Directions: In this section, each sentence is incomplete and is followed by four options. Select one of the four options to complete the sentence. Each of the scholars ________
has done well
Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns
This question tests our understanding of subject-verb agreement, specifically when the subject is an indefinite pronoun like "Each". In English grammar, the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.
Analyzing the Subject: "Each"
In the sentence fragment "Each of the scholars ________", the subject is the indefinite pronoun "Each". Even though "scholars" is plural, the word "Each" itself refers to every single scholar individually. Indefinite pronouns such as "each", "every", "either", "neither", "one", "everyone", "everybody", "anyone", "anybody", "someone", "somebody", "no one", and "nobody" are generally considered singular and require a singular verb.
Evaluating the Options
Let's look at the given options and see which one correctly completes the sentence while maintaining subject-verb agreement with the singular subject "Each".
- Option 1: have done well
- The verb "have done" is the present perfect tense, and "have" is a plural form used with plural subjects (like "they", "we", "scholars"). Since our subject "Each" is singular, this option is incorrect.
- Option 2: has done well
- The verb "has done" is the present perfect tense, and "has" is a singular form used with singular subjects (like "he", "she", "it", "Each"). This form agrees with the singular subject "Each".
- Option 3: shall done well
- The verb structure "shall done" is grammatically incorrect. Modal verbs like "shall" are followed by the base form of the verb (e.g., shall do) or used with the auxiliary "have" and the past participle for perfect tense (e.g., shall have done).
- Option 4: will done well
- The verb structure "will done" is also grammatically incorrect for the same reason as option 3. Modal verbs like "will" require the base form of the verb (e.g., will do) or "have" + past participle for the perfect tense (e.g., will have done).
Based on the analysis of subject-verb agreement rules and correct verb structures, only option 2 uses a singular verb form ("has done") that agrees with the singular subject "Each" and forms a grammatically correct sentence.
Therefore, the correct completion of the sentence is "Each of the scholars has done well".
| Indefinite Pronoun Type | Examples | Verb Form Required |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | each, every, either, neither, one, everyone, everything, anybody, anything, somebody, something, nobody, nothing | Singular |
| Plural | both, few, many, several | Plural |
| Singular or Plural (depends on the object of the preposition) | all, any, none, some, most | Singular (if object is uncountable) or Plural (if object is countable) |
Revision Table: Key Grammar Concepts
| Concept | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject-Verb Agreement | The verb must match the number (singular or plural) of the subject. | He runs (singular subject, singular verb). They run (plural subject, plural verb). |
| Indefinite Pronoun "Each" | Refers to individual items within a group; always singular. | Each student is present. |
| Present Perfect Tense | Formed with "has" or "have" + past participle. Used for actions starting in the past and continuing or having results in the present. | He has finished the work. They have arrived. |
| Modal Verbs (shall/will) | Followed by the base form of the main verb, or "have" + past participle for perfect aspect. | He will go. She shall arrive. They will have left by then. |
Additional Information: Common Subject-Verb Agreement Challenges
Understanding subject-verb agreement is crucial for correct sentence construction. Here are a few more points to keep in mind:
- Phrases like "accompanied by," "as well as," "besides," or "together with" following the subject do not change the number of the subject. The verb agrees only with the main subject. Example: The manager, as well as the employees, is attending the meeting.
- When a sentence has a compound subject joined by "or" or "nor", the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Example: Neither the students nor the teacher is ready. Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.
- Collective nouns (e.g., team, committee, family) can be singular or plural depending on whether they are acting as a single unit or as individuals. Example: The team is ready for the game (team acting as a unit). The team are arguing among themselves (team acting as individuals).
By focusing on identifying the true subject and understanding its number (singular or plural), you can correctly apply the rules of subject-verb agreement.
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