Fill in the blanks.
1. A little knowledge ........................ a dangerous thing.
Knowledge is an uncountable noun. Use a singular verb with uncountable nouns.
2. The quality of this fabric ........................... not good.
Here the subject is the singular noun quality. Hence, we use a singular verb.
3. The quality of these mangoes ......................... not good.
Here the subject is the singular noun quality; hence, we use a singular verb.
4. The state of his health ........................... a cause of anxiety for his mother.
5. Gold and silver ............................ precious metals.
When we connect two singular nouns with 'and', the verb should be plural.
6. My father and I ........................... cricket.
7. Time and tide .......................... for none.
When two singular nouns together express one idea, we use a singular verb.
8. Neither he nor I ............................... the answer.
When we connect two subjects with neither/nor, the verb agrees with the one closer to it.
9. Either you or I ............................ mistaken.
When we connect two subjects with either/or, the verb agrees with the one closer to it.
10. Neither Rahul nor his friend .............................. there.
11. The leader as well as his followers ................................. excited.
When we connect two nouns with as well as, the verb agrees with the former noun.
12. Plutarch's Lives ......................... an interesting book.
The name of a book is singular.
Answers
1. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
2. The quality of this fabric is not good.
3. The quality of these mangoes is not good.
4. The state of his health is a cause of anxiety for his mother.
5. Gold and silver are precious metals.
6. My father and I like cricket.
7. Time and tide waits for none.
8. Neither he nor I know the answer.
9. Either you or I am mistaken.
10. Neither Rahul nor his friend was there.
11. The leader as well as his followers was excited.
12. Plutarch’s Lives is an interesting book.
