Subject-verb agreement is an important aspect of grammar that every student should learn. It refers to the rule that a verb should agree in person and number with its subject. For instance, a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. To help class 9 students prepare for their subject-verb agreement exams, we have provided some multiple choice questions (MCQ) with answers below.
1. Choose the correct verb that completes the sentence:
The group of students __________ in the cafeteria.
A) is
B) are
C) was
D) were
Answer: A) is
Explanation: The word “group” is a singular subject, and therefore, the verb used to describe its action should also be singular. Hence the correct verb is “is.”
2. Choose the correct verb that completes the sentence:
Neither the teacher nor the students __________ interested in the lesson.
A) is
B) are
C) was
D) were
Answer: A) is
Explanation: The word “neither” is a negative conjunction that indicates that none of the two subjects are interested in the lesson. Therefore, the verb used to describe the action should also be singular. Hence the correct verb is “is.”
3. Choose the correct verb that completes the sentence:
Each of the students __________ his or her own locker.
A) has
B) have
C) was
D) were
Answer: A) has
Explanation: The word “each” is a singular subject, and therefore, the verb used to describe its action should also be singular. Hence the correct verb is “has.”
4. Choose the correct verb that completes the sentence:
The number of people who __________ the movie was remarkable.
A) enjoy
B) enjoys
C) enjoyed
D) have enjoyed
Answer: C) enjoyed
Explanation: The phrase “the number of people” is a singular subject, and therefore, the verb used to describe its action should be singular. The correct verb in this case is “enjoyed.”
5. Choose the correct verb that completes the sentence:
One of the boys __________ from a different school.
A) come
B) comes
C) came
D) had come
Answer: B) comes
Explanation: The phrase “one of the boys” is a singular subject, and therefore, the verb used to describe its action should be singular. The correct verb in this case is “comes.”
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of grammar that students need to master to communicate effectively in writing and speaking. These MCQs can help class 9 students to test their subject-verb agreement knowledge and provide them with a better understanding of the rule.