Subject-verb agreement sample question

Question

Choose the grammatically correct sentence.

1. A. The list of items are long.
2. B. The bouquet of roses is fresh.
3. C. The players is ready.
4. D. The data are confusing always.

Correct answer

Option B: The bouquet of roses is fresh.

The real subject is bouquet, which is singular. The phrase of roses only describes the bouquet, so the singular verb is is. This is a common SSC trap because a plural noun appears closer to the verb than the real subject.

Why the other options are wrong

• The list of items are long uses are with the singular subject list.
• The players is ready uses is with the plural subject players.
• The data are confusing always has awkward word order even though data can be treated as plural in formal usage.

Solution method

1. Find the complete subject phrase and identify its head noun.
2. Temporarily remove descriptive phrases beginning with words such as of, with or along with.
3. Match the verb with the head noun, then read the complete sentence once for natural word order.

Concept boundary

A nearby plural noun does not control the verb when it sits inside a descriptive phrase. Collective nouns and words such as data can depend on usage, so the safest exam item is one where the head noun and intended number are unambiguous. The bouquet example tests that clear boundary: bouquet is singular and of roses does not change it.

Transfer practice

Choose the correct form: 'The result of the two experiments ___ surprising.'

Practice tip

Underline the real subject before checking the verb. Ignore prepositional phrases such as of items or of roses while deciding agreement.

This is original practice material for concept review, not a claim that the same wording will appear in an official paper. Report an unclear or outdated explanation through the contact page.

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