Exercise: Choosing verb forms that agree with subjects

EXERCISE 40.1

Identify the appropriate verb form in each of the following sentences.

Click Submit after each question to record your answer. If your instructor has assigned this exercise set, you must answer every question before your answers will be submitted to the gradebook.

Example:

The benefits of family planning (is /are) not apparent to many peasants.

Answer: are

  1. Soldiers who are injured while fighting for their country (deserves / deserve) complete medical coverage.
    Soldiers who are injured while fighting for their country (deserves / deserve) complete medical coverage.
  2. The dog, followed by his owner, (races / race) wildly down the street every afternoon.
    The dog, followed by his owner, (races / race) wildly down the street every afternoon.
  3. Just when I think I can go home, another pile of invoices (appears / appear) on my desk.
    Just when I think I can go home, another pile of invoices (appears / appear) on my desk.
  4. The pattern of secrecy and lies (needs / need) to stop in order for counseling to be successful.
    The pattern of secrecy and lies (needs / need) to stop in order for counseling to be successful.
  5. A substance abuser often (hides / hide) the truth to cover up his or her addiction.
    A substance abuser often (hides / hide) the truth to cover up his or her addiction.
  6. The police chief, in addition to several soldiers and two civilians, (was / were) injured in the explosion.
    The police chief, in addition to several soldiers and two civilians, (was / were) injured in the explosion.
  7. Garlic’s therapeutic value as well as its flavor (comes / come) from sulfur compounds.
    Garlic’s therapeutic value as well as its flavor (comes / come) from sulfur compounds.
  8. The fiber content of cereal (contributes / contribute) to its nutritional value.
    The fiber content of cereal (contributes / contribute) to its nutritional value.
  9. The graphics on this computer game often (causes / cause) my system to crash.
    The graphics on this computer game often (causes / cause) my system to crash.
  10. Current research on AIDS, in spite of the best efforts of hundreds of scientists, (leaves / leave) serious questions unanswered.
    Current research on AIDS, in spite of the best efforts of hundreds of scientists, (leaves / leave) serious questions unanswered.