Problem 8 Agreement -verb-subject order

There and here introduce verb-subject order. The verb agrees with the subject following it.

There V + S Here V + S

Examples:

Incorrect:

There was ten people in line already when we arrived.

Correct:

There were ten people in line already when we arrived.

Incorrect:

Here are their house.

Correct:

Here is their house.

Exercises:

Part A: Choose the correct answer.

In a suspension bridge _____ that carry one or more flexible cables firmly attached at each end.

(A) there is two towers on it  (B) there are two towers  (C) two towers there are  (D) towers there are two 

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

There is   about 600 schools in the United States  that use  the Montessori Method to encourage  individual initiative.

Problem 9 Agreement - an indefinite subject and verb

The following subjects are singular:

anyone anything each either everyone everything neither no one nothing what whatever whoever

The following subjects are plural:

few the rest

Examples:

Incorrect:

Everyone who majors in architecture and fine arts study History of Art 450.

Correct:

Everyone who majors in architecture and fine art studies History of Art 450.

Exercises:

Part A: Choose the correct answer.

Each of the radioisotopes produced artificially _________ its own distinct structure.

(A) have  (B) has  (C) having  (D) have had 

Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.

Everyone who  has traveled across the United States by  car, train, or bus are  surprised to see such a large expanse  of territory with such variation among the life-styles of the people.

Problem 10 Agreement - a collective subject and verb

The following collective subjects agree with singular verbs:

audience band chorus class committee faculty family group majority orchestra police public series staff team variety 2,3,4,... dollars 2,3,4,... miles

The following collective subject agrees with a plural verb:

people

Examples: