Free Subject-Verb Agreement MCQs with Answers

1. Choose the correct form: "Each of the boys ___ present in the hall."

• A. were
• B. was
• C. have been
• D. are

Explanation: "Each" is a singular pronoun and governs the verb regardless of the plural noun that follows in the prepositional phrase. The subject is "each", not "the boys", so the singular "was" is correct.

2. Choose the correct form: Neither of the candidates ____ submitted the required documents.

• A. have
• B. has
• C. were
• D. are

Explanation: Neither is a singular pronoun, so it takes a singular verb regardless of the plural noun in the prepositional phrase that follows. The phrase of the candidates does not control the verb. The same rule governs each, either, everyone and none used in the singular sense.

3. Choose the correct form: The committee ____ divided on the proposal.

• A. is
• B. are
• C. was being
• D. has

Explanation: A collective noun takes a plural verb when the members are acting as individuals rather than as a single unit, and being divided is precisely that situation. If the committee acted as one body the singular would be right, as in the committee has issued its report. Testing which sense is meant is the whole point of this question type.

4. Choose the correct form: The quality of these instruments ____ excellent.

• A. are
• B. is
• C. were
• D. have been

Explanation: The subject is quality, which is singular, so the verb must be is. The plural noun instruments sits inside a prepositional phrase and can never be the subject of the sentence. Intervening phrases like this are the standard trap in subject-verb agreement items.

5. Choose the correct verb: Neither of the students ____ prepared for the test.

• A. are
• B. were
• C. is
• D. have

Explanation: Neither is a singular pronoun when used on its own, so it takes a singular verb however plural the following phrase sounds. The words of the students form a prepositional phrase and never control the verb. The same applies to each, every, either and none in careful usage.

6. Choose the correct verb: The list of items ____ on the desk.

• A. are
• B. is
• C. were
• D. have been

Explanation: The subject is list, which is singular, and of items is merely a prepositional phrase that must be ignored when deciding the verb. Testers deliberately place a plural noun immediately before the verb to tempt the wrong choice. Strip the phrase out and the sentence reads the list is on the desk.

7. Choose the correct verb: Ten kilometres ____ a long way to walk.

• A. are
• B. is
• C. were
• D. have been

Explanation: A measurement of distance, time, money or weight is treated as a single unit and takes a singular verb, even though the noun is plural in form. The same rule gives twenty rupees is enough and three hours is too long. The plural verb would suggest the kilometres are being counted separately.

8. Choose the correct verb: Either the teacher or the students ____ mistaken.

• A. is
• B. are
• C. was
• D. has been

Explanation: With either or and neither nor, the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it, and here that is students, which is plural. Reversing the order to either the students or the teacher would require is instead. This proximity rule is a favourite examination point.

9. Choose the correct word: The number of applicants ____ increased this year.

• A. have
• B. has
• C. are
• D. were

Explanation: The number takes a singular verb because it refers to a single figure, whereas a number of takes a plural verb because it means several. So the number of applicants has increased but a number of applicants have applied. This pair is tested precisely because the two look so similar.

10. Choose the correct sentence.

• A. He is one of the best players who has ever played.
• B. He is one of the best players who have ever played.
• C. He is one of the best player who have ever played.
• D. He is one of best players who has ever played.

Explanation: The relative pronoun who refers back to players, which is plural, so the verb is have. Testers expect has because one stands nearby, but one is not the antecedent of who here. The article the is also required before best.