IMO Practice Test — Subject–Verb Agreement
8 Questions • 15 min • Olympiad level
15:00
Question 1 of 8
Spot the error: 'The number of accidents have increased.'
have → has
number is wrong
accidents is wrong
no error
Explanation: 'The number of' takes a singular verb → 'has increased'.
Question 2 of 8
Choose: 'Not only the students but also the teacher ___ excited.'
are
is
were
have
Explanation: With 'not only … but also', the verb agrees with the nearer subject 'teacher' → 'is'.
Question 3 of 8
Identify the error: 'Many a student have failed the exam.'
have → has
Many a is wrong
student is wrong
no error
Explanation: 'Many a + singular noun' takes a singular verb → 'has'.
Question 4 of 8
Fill in: 'Three-fourths of the work ___ done.'
are
is
were
have
Explanation: A fraction agrees with the noun after 'of'; 'work' is uncountable → 'is'.
Question 5 of 8
Which sentence is correct?
My trousers is torn.
My trousers are torn.
My trousers was torn.
My trousers has torn.
Explanation: 'trousers' is plural in form → 'are'.
Question 6 of 8
Choose: 'The jury ___ divided in their opinions.'
was
is
are
has
Explanation: When members act individually, the collective noun takes a plural verb → 'are'.
Question 7 of 8
Rearrange: 'is / of / one / friends / my / coming'
One of my friends is coming.
One of my friends are coming.
One of my friend is coming.
My friends one of is coming.
Explanation: Subject 'one' is singular → 'is coming'.
Question 8 of 8
Choose the correct verb: 'Either you or I ___ mistaken.'
is
am
are
was
Explanation: Nearer subject 'I' takes 'am'.