Subject-Verb Agreement: TEAS Practice Question with Answer & Explanation

Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement with Compound Subjects

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in English grammar: a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. However, the TEAS often tests complex scenarios involving compound subjects joined by "and," "or," or "nor."

Why Choice C is Correct

Choice C: "The coach or the players practice every afternoon." In this sentence, the subject is joined by the conjunction "or." When subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb must agree with the part of the subject that is closest to the verb.

• Subject parts: "the coach" (singular) and "the players" (plural).
• Closest part: "the players" (plural).
• Correct verb: "practice" (plural form). Because "players" and "practice" match, this sentence is grammatically correct.

Analysis of Incorrect Choices

• Choice A: "The professor and the students is attending..." When two subjects are joined by and, they almost always form a compound plural subject. "Professor + students" = They. The plural verb should be are, not "is."
• Choice B: "Neither the principal nor the teachers wants to change..." This follows the "proximity rule" for nor. The subjects are "principal" (singular) and "teachers" (plural). Since "teachers" is closest to the verb, the verb must be plural. The plural form is want (without the 's'). "Wants" is singular.
• Choice D: "Either the cookies or the cake look delicious..." Following the proximity rule for either/or, we look at the subject closest to the verb: "the cake." Since "cake" is singular, the verb must be singular. The singular form of the verb is looks.

TEAS Grammar Concept: The Proximity Rule

Many students struggle with "or" and "nor" because they try to add the subjects together like they do with "and." Remember:

1. AND = Addition (Use a plural verb).
2. OR / NOR = Proximity (Look at the noun right next to the verb).

Study Tip

To find the correct verb for "or/nor" sentences, cover up the first subject and the conjunction with your finger. Read the rest of the sentence: "The players practice every afternoon." If it sounds right on its own, the agreement is correct!