Question

Find and correct the subject-verb agreement errors in this paragraph. There are ~10.

Answer 1

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, exist 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.

• However, neither increased efficiency nor improved employee morale have 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 has 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 was 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 require five separate documents.

“The process” is a singular, which should attract a singular verb, “REQUIRES”.

• The result of this unnecessary complication, not surprisingly, are frustration and curses.

The main subject here is “the result”, which is singular should attract a singular verb “IS”.

• Everyone, including the supervisors, are fed up with the extra work.

“Everyone” is the main subject here, and attracts a singular verb “IS”.  

• When our division implement 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 are needed to learn the new system, and that is more time than any of us have 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, exists in every office, work should be simpler. However, neither increased efficiency nor improved employee morale has resulted from our switch from paper to computers. Indeed, each worker’s tasks have become more complex. In the past, for example, one invoice or two purchase orders were needed to complete a request for supplies. The process, including online confirmation, now requires five separate documents. The result of this unnecessary complication, not surprisingly, is frustration and curses. Everyone, including the supervisors, is fed up with the extra work. When our division implements a new computer system next month, I expect at least two of my co-workers to quit. Fifteen hours of training is needed to learn the new system, and that is more time than any of us has to waste.