mpt · CSS study notes
Part 5 — One-Minute Revision Sheet
Golden method
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CUT → FIND → MATCH
CUT extra phrases.
FIND the true subject.
MATCH the correct verb.
Essential rules
Each / every / either / neither
Use a singular verb.
Each student is ready.
A number of
Use a plural verb.
A number of students are absent.
The number of
Use a singular verb.
The number of students is rising.
And
Normally use a plural verb.
Ali and Ahmed are friends.
Use singular for one combined idea.
Bread and butter is my breakfast.
As well as / along with
Match the first subject.
The teacher, along with the students, is present.
Either…or / neither…nor
Match the nearer subject.
Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
Percentage / fraction
Look at the noun after of.
Half of the work is done.
Half of the workers are absent.
There / here
Look for the real subject after the verb.
There are many reasons.
News / physics / mathematics
Use a singular verb.
The news is true.
Police / cattle / people
Use a plural verb.
The police are investigating.
Scissors / trousers
Use a plural verb.
The scissors are sharp.
A pair of
Use a singular verb.
A pair of scissors is required.
Time / money / distance as one total
Use a singular verb.
Ten kilometres is a long distance.
One of
Use a singular main verb.
One of the boys is absent.
More than one
Use a singular verb.
More than one student has complained.
Final mnemonic: E–N–A–O–F–T
E — Each and every
Singular.
N — Number
A number = plural.
The number = singular.
A — And
Usually plural.
O — Or / nor
Nearest subject.
F — Fraction
Look after of.
T — There
Real subject comes later.
Five final examples
The box of books is heavy.
Each of the books is useful.
A number of books are missing.
The number of books is increasing.
Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.
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If you can explain why each bold verb is correct, you are ready for the MPT question.
Revision record
First attempt
Date:
Score:
Weak rule:
Three-day review
Date:
Score:
Weak rule:
Seven-day review
Date:
Final rule to remember: