Subject-Verb Agreement with Complex Subjects —
Forms in Context.

Question 1

The box of spare cables _____ disappeared, but the cables beside the printer _____ remained in place.

Options: have, has, having

Question 2

The two speakers have different roles: the researcher and the journalist _____ ready to answer questions.

Options: are, is, be

Question 3

One person runs this studio and takes all its photographs. The owner and photographer _____ just opened a second studio.

Options: having, have, has

Question 4

On this menu, rice and beans is listed as one dish. Rice and beans _____ served with salad. Every plate and every bowl _____ checked before service.

Options: are, is, be

Question 5

Either the password or the fingerprint _____ required to unlock the device. Neither the old passwords nor the stored fingerprints _____ valid now.

Options: be, are, is

Question 6

Use agreement with the nearer alternative: either the director or the actors _____ attending the interview; either the actors or the director _____ attending the rehearsal.

Options: are, be, is

Question 7

Complete this formal inspection report using singular agreement for each, either and neither: each of the exits _____ been checked; either of the routes _____ been approved for use; neither of the lifts _____ been repaired.

Options: have, has, having

Question 8

One of the volunteers _____ arrived. A number of visitors _____ arrived too, and the number of occupied seats _____ increased.

Options: has, have, having

Question 9

Most of the furniture _____ already in storage, but some of the chairs _____ still in the hall.

Options: are, be, is

Question 10

Half of the drinking water _____ been used, and sixty per cent of the paper cups _____ been used.

Options: have, has, having

Question 11

Nobody in the neighbouring flats _____ reported a problem, and none of the available evidence _____ suggested a fault.

Options: has, having, have

Question 12

The price of the tickets that _____ available online _____ higher than I expected.

Options: is, be, are

Question 13

In British English, present the group explicitly as one unit: the orchestra _____ recording its new album. To refer explicitly to individuals, write: the orchestra members _____ choosing their seats.

Options: are, is, be

Question 14

For this journey, three hours _____ enough time. By contrast, the first three hours of yesterday’s journey _____ been described by every passenger as exhausting.

Options: is, are, be, has, have, having

Question 15

Sorting the old photographs _____ patience. That several photographs are damaged _____ the task harder. Whether we can repair them _____ on the materials available.

Options: require, requiring, requires, makes, making, make, depend, depends, depending