Toefl exam Essentials

WHEN THINGS GET COMPLEX . . .
When you look at complex sentences, pay close attention to
determine whether the subject and verb agree. These guidelines
will help you:
■
If two nouns or pronouns are joined by and, they need a
plural verb.
Oscar and Lorraine drive to work on most days.
■
If two singular nouns or pronouns are joined by or or
nor, they need a singular verb.
On most days, Oscar or Lorraine drives to work.

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STRUCTURE
59
■
If one plural and one singular subject are joined by or or
nor, the verb agrees with the closest subject.
Neither the teacher nor the students like the textbook.
Neither the students nor the teacher likes the textbook.
■
If a sentence asks a question or begins with the words
there or here, the subject follows the verb. The verb must
agree with the subject. The subjects are underlined in
the following examples.
Here is the evidence to prove it.What are his reasons?
Practice
Circle the correct verb in each sentence. Find the answers on
page 82.
5. The chief executive officer and the chairman of the
board agrees/agree about the new benefit package.