Answer:Explanation:
The subject-verb agreement errors in the paragraph above are underlined and bolded below:
- Since a desktop computer, complete with headphones for sound-based functions, <u>exist</u> in every office, work should be simpler.
The main subject here referred to in the sentence is “a desktop computer”, which is singular. A singular verb should follow. EXISTS is the right singular verb to use.
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However, neither increased efficiency nor improved employee morale <u>have</u> resulted from our switch from paper to computers.
According to the rule of subject-verb agreement, when “neither…nor” is used, a singular verb is used. The correct verb to be used here would be HAS.
- Indeed, each worker’s tasks <u>has</u> become more complex.
The subject “tasks” is in the plural form, and should attract a plural verb HAVE.
- In the past, for example, one invoice or two purchase orders <u>was</u> needed to complete a request for supplies.
The last listed noun that serves as the subject in the sentence here, “two purchase orders”, determines the verb form that should follow. So, the plural verb “WERE” should follow.
- The process, including online confirmation, now <u>require</u> five separate documents.
“The process” is a singular, which should attract a singular verb, “REQUIRES”.
- The result of this unnecessary complication, not surprisingly, <u>are</u> frustration and curses.
The main subject here is “the result”, which is singular should attract a singular verb <em>“IS”.</em>
- Everyone, including the supervisors, <u>are</u> fed up with the extra work.
“Everyone” is the main subject here, and attracts a singular verb <em>“IS”</em>.
- When our division <u>implement</u> a new computer system next month, I expect at least two of my co-workers to quit.
“Our division” is taken as a single unit in this sentence, and should attract a singular verb, “IMPLEMENTS”.
- Fifteen hours of training <u>are</u> needed to learn the new system, and that is more time than any of us <u>have</u> to waste.
“fifteen hours of training” is used here as a single unit specifying time, and should attract the singular verb, “IS”.
Also, in the later part of the sentence, “any of us” should attract a singular verb “HAS”.
Below is the paragraph after correction of the several errors:
Most jobs now require computer skills, but the digital revolution has not improved our quality of life. Since a desktop computer, complete with headphones for sound-based functions, <u>exists</u> in every office, work should be simpler. However, neither increased efficiency nor improved employee morale <u>has</u> resulted from our switch from paper to computers. Indeed, each worker’s tasks <u>have</u> become more complex. In the past, for example, one invoice or two purchase orders <u>were</u> needed to complete a request for supplies. The process, including online confirmation, now <u>requires</u> five separate documents. The result of this unnecessary complication, not surprisingly, <u>is</u> frustration and curses. Everyone, including the supervisors, <u>is </u>fed up with the extra work. When our division <u>implements</u> a new computer system next month, I expect at least two of my co-workers to quit. Fifteen hours of training <u>is</u> needed to learn the new system, and that is more time than any of us <u>has</u> to waste.
