Home Grammar Subject-Verb Agreement ExercisesPhrases Between Subject & Verb Exercises (Hard)

Phrases Between Subject & Verb Exercises (Hard)

B2 Level

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At B2 level, sentences often contain multiple phrases between the subject and verb, making agreement significantly harder to judge. In "The report on the effects of climate change on coastal communities was published yesterday," the subject is "report" (singular) — but three phrases ("on the effects," "of climate change," "on coastal communities") separate it from the verb. Learners who match the verb to "communities" will mistakenly choose "were."

Relative clauses also appear between subjects and verbs at this level: "The student who answered all the questions correctly was given a prize." The relative clause "who answered all the questions correctly" is additional information — it does not change the fact that "student" is singular. To avoid errors, strip the sentence down to its core: "The student was given a prize." This approach works even with the most complex B2 sentences, including those with nested phrases and embedded clauses that appear in Cambridge First examinations.

Quick Rule

subject + [phrase 1] + [phrase 2] + verb (matching the subject, not the nearest noun)

1.The books on the shelf in the corner belong to my grandmother. (subject "books" — plural verb)
2.A report on the latest developments in technology doesn't include enough data. (subject "report" — singular verb, negative)
3.The teacher who taught us last year has retired. (subject "teacher" — singular verb)
4.Samples from the river near the factory were tested for pollution. (subject "samples" — plural verb)
5.Her knowledge of languages and cultural traditions impresses every interviewer. (subject "knowledge" — singular verb)

All 20 questions

Choose the correct verb form. Navigate through multiple phrases to find the TRUE subject!

The report on the effects of climate change on coastal communities _____ (reveal / reveals) alarming trends.
The athletes from various countries who competed in the Olympics _____ (is / are) returning home.
The stack of documents on the desk near the window _____ (needs / need) to be filed.
The consequences of ignoring the warnings about the structural problems _____ (are / is) now evident.
The singer, known for her powerful voice and emotional performances, _____ (has / have) won multiple awards.
The documents that were submitted by the applicants from different departments _____ (are / is) being reviewed.
The analysis of the data collected from multiple sources over several years _____ (suggest / suggests) a pattern.
The buildings on this street, designed by a famous architect in the 1920s, _____ (is / are) protected landmarks.
The proposal submitted by the team of engineers from the research division _____ (have / has) been approved.
The opinions expressed by experts in the field of environmental science _____ (vary / varies) widely.
The success of the project, despite numerous challenges and setbacks, _____ (demonstrates / demonstrate) good leadership.
The recommendations made by the committee after consulting with industry experts _____ (has / have) been implemented.
The level of pollution in the rivers that flow through industrial areas _____ (are / is) concerning.
The students who attended the workshop organised by the university _____ (have / has) learned new skills.
The theory proposed by the scientist, along with supporting evidence from recent studies, _____ (challenges / challenge) current understanding.
The measures taken by the government to address the concerns of citizens _____ (seems / seem) effective.
The collection of artifacts discovered during excavations at ancient sites _____ (include / includes) rare coins.
The changes in policy recommended by advisors who studied the issue _____ (are / is) being considered.
The impact of the new regulations on small businesses in rural areas _____ (remain / remains) uncertain.
The strategies developed by the marketing team, based on customer feedback surveys, _____ (have / has) increased sales.