TOEIC Part 5: Subject Verb Agreement - Master Rules & 20 Practice Questions

Related guides:

• TOEIC Part 5: Relative Clauses Defining — Rule, Examples,…
• TOEIC Part 5: Modal Verbs Obligation - Rule, Examples, and…
• TOEIC Part 5: Conditionals Type 3 — Rule, Examples, and 20…
• TOEIC Part 5: Reported Speech — Rule, Examples, and 20…
• TOEIC Part 5: Word Forms Adjective - Rule, Examples, and 20…

Understanding TOEIC Part 5 Subject Verb Agreement

TOEIC Part 5 tests your grammar knowledge with 30 multiple-choice questions, including subject-verb agreement. This section evaluates your ability to recognize and apply correct verb forms based on their subjects. Mastering subject-verb agreement is crucial as it accounts for 10-15% of the total grammar questions.

Key Rules for Subject Verb Agreement

1. Basic Rule

• Singular subjects require singular verbs
• Plural subjects require plural verbs

Example:

• The student studies (singular subject, singular verb)
• The students study (plural subject, plural verb)

2. Compound Subjects

• When two or more subjects are joined by and, use a plural verb
• When subjects are joined by or, use the verb that agrees with the closer subject

Examples:

• John and Mary are going to the party (plural verb)
• Either the teacher or the students are responsible (closer subject is plural)

3. Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns like everyone, someone, anyone, no one, and nobody are always singular and require singular verbs.

Examples:

• Everyone is here (singular verb)
• Nobody has seen the movie (singular verb)

4. Collective Nouns

Collective nouns like team, group, family, committee, and class can be singular or plural depending on the context.

Examples:

• The team is playing well (singular verb)
• The team are arguing among themselves (plural verb)

5. Special Cases

• Here/There + be: Use a singular verb if the subject is singular; use a plural verb if the subject is plural
• Each, every, and many a: These words are always singular and require singular verbs

Examples:

• There is a book on the table (singular subject)
• Here are the keys you asked for (plural subject)
• Each has a different opinion (singular verb)

Model Answers at Different Score Levels

Score Level 600-700 (Intermediate)

Prompt: The number of students ______ increased significantly this year.

Answer: The number of students has increased significantly this year.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: 1 point (correct use of singular verb with singular subject)
• Vocabulary: 1 point (appropriate word choice)
• Structure: 1 point (correct sentence structure)
• Total: 3 points

Score Level 700-800 (Upper Intermediate)

Prompt: Neither the teacher nor the students ______ the answer to the question.

Answer: Neither the teacher nor the students know the answer to the question.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: 1 point (correct use of plural verb with closer plural subject)
• Vocabulary: 1 point (appropriate word choice)
• Structure: 1 point (correct sentence structure)
• Total: 3 points

Score Level 800-900 (Advanced)

Prompt: The committee, along with the chairman, ______ decided to postpone the meeting.

Answer: The committee, along with the chairman, has decided to postpone the meeting.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: 1 point (correct use of singular verb with singular subject)
• Vocabulary: 1 point (appropriate word choice)
• Structure: 1 point (correct sentence structure)
• Total: 3 points

20 Practice Questions

1. The book is/are on the table.
2. The books is/are on the table.
3. Either the manager or the employees is/are coming to the meeting.
4. Every student has/have a textbook.
5. The team is/are playing well.
6. There is/are many reasons for the delay.
7. The number of people has/have increased.
8. The family is/are going on vacation.
9. Neither the cat nor the dogs is/are making any noise.
10. Each of the students has/have a different opinion.
11. The data is/are inconclusive.
12. The news is/are surprising.
13. The couple is/are celebrating their anniversary.
14. The class is/are studying for the exam.
15. The majority of the votes was/were in favor.
16. The pair of scissors is/are on the table.
17. The government is/are considering new policies.
18. The audience is/are applauding.
19. The staff is/are having a meeting.
20. The couple is/are planning their wedding.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Significantly (adverb) - in a significant or noticeable way

• The number of students significantly increased.

1. Responsible (adjective) - having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone

• The teacher is responsible for the class.

1. Postpone (verb) - to delay or put off until a later time

• The meeting was postponed due to bad weather.

1. Inconclusive (adjective) - not leading to a firm conclusion or result

• The data was inconclusive.

1. In favor (adverb) - in support of something

• The majority was in favor of the proposal.

1. Consider (verb) - to think carefully about something, especially before making a decision

• The government is considering new policies.

1. Applaud (verb) - to show approval or praise for someone or something

• The audience applauded the performance.

1. Celebrate (verb) - to commemorate or mark one's pleasure on (a special day or occasion)

• The couple is celebrating their anniversary.

1. Plan (verb) - to decide on and arrange in advance

• The couple is planning their wedding.

1. Delay (noun) - a period of time by which something is delayed

• There was a delay due to bad weather.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Ignoring the proximity rule - Using a singular verb with a plural subject that is closer to the verb.
2. Confusing collective nouns - Treating collective nouns as always singular or always plural.
3. Misidentifying the subject - Using a verb that agrees with a word that is not the subject.
4. Overlooking indefinite pronouns - Using a plural verb with singular indefinite pronouns.
5. Forgetting special cases - Not recognizing the singular or plural nature of words like data, news, and pair of scissors.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Practice makes perfect. Get your own responses scored by AI on English AIdol and receive personalized feedback to improve your TOEIC grammar skills.