Topic Explanation and Use
Core idea
Agreement problems usually happen because the real subject is harder to see than it looks.
Subject-verb agreement means the verb matches the real subject in number. The main challenge is not the rule itself; it is finding the true subject when extra words come between the subject and the verb.
Use agreement checks when the sentence contains a long noun phrase, a phrase after of, or words between the subject and the verb.
At B2 level, build one correct base sentence first, then add detail without breaking grammar control.
Use it here
- Find the true subject before you choose the verb form.
- Ignore extra phrases that do not change the subject number.
- Check special patterns such as a list of, the number of, and neither ... nor.
Watch it work
Remember this
- Find the true subject before you look at the verb.
- Ignore extra phrases that sit between the subject and verb.
- Check special patterns such as the number of and neither ... nor.
- Match the verb to the real subject, not the nearest noun.
- Read the finished sentence once and ask what is actually doing the action.
Real-World Examples with Collective Nouns
Example 1
Too weakA list of solutions are on the board.
BetterA list of solutions is on the board.
This correction matches the intended meaning and keeps Collective Nouns natural.
Example 2
Too weakThe number of students have increased this year.
BetterThe number of students has increased this year.
This version sounds more natural because Collective Nouns fits the sentence clearly.
Common Errors with Collective Nouns
Common problem 1
matching the verb to the nearest noun instead of the true subject
WeakA list of solutions are on the board.
StrongA list of solutions is on the board.
Fix: find the real subject first, then choose the verb form
Common problem 2
matching the verb to the noun after of
WeakA range of options are available to applicants.
StrongA range of options is available to applicants.
Fix: match the verb to the head noun before of
Common problem 3
ignoring the nearer subject in either/or patterns
WeakEither the students or the tutor are presenting first.
StrongEither the students or the tutor is presenting first.
Fix: in either/or, the verb usually agrees with the nearer subject
Interactive Practice Lab
Practice
First notice the right form. Then build it yourself. Then fix it in a full sentence.
Score: 0/4
Read for meaning first. If the meaning changes, the grammar usually has to change too.
1. Quick pick
Choose the stronger sentence for Collective Nouns.
2. Build it
Put this Collective Nouns sentence in the correct order.
Tap a chunk to move it down. Tap it again to send it back.
3. Type the fix
Rewrite the sentence so Collective Nouns is correct.
Fix this: Neither the manager nor the assistants was ready for the visit.
4. Final sort
Mark each sentence as correct or needing a fix.
A series of workshops was added this term.
A series of workshops were added this term.
The number of late buses has fallen since March.
The number of late buses have fallen since March.
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