Fill in the blanks with a verb form that agrees with the subject.
1. The orator and philosopher ………………….. dead.
Here the article is used only once and hence both nouns refer to the same person. Therefore, we need a singular verb here.
2. The artist and the poet …………………….. arrived.
Here the article the is used before both the nouns and hence they refer to different people. Therefore, we use a plural verb here.
3. The long and the short of the matter ……………………….. that we cannot continue like this.
When two subjects together express one idea, the verb is usually singular in number.
4. Every man and woman …………………………. a vote.
When singular subjects are preceded by each or every, the verb is usually singular.
5. Neither Peter nor Harry ………………………… passed the exam.
Two or more singular subjects connected by neither … nor take a singular verb.
6. No nook or corner …………………………. left unexplored.
Two or more singular subjects connected by or takes a singular verb.
7. Either John or Sam ……………………….. to quit.
Two or more singular subjects connected by either…or… take a singular verb.
8. Either you or I ………………………. mistaken.
When the subjects joined by or or nor are of different persons, the verb agrees in person with the subject nearest to it.
9. He is not to blame, nor ……………………… you.
When the subjects joined by or or nor are of different persons, the verb agrees in person with the subject nearest to it.
10. You and he ………………………… birds of the same feather.
When two singular pronouns are connected by and, the verb is plural.
11. My father and I ………………………. lived here for many years.
When two nouns are connected by and, the verb is plural.
12. Neither praise nor censure ………………………. to bother him.
Two or more singular subjects connected by neither … nor take a singular verb.
Answers
1. The orator and philosopher is dead.
2. The artist and the poet have arrived.
3. The long and the short of the matter is that we cannot continue like this.
4. Every man and woman has a vote.
5. Neither Peter nor Harry has passed the exam.
6. No nook or corner was left unexplored.
7. Either John or Sam has to quit.
8. Either you or I am mistaken.
9. He is not to blame, nor are you.
10. You and he are birds of the same feather.
11. My father and I have lived here for many years.
12. Neither praise nor censure seems to bother him.
