Identifying errors in subject-verb agreement can be a tricky task, but one that is essential for effective writing. As a professional, it is important to ensure that documents are grammatically correct and optimized for search engine rankings. Here are some tips for identifying errors in subject-verb agreement in a quiz format:

1. Look for the subject and verb

The subject is the noun or pronoun in a sentence that performs the action. The verb is the action word that shows what the subject is doing. It is important to identify both parts of the sentence to ensure they agree in number (singular or plural).

2. Determine the number

Once you have identified the subject and verb, determine whether they are singular or plural. If the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.

3. Check for consistency

Make sure that the subject and verb are consistent throughout the sentence. It is common for errors to occur when the subject changes from singular to plural or vice versa within the same sentence.

4. Watch for tricky subjects

Some subjects can be tricky and can lead to errors in subject-verb agreement. For example, collective nouns (words that represent a group of people or things) can be singular or plural depending on the context. Words like “none” and “either” can also be confusing because they can be singular or plural depending on the context.

Here is an example quiz to test your knowledge of subject-verb agreement:

1. The cat (is/are) sleeping on the couch.

2. The dogs (barks/bark) loudly in the park.

3. Either of the options (is/are) acceptable.

4. The committee (has/have) not yet made a decision.

5. The group of students (was/were) excited about the field trip.

Answers:

1. is

2. bark

3. is

4. has

5. was

By practicing these tips and familiarizing yourself with common errors in subject-verb agreement, you can improve your writing skills and ensure that your content is grammatically correct and optimized for SEO.