When it comes to the TOEFL exam, one key area that often trips up test-takers is subject-verb agreement. This refers to the grammatical rule that a singular subject must take a singular verb, while a plural subject must take a plural verb. Getting this right is essential for both clear communication and achieving a high score on the TOEFL exam. In this article, we will provide a few examples of subject-verb agreement questions you might encounter on the TOEFL test, along with some tips for getting them right.
Example 1: The group of students _______ going to the museum today.
A) is
B) are
Answer: A) is
Explanation: “Group” is the subject of the sentence, and it is singular, so it requires a singular verb. In this case, the correct verb is “is.”
Example 2: Neither John nor his friends _______ to the party last night.
A) went
B) were going
Answer: A) went
Explanation: “Neither” is a negative word and thus requires a positive verb. “Friends” is plural, but “neither” separates it from the subject of the sentence, which is “John.” “John” is singular, so the verb must be singular as well. Therefore, the correct verb in this sentence is “went.”
Example 3: Each of the students _______ responsible for completing their own homework.
A) is
B) are
Answer: A) is
Explanation: “Each” is a singular word, so it requires a singular verb. In this case, the correct verb is “is.”
Tips for mastering subject-verb agreement on the TOEFL exam:
1. Pay attention to the subject of the sentence. Is it singular or plural?
2. Be aware of negative words like “neither,” “nor,” and “not” that can make the subject of the sentence more complicated than it appears.
3. Remember that words like “each,” “every,” and “either” always take a singular verb.
4. Pay attention to the verb tense in the sentence. Is it past, present, or future? Make sure the verb agrees with the subject and is in the correct tense.
By practicing these tips and reviewing subject-verb agreement rules, you`ll be well on your way to mastering this important grammar concept and achieving success on the TOEFL exam.