Welcome to Subject-Verb Agreement!
Hello there! Today, we are diving into one of the most important chapters for the TOEIC Part 5 (Incomplete Sentences). Subject-Verb Agreement is like the "secret handshake" of English grammar. If the subject and the verb don't match, the sentence doesn't work, and you lose easy marks. Don't worry if this seems tricky at first; by the end of these notes, you’ll be able to spot the correct answer in seconds!
In the TOEIC exam, especially in Part 5, you are often asked to choose the correct verb form from four options. Knowing how the subject relates to the verb is the fastest way to eliminate wrong answers and save time for the more difficult reading passages later in the test.
Step 1: The Golden Rule
The most basic rule is simple: A singular subject needs a singular verb, and a plural subject needs a plural verb.
Singular: The technician repairs the copier. (One technician = verb ends in 's')
Plural: The technicians repair the copier. (Many technicians = no 's' on the verb)
Did you know? In English, nouns usually add an "s" to become plural (books, chairs), but verbs add an "s" to become singular (runs, speaks). It’s the opposite! Thinking of it as a "balancing act" can help you remember.
Step 2: Identifying the "Real" Subject (The TOEIC Trap)
TOEIC examiners love to hide the subject behind a long string of words. They want to trick you into looking at the word closest to the verb instead of the actual subject. This is where many candidates lose marks.
The Distractor: Prepositional Phrases
Often, words starting with of, in, at, with, or for come between the subject and the verb. Ignore them!
Weak Version (The Trap): The report on the new marketing strategies are on your desk. (Wrong! "Strategies" is plural, but it is not the subject.)
Improved Version (The Correct Way): The report (singular) on the new marketing strategies is (singular) on your desk.
Strategy: When you see a long sentence in Part 5, find the verb and then look back to find the first noun that isn't inside a phrase starting with "of" or "in." That is your real subject!
Step 3: Special Subjects (Singular or Plural?)
There are specific words that appear frequently in TOEIC business contexts. You must memorize whether they take a singular or plural verb.
1. Words that are always Singular
Words ending in -one, -body, or -thing, and the word Each, are always singular.
Examples:
Everyone in the office is required to attend the meeting.
Each of the candidates has an impressive resume.
Something needs to be changed in the contract.
2. Uncountable Nouns (Always Singular)
In a business setting, some words look like they could be plural but are actually "uncountable" and must use singular verbs.
High-value TOEIC Vocabulary: information, equipment, luggage, furniture, software.
Incorrect: The new equipment have arrived.
Correct: The new equipment has arrived.
Quick Review Box
Check the subject before you choose the verb:
1. Is it a group acting as one? (Singular)
2. Is it a word like "Everyone" or "Each"? (Singular)
3. Is there a prepositional phrase ("of the...") hiding the real subject? (Skip it!)
Step 4: Compound Subjects (And vs. Or)
How you join two subjects changes the verb form.
Using "And": When you join two subjects with and, they become plural.
The CEO and the Manager are arriving at 10:00 AM.
Using "Or" / "Either...or" / "Neither...nor": The verb must agree with the subject closest to it.
Either the director or the assistants prepare the agenda. (Assistants is plural, so use prepare)
Either the assistants or the director prepares the agenda. (Director is singular, so use prepares)
Step 5: Pacing and Strategy for Part 5
In Part 5, you have approximately 30 seconds per question. To earn maximum marks, follow this workflow:
1. Scan the options first: If you see different forms of the same verb (is, are, was, were), you know it's a Subject-Verb Agreement question.
2. Find the Subject: Cross out any words between commas or starting with "of."
3. Check the Tense: Ensure the verb matches the time markers (like "yesterday" or "next week"), but keep the agreement as your priority.
4. Select and Move On: Don't overthink. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusion with "Staff" and "Team": In TOEIC, collective nouns like staff, team, committee, and board are usually treated as singular because they represent one single unit.
Example: The committee meets once a month.
2. Amounts and Time: Phrases describing money, time, or distance are usually singular.
Example: Fifty dollars is a reasonable price for that mouse.
Example: Two hours is a long time to wait for a flight.
Key Takeaways
- Singular Subject = Singular Verb (usually ends in -s).
- Plural Subject = Plural Verb (no -s).
- Don't let prepositional phrases (starting with "of", "with", "in") confuse you.
- "Each" and "Everyone" are always singular.
- With "or," look at the noun closest to the verb.
- Speed is key: Use these rules to eliminate 2 out of 4 options immediately!
Great job! You've mastered the basics of Subject-Verb Agreement for the TOEIC. Keep practicing identifying the "real" subject in long sentences, and you'll see your Part 5 score improve significantly!