Grammar drill
The six error families that dominate fix-it and fill-in items. Write your answer before looking — guessing is allowed, skipping is not. Say the corrected sentence aloud twice; grammar that reaches your mouth survives exam pressure.
The rule in one line: the verb agrees with the true subject, not with the nearest noun. Watch for phrases that sneak in between the subject and the verb - "of the managers", "along with the attachments" - which never change the number of the subject.
The list of items (is / are) on the desk.
Neither of the managers (has / have) approved the budget.
The team (meet / meets) every Monday to review the plan.
One of my friends (was / were) selected for the interview.
Each of the candidates (receives / receive) a confirmation email.
The number of applications (has / have) increased this year.
My manager and my mentor (has / have) advised me to apply.
Physics (is / are) my favourite subject.
There (is / are) several reasons for the delay.
The report, along with the attachments, (was / were) sent yesterday.
After the drill, take the grammar section test — twelve items across all six families.