IXL | Identify and correct verb agreement with compound subjects

Find the error with subject-verb agreement. Select the incorrect verb and type it correctly.

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According

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volcanologists

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Hawaii's

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Kilauea

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volcano

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and

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Iceland's

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Bárðarbunga

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volcano

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still

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actively

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erupting

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today

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Learn with an example

question

Find the error with subject-verb agreement. Select the incorrect verb and type it correctly.

The

Star

Ruby

grapefruit

and

the

Rio

Red

grapefruit

was

created

through

intentional

exposure

radiation

which

induced

the

mutations

responsible

for

their

red

color

key idea

The subject and the verb in a sentence or clause must agree in number.

A compound subject is made up of two subjects joined by the conjunction and, or, or nor.

Mark and his sister

This week or next

Neither Josh nor Owen

When a compound subject is joined by and, use a plural verb. Plural verbs usually do not end in -s.

Where do Mark and his sister work?

However, when each, every, or many a precedes a compound subject joined by and, use a singular verb. Singular verbs usually end in -s.

Each painting and sculpture has a description next to it.

When a compound subject is joined by or or nor, use a verb that agrees with the subject that is closest to the verb.

If the subject closest to the verb is singular, use a singular verb.

This week or next is best for me.

If the subject closest to the verb is plural, use a plural verb.

Neither Josh nor my friends expect the movie to be successful.

Some expressions, like accompanied by, as well as, plus, together with, and in addition to, mean something similar to and but do not form a compound subject.

Owen, plus several of his friends, plays basketball on Mondays.

solution

The verb was is incorrect. Its subject is the Star Ruby grapefruit and the Rio Red grapefruit, which is a compound subject joined by the conjunction and, so the verb should be were.

The Star Ruby grapefruit and the Rio Red grapefruit were created through intentional exposure to radiation, which induced the mutations responsible for their red color.

$Confetti$

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Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

LL.3Use the correct verb – with compound subjects

BB.1Identify and correct errors with subject-verb agreement

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