Grammar · Free lesson
TOEIC Grammar: find the subject before choosing the verb
A TOEIC Part 5-style sentence can place extra words between a subject and its verb. This original drill practices a common agreement pattern, without predicting what will appear on your test.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
In “The list of deliveries is ready,” list is the subject head; of deliveries tells you which list. The plural deliveries does not turn one list into several lists. In “The boxes of paper are ready,” boxes is plural, so use are.
Match the verb to what the sentence is about.
First find the whole subject phrase. Then identify its head: list in the list of deliveries, boxes in the boxes of paper. Set the descriptive of-phrase aside briefly and test “The list is” or “The boxes are.” Put the full phrase back after choosing the verb.
The head controls these examples
The list of deliveries is ready.
The boxes of paper are ready.
The schedule of interviews begins at nine.
A plural -s on the nearest noun is not enough evidence for a plural verb. Identify that noun’s job first.
Find and check the head
Set the description aside
The list (of deliveries) ___ ready.
Match the singular head
The list is ready.
Try it now
Choose the matching verb
Read all answers and explanations
Complete in the present: “The list of deliveries ___ ready.”
isList is singular, so is fits. Deliveries belongs to the descriptive phrase; be alone does not complete this statement.
Complete in the present: “The boxes of paper ___ near the door.”
areBoxes is the plural head, so are fits. Paper does not control agreement here; am goes with I.
Use the simple present: “The schedule of interviews ___ at nine.”
beginsThe singular schedule takes begins. Interviews does not make the subject plural; beginning needs an appropriate auxiliary in this sentence.
Put it into practice
Repair agreement without changing the items
There are several boxes. Keep that meaning and correct the present-tense verb.
The boxes of paper is ready.
See a model answer
The boxes of paper are ready.
An edit should fix agreement without silently changing what the sentence says.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Should I delete the of-phrase from my final sentence?
No. Set it aside mentally to inspect the structure, then keep the useful information.
The list of deliveries is ready.
Does every phrase with of follow this exact shortcut?
No. Quantity expressions and other structures can work differently. This lesson uses clear ordinary noun heads.
The boxes of paper are ready.
Take it into your day
An intervening phrase does not automatically change the subject’s number.
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