Creative Editing
Chapter 2
Exercises 3-4
3. Label each sentence in Exercise 1 according to sentence type: simple, compound, complex, compound-complex.
4. Delete the incorrect verb in these sentences. To show that you understand the rules of subject-verb agreement and are not relying only on what sounds right, write the number of the rule (as numbered in this chapter) that applies to each choice.
a. Five passengers on the plane and a farmer working in the field [was, were] killed.
b. Like other produce wholesalers on the three-block-long market, she [know, knows] the ultimate follower of seasons [is, are] the farmer.
c. Each of the children [is, are] enrolled in music lessons.
d. Neither John nor his brothers [know, knows] what to expect when election day [come, comes].
e. The final hours of the legislative session [was, were] chaotic.
f. Two-thirds of the protesters [was, were] arrested before noon.
g. Club members [was, were] scheduled to vote for new officers.
h. The committee, composed of three members of the board of directors, [is, are] going to plan the annual convention.
i. A number of animals [was, were] trapped in the burning barn.
j. The majority [is, are] in favor of the legislation limiting immigration, which [is, are] to be voted on today.
k. Politics [was, were] interesting when I studied it in college, but the courses [has, had] little effect on my personal politics, which [was, were] firmly fixed.
l. Good manners [is, are] best learned when young.
m. The mayor's delegation, as well as several Chamber of Commerce members, [was, were] scheduled to meet with the executives visiting from Japan.
n. Everyone [hope, hopes] that the contract will be awarded to this company.
o. The National Council of Churches [is, are] planning a convention in Washington, D.C., this year.
p. The company's earnings [was, were] greater this year than last year because new products [was, were] popular.
q. The total sold [was, were] 450, but a total of 10 [was, were] returned because of faulty construction.
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