LESSON 2
Subject-Verb Agreement in Number (2)
(Indefinite Pronouns and Nouns with a Quantifier)
I. Indefinite Pronouns and Nouns with a Quantifier 1.1. Indefinite pronouns
one each either neither no one / + singular verb
nobody nothing something someone /
somebody anyone / anybody anything
everyone / everybody everything both many sever (a)few + plural verb
One of the employees has called in sick.
Many firms are now hiring lawyers.
1.2. Nouns with a quantifier of the + singular/uncountable + singular verb all/ most/ some /lots/ noun half of the + plural noun + plural verb the number + singular verb of a plural noun a number + plural verb
All of the profit goes to the charities.
All of the members have to attend the seminar. 1.3.
Fill the gaps with the correct forms of the verbs given in brackets.
1. (look) A few proposals ___LOOK_____ excellent.
2. (be) Some of the facilities ____ARE____ open at this time.
3. (be) Several sales managers ____WERE____ happy with the decision at yesterday's seminar.
4. (have) Each of the managers ____HAS____ different characteristics.
5. (have) I am sure that someone ____HAS____ a copy of the report.
6. (be) Many of the important documents in the cabinet ___ARE_____ missing now
1.4. Look at the hints given and choose the correct option to complete each sentence. 1. A number of
people ________ been laid off in the last two years. A B has C had D will have have 2. Most of the
information ________ not reliable. A B was C are D being were II. PRACTICE
2.1. Choose one correct option in the parentheses.
1. All of the old magazines (is, are) available at a discounted price.
2. Some of the executives (refuse, refuses) to reduce expenditures on advertising.
3. The competition between low-cost airlines ( , have) increased. has
4. Senior employees in the workplace (know, knows) less about computers.
5. The applicants (have, has) plenty of experience in foreign trade.
6. Many offices (instruct, instructs) employees about what to do in case of fire.
7. The survey forms (was, were) not filled out completely.
8. The headquarters and the branch office (plan, plans) to reorganize some divisions.
9. A few reports (provides, provide) accurate data on the current market.
10. Our facilities (are, is) available for family and company events every weekend.
2.2. Choose the correct option for each of the following sentences.
11. The rest of the guests for the Best Employee Award…………. to arrive after 7:00 p.m. A expects C are expected B expecting D is expected
12. Some of the pens in the shipment …………. faulty parts and cannot be used. A has B is C was D have
13. The company and the striking workers …………. to a settlement. A has B agrees C have agreed D agreeing agreed
14. The cell phone charges for local calls …………. discounted for the first month. A has B was C is D are
15. The government …………. taking significant measures to promote the export of domestic goods. A been B is C have D has
16. Several candidates …………. at least two foreign languages fluently. A speak B speaks D was spoken C. has spoken