Singular and Plural Exercise

Most nouns form their plurals by adding -s to the singular. However, there are some nouns that have only a plural form or a singular form. Plural nouns should be followed by a plural verb and singular nouns should be followed by a singular verb.

Fill in the blanks.

1. I think they teach ………………………. mathematics in schools.

too much             too many

2. Politics ………………………. a complicated business.

Is             are

3. ………………….. suffering from a disease called BSE.

Many cattle are           Much cattle is

4. The police …………………… the thief.

have arrested            has arrested

5. Where ……………….. my glasses?

Are             is

6. The organization is trying to raise ……………… to support its projects.

Fund            funds

7. A number of people …………………… tried to find the treasure.

Has            have

8. A group of us …………….. going to hold a party tomorrow.

Is             are

9. Half of her students ……………… understand a word she says.

doesn't           don't           Either could be used here

10. Ten miles ………………. a long way to walk.

Is            are            Either could be used here

11. One of my friends …………….. going to Mexico.

Is            are

12. Nobody ……………….. him except his best friends.

Like           likes           Either could be used here

Answers

1. I think they teach too much mathematics in schools.
2. Politics is a complicated business.
3. Many cattle are suffering from a disease called BSE.
4. The police have arrested the thief.
5. Where are my glasses?
6. The organization is trying to raise funds to support its projects.
7. A number of people have tried to find the treasure.
8. A group of us are going to hold a party tomorrow.
9. Half of her students don’t understand a word she says.
10. Ten miles is a long way to walk.
11. One of my friends is going to Mexico.
12. Nobody likes him except his best friends.