Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement

The characters in Rupi Kaur’s poems ___ about love and healing.

• speaks

• speak

• speaking

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'speak' because 'characters' is a plural noun, requiring the plural verb form. Therefore, the sentence should read: 'The characters in Rupi Kaur’s poems speak about love and healing.'

The themes of identity and resilience ___ clearly in Ocean Vuong’s writing.

• appears

• appear

• appearing

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'appear' because the subject 'themes' is plural, requiring a plural verb form. 'Appears' is singular and 'appearing' is a gerund, which does not fit the sentence structure.

Every author who writes about social justice ___ to inspire change.

• aim

• aims

• aiming

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'aims' because it agrees with the singular subject 'Every author'. In English, singular subjects require singular verbs, making 'aims' the appropriate form.

Neither the plot nor the characters ___ predictable in this novel.

• is

• are

• were

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'is' because the subject 'Neither the plot nor the characters' is treated as singular. In this context, 'neither/nor' pairs a singular subject with a singular verb.

The collection of short stories by Filipino writers ___ new perspectives on modern life.

• offer

• offers

• offering

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'offers' because the subject 'collection' is singular, requiring a singular verb form. 'Offer' is plural, and 'offering' is a gerund, which does not fit the sentence structure.

All of the books on that shelf ___ written by contemporary Asian authors.

• are

• is

• was

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'are' because it agrees with the plural subject 'books'. The sentence indicates that multiple books exist, thus requiring the plural form of the verb.

Each chapter in the anthology ___ a different perspective on migration.

• presents

• present

• presenting

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'presents' because it agrees with the singular subject 'Each chapter'. The verb must be in the singular form to match the subject, making 'presents' the appropriate option.

The young poet, along with her mentors, ___ performing at the literary festival today.

• is

• are

• were

Answer explanation

The subject 'the young poet' is singular, so the correct verb form is 'is' to match the singular subject. 'Are' and 'were' are incorrect in this context.

Many readers of 21st-century novels ___ social media to share their reviews.

• use

• uses

• using

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'use' because it agrees with the plural subject 'readers'. In English, plural subjects take the base form of the verb, while 'uses' is singular and 'using' is a gerund, which does not fit the sentence structure.

Neither the author nor the editors ___ aware of the printing error at first.

• was

• were

• are

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'were' because the subject 'Neither the author nor the editors' is plural. In this context, 'were' agrees with the plural subject, while 'was' is singular and 'are' indicates present tense, which is incorrect.