PRACTICE 2: SUBJECT - VERB AGREEMENT

The government, which has been under pressure to address environmental concerns, _ several innovative measures to alleviate traffic congestion and promote eco-friendly energy sources.

• has adopted

• have adopted

• is adopting

• are adopting

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'has adopted' because 'government' is a singular noun, requiring the singular verb form. The other options incorrectly use plural forms or present continuous tense.

A number of students, who are keen to improve their academic outcomes by adopting a balanced diet and engaging in physical activities, _ to follow the latest health trends.

• A. prefers

• B. prefer

• C. is preferring

• D. are preferring

Answer explanation

The subject 'a number of students' is plural, so the correct verb form is 'prefer' (B). 'Prefers' (A) is singular, while 'is preferring' (C) and 'are preferring' (D) are not appropriate in this context.

The number of vehicles, which contributes significantly to urban air pollution and traffic jams, _ dramatically over the past decade due to rapid urbanization.

• has increased

• have increased

• is increasing

• are increasing

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'has increased' because 'the number' is a singular subject. Therefore, it requires the singular verb form to indicate that the number of vehicles has risen significantly over the past decade.

Many young graduates, who have recently completed their studies and are seeking well-paid jobs, _ significant challenges in securing stable employment.

• faces

• face

• is facing

• are facing

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'face' because it agrees with the plural subject 'many young graduates'. The verb must match the subject in number, so 'face' is the appropriate form here.

The excessive use of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, _ a detrimental impact on the environment, leading to increased calls for renewable energy sources.

• has

• have

• is having

• are having

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'has' because 'the excessive use' is a singular subject. Therefore, it requires the singular verb form to indicate that this singular action has a detrimental impact on the environment.

Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, which play a pivotal role in modern communication, _ individuals to stay in touch with global communities.

• enables

• enable

• is enabling

• are enabling

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'enable' because it agrees with the plural subject 'platforms.' The sentence should read: 'Social media platforms... enable individuals to stay in touch...' indicating that multiple platforms perform the action.

The majority of citizens, who are concerned about environmental degradation, _ that the authorities should prioritize investment in eco-friendly energy solutions.

• A. believes

• B. believe

• C. is believing

• D. are believing

Answer explanation

The correct choice is B. 'believe' because 'the majority of citizens' is a plural subject, requiring a plural verb form. 'Believes' is singular and incorrect in this context.

One of the primary reasons for the rising unemployment rate _ the lack of access to vocational training courses, which limits job opportunities for fresh graduates.

• is

• are

• has been

• have been

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'is' because the subject 'one of the primary reasons' is singular. Therefore, it requires a singular verb to maintain subject-verb agreement.

The excessive consumption of fast food, which is often linked to obesity and cardiovascular diseases, _ to serious health issues among young people.

• leads

• lead

• is leading

• are leading

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'leads' because it agrees with the singular subject 'consumption' and indicates that excessive fast food consumption results in serious health issues among young people.

The authorities, who are responsible for urban planning and infrastructure development, _ to take a number of actions to mitigate traffic congestion in metropolitan areas.

• needs

• need

• is needing

• are needing

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'need' because 'authorities' is a plural noun, requiring the plural verb form. 'Needs', 'is needing', and 'are needing' are incorrect in this context.