is to zero in on the second coordinate and then force the first coordinate to match it by sliding its quantifier into a more suitable spot–rightward in this example. [source: Pinker p.97]

Question 80

Ms. Popova, who died at 91 on July 8 in Moscow, was inspired both [by patriotism] and [a desire for revenge].

Answer 80

Ms. Popova, who died at 91 on July 8 in Moscow, was inspired by both [patriotism] and [a desire for revenge].

Fault: Miscoordination; mismatched objects (by patriotism and a desire for revenge)

Repair in either of two ways: by nudging not only rightward (thus: patriotism and a desire for revenge) or by suplyingthe second coordinate with a by to match the first one (by patriotism and by a desire for revenge)

Question 81

I don’t remember the moment I first heard of “Mrs. Bridge”; it was one of those books that was in my house, and therefore my consciousness, when I was growing up.

Answer 81

The relative pronoun “that” refers to the plural “books,” not the singular “one.”

So make it “one of those books that WERE in my house.”

Or, simplify it: “one of the books in my house.”

Question 82

It’s funny and also somewhat depressing, which pretty much sums up “The Room,” one of those cultish attractions that is so terrible it makes you wonder if the laugh finally is on us.

Answer 82

“…one of those cultish attractions that ARE so terrible THEY MAKE you wonder if…”

The relative pronoun “that” is plural in a “one of those” construction–it’s antecedent is “attractions.”

Question 83

Missouri is one of several states that has had trouble procuring drugs for lethal injection, as manufacturers have declined to sell drugs to correctional facilities.

Answer 83

… one of several states that HAVE …

The relative clause describes “several states,” not just “one.”

Question 84

After receiving his doctorate at Princeton, the university hired him as assistant professor and promoted him to full professor in 1965.

Answer 84

After he received his doctorate…the university…

Fault: Dangler

The introductory modifying phrase is a so-called dangler. In precise usage, “receiving” should apply to the noun (or pronoun) immediately following the modifying phrase. But here it doesn’t — the university did not receive a doctorate. One simple fix is to make the initial phrase a separate clause with its own subject “After he received …”

Question 85

The only criteria is that the player played for five season, made one All-Pro team or pro bowl and has been retired for five full seasons.

Answer 85

“Criteria” is plural. Make it “The only criteria are … ”

The singular of “criteria” is “criterium.”

Question 86

What is the key to avoiding errors of subject-verb agreement?

Answer 86

Knowing (1) how to pick out the subject for every verb and (2) how to tell whether that subject is singular or plural.

Question 87

Compound subjects joined by and take a singular or plural verb?

Answer 87

PLURAL

My pad is on the desk

BUT

My pad and pencil are on the desk.

Question 88

When do compound subjects most frequently pose problems of agreement?

Answer 88

In an inverted sentence order, i.e. when the verb precedes the subject.

How important to your operation ARE your West Coast office and your Washington bureau?

TIP: Train yourself to check the subject-verb agreement whenever you use an inverted sentence order.

If you mentally put the subject before the verb, any mistake should become apparent.

Question 89

Enclosed [is, are] my application and a check for the fee.

Answer 89

ARE

When writers invert the normal order, putting the verb before the subject, they sometimes fail to prepare for a double subject.

Question 90

Also on my list of all-time great comedies [is, are] A Night at the Opera and Tight Little Island.

Answer 90

ARE

Question 91

[Does/Do] an orange and a grapefruit have the same number of calories?

Answer 91

DO

You usually have to plan ahead for compound subjects in asking questions, since the verb usually precedes the subject in an interogative sentence.

Question 92

[Has/Have] the domestic unrest and the international opposition begun to affect government policy?

Answer 92

HAVE

You usually have to plan ahead for compound subjects in asking questions, since the verb usually precedes the subject in an interogative sentence.

TIP: Train yourself to check the subject-verb agreement whenever you use an inverted sentence order. If you mentally put the subject before the verb, any mistake should become apparent.

Question 93

There [is, are] a police officer at the front door and two reporters at the back.

Answer 93

ARE

Pay particular attention to INVERTED CLAUSES that begin with there and a singular verb form (there is/was/seems); make sure that the subject that follows doesn’t need a plural verb.

but, if grammar requires a form that sounds awkward, recast the sentence. For instance:

There are two reporters at the back door and a police officer at the front.

Question 94

There [seems/seem] to be at least one factual error and several false assumptions in this report.

Answer 94

SEEM

Pay particular attention to INVERTED CLAUSES that begin with there and a singular verb form (there is/was/seems); make sure that the subject that follows doesn’t need a plural verb.

Question 95

One crucially important linkage and desperately needed collegial contact [is, are] between community college teachers and the university faculty.

Answer 95

The compound subject arguably consists of two words designating one idea and so should take a singular verb, despite being joined by and.

Question 96

The trial and conviction of Alger Hiss [is, are] becoming as much a cause celebre as the Sacco and Venzetti case.

Answer 96

IS

The compound subject arguably consists of two words designating one idea and so should take a singular verb, despite being joined by and.

but

Note that ideas can be closely related and yet distinct; any doubt on this issue should incline you toward a plural verb.

Question 97

His education and background [gives, give] him an important advantage in dealing with academics.

Answer 97

GIVE

Note that ideas can be closely related and yet distinct; any doubt about whether a compound subject joined by and forms a single concept/idea should incline you toward a plural verb.

Question 98

George Eliot understood how much resentment and suppressed rage there [was, were] in women.

Answer 98

WERE

Note that ideas can be closely related and yet distinct; any doubt about whether a compound subject joined by and forms a single concept/idea should incline you toward a plural verb. (Cook p78)

Question 99

The strength of the dollar abroad, along with the rising costs of domestic resorts, have made European travel attractive to American vacationers.

Answer 99

Fault: subject-verb disagreement

HAS

When a singular noun is followed by a prepositional phrase like together with, along with, as well as, always use a singular verb.

Note: A preposition cannot substitute for the conjunction and, which alone can link words to form a compound subject. Plus, the object of a preposition cannot be the subject of a verb.

A coordinating conjunction like and joins sentence elements of equal grammatical weight; a preposition shows the subordinate relation its object bears to some other sentence element.

Question 100

The senator, together with several advisers, are preparing a bill that would restrict a utility company’s right of eminent domain.

Answer 100

Fault: S-V disagreement.

IS

Note: A preposition cannot substitute for the conjunction and, which alone can link words to form a compound subject. Plus, the object of a preposition cannot be the subject of a verb.

A coordinating conjunction like and joins sentence elements of equal grammatical weight; a preposition shows the subordinate relation its object bears to some other sentence element.

Question 101

The jewelery [was/were] hidden in the refrigerator; all [is, are] accounted for despite the burglary.

Answer 101

was…is

Rule: all may take either a singular or plural verb depending on whether is refers to a

plural count noun >> plural

or

noncount noun >> singular

Question 102

Does all take a singular or plural verb?

Answer 102

A: depends on whether the noun it refers to is a

plural count noun (How many?)

or

noncount noun (How much?)

Question 103

Does any take a singular or plural verb?

Answer 103

A: depends on whether the noun it refers to is a

plural count noun (How many?)

or

noncount noun (How much?)

Question 104

All they saw [was/were] trees.

Answer 104

was

When a noun phrase with all is the subject of a linking verb, the linking verb is singular even if its object is plural.

Question 105

Does any take a singular or a plural verb?

Answer 105

Depends on the meaning:

1. Any “any single one”>>singular
2. Any “some”>>plural

Question 106

[Do/does] any of use have the right to judge?

Answer 106

Does

• Any* takes a singular or plural verb depending on meaning:
  1. “any single one”>>singular
  2. “some”>>plural

Question 107

A style manual as well as a dictionary [is/are] always on his desk.

Answer 107

…, as well as a dictionary, is…

as well as a dictionary are

Rule: When a singular verb sounds better, use commas to set off the “as well as…” phrase.

Question 108

Each reflect(s) a different view of what constitutes the good life.

Answer 108

reflects (singular)

Rule: The pronoun each takes a singular verb regardless of the number of its antecedent.

Question 109

The two sides are deadlocked in negotiations, and each has/have offered few concessions

Answer 109

HAS

Rule: The pronoun each takes a singular verb regardless of the number of its antecedent.

Question 110

Each of these arguments is/are well reasoned.

Answer 110

IS

RULE: Each of. Though notional agreement is OK in informal writing, in formal writing, always stick with formal agreement and use the singular.

Question 111

Each of these principles has/have stood the test of time.

Answer 111

HAS

RULE: Each of. Though notional agreement is OK in informal writing, in formal writing, always stick with formal agreement and use the singular.

Question 112

Correct? Fix if not.

Either he or I am responsible.

Answer 112

Yes, technically. When personal pronouns are joined by either/or, a singular verb must be used. But it’s better to recast the sentence:

Either he is responsible, or I am.

Question 113

Not only high winds but also the flooding is/are wreaking havoc.

Answer 113

IS

Rule: The subject that follows but also determines the number of the verb.

Question 114

Not only the flooding but also the high winds is/are wreaking havoc.

Answer 114

ARE

Rule: The subject that follows but also​ determines the number of the verb.

Question 115

The au pair or the parents take(s) the children to the park.

Answer 115

TAKE

Rule: When OR joins one singular and one plural subject, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.

Question 116

He or I am/is going to the grocery store.

Answer 116

AM

Rule: The verb agrees in person and number with the nearer subject. BUT, rephrase when awkward:

He is going to the grocery store, or I am.

One of us is going to the grocery store.

Question 117

The 1950s is/are often regarded as a golden age for television.

Answer 117

IS

Rule: Use a singular verb when referring to

periods of time.

Question 118

It was one of those blows that knocks the stufing out of a man.

Answer 118

KNOCK (sing.)

The antecedent of the relative pronoun that is blows not one.