Make the verb match tricky subjects

Grade 7 Reading Worksheet - Challenge Me

Circle the best answer.

1. 1.

   Pia must choose the version in which both verbs agree. Which sentence is right?

   • The stack of letters from parents, after sitting on the desk for a week, have been read, and the proposals from the students need more study.
   • The stack of letters from parents, after sitting on the desk for a week, has been read, and the proposals from the students need more study.
   • The stack of letters from parents, after sitting on the desk for a week, have been read, and the proposals from the students needs more study.
   • The stack of letters from parents, after sitting on the desk for a week, has been read, and the proposals from the students needs more study.
2. 2.

   1. Statistics is a required course at the college. 2. The statistics in the table are surprising. Ren compares two sentences. Why does the first use is and the second use are?

   • In the first, statistics names a field of study, one subject; in the second, it means separate numbers.
   • A field of study is singular, so the first sentence uses is because course is the subject.
   • In the second, the verb agrees with table, the nearest noun, so are is chosen.
   • Words that end in -s take are, and words that end in -ics take is.
3. 3.

   Tala proofreads four sentences. Which sentence has both verbs in agreement?

   • Neither the singers nor the pianist wants to change the key, and each of the songs is already rehearsed.
   • Neither the singers nor the pianist want to change the key, and each of the songs are already rehearsed.
   • Neither the singers nor the pianist wants to change the key, and each of the songs are already rehearsed.
   • Neither the singers nor the pianist want to change the key, and each of the songs is already rehearsed.
4. 4.

   1. Neither of the two answers is correct. 2. Neither the answer nor the reasons are correct. Ari compares two sentences. Why does the first use is and the second use are?

   • In the first, the verb agrees with answers, so it should be are, and the second is an exception.
   • With neither-nor the nearer subject decides, so the first sentence uses is because of answers.
   • Neither takes is when it comes first and are when it comes in the middle of a sentence.
   • In the first, neither is a pronoun meaning not one of two; in the second, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
5. 5.

   Esme must choose the version in which both verbs agree. Which sentence is right?

   • Each of the dancers who rehearse in the old gym knows that the stage lights, as well as the curtain, need repair.
   • Each of the dancers who rehearses in the old gym knows that the stage lights, as well as the curtain, need repair.
   • Each of the dancers who rehearses in the old gym know that the stage lights, as well as the curtain, need repair.
   • Each of the dancers who rehearse in the old gym know that the stage lights, as well as the curtain, need repair.
6. 6.

   1. A pair of gloves is on the bench. 2. The gloves are on the bench. Jun compares two sentences. Why does the first use is and the second use are?

   • A pair is two items, so the first sentence should use are because pair is a plural noun, like gloves.
   • In the first, pair is the subject and names one set; in the second, gloves is a plain plural subject.
   • In the first, gloves is the subject, so it should be are, and the second is correct.
   • Words that follow of take is, and words that follow the take are.
7. 7.

   Kira proofreads four sentences. Which sentence has both verbs in agreement?

   • Ten minutes is the limit for each speech, and the judges, who sit near the front, keep time.
   • Ten minutes are the limit for each speech, and the judges, who sits near the front, keeps time.
   • Ten minutes is the limit for each speech, and the judges, who sits near the front, keeps time.
   • Ten minutes are the limit for each speech, and the judges, who sit near the front, keep time.
8. 8.

   Luz must choose the version in which both verbs agree. Which sentence is right?

   • A number of the museum's paintings were moved to the east wing, but the number of visitors has not yet changed.
   • A number of the museum's paintings were moved to the east wing, but the number of visitors have not yet changed.
   • A number of the museum's paintings was moved to the east wing, but the number of visitors has not yet changed.
   • A number of the museum's paintings was moved to the east wing, but the number of visitors have not yet changed.
9. 9.

   1. Two thirds of the pie is gone. 2. Two thirds of the students are here. Milo compares two sentences. Why does the first use is and the second use are?

   • A fraction takes its number from the noun after of: pie is one thing, students are many.
   • The verb agrees with the last word of the sentence, so gone gives is and here gives are.
   • A fraction is singular before a food and plural before a person.
   • Both verbs agree with two thirds, which is plural in each sentence, so are should be used twice.
10. 10.

    Noah proofreads four sentences. Which sentence has both verbs in agreement?

    • The team of scientists who studies the reef was surprised that most of the coral is still alive.
    • The team of scientists who study the reef was surprised that most of the coral are still alive.
    • The team of scientists who study the reef was surprised that most of the coral is still alive.
    • The team of scientists who studies the reef were surprised that most of the coral are still alive.