Verbal Ability - Sentence Improvement - Discussion
Discussion Forum : Sentence Improvement - Section 1 (Q.No. 17)
Directions to Solve
In questions given below, a part of the sentence is italicised and underlined. Below are given alternatives to the italicised part which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, option 'D' is the answer.
17.
More than one person was killed in accident.
Answer: Option
Explanation:
The expression more than one + noun, though plural in sense, is followed by a singular verb.
Example: More than one person has died in the accident.
Explanation provided by: Samy Kumar. Updated on 4th Aug 2018.
Discussion:
16 comments Page 2 of 2.
Mukesh kumar said:
10 years ago
More than one is singular subject therefore verb must be singular.
Kumar said:
10 years ago
More than one should be followed by singular verb. So Answer is D.
K H said:
9 years ago
According to the American Heritage Dictionary of English Usage:.
When a noun phrase contains more than one and a singular noun, the verb is normally singular: There is more than one way to skin a cat. More than one editor is working on that project. More than one field has been planted with oats. When more than one is followed by of and a plural noun, the verb is plural: More than one of the paintings were stolen. More than one of the cottages are for sale. When more than one stands alone, it usually takes a singular verb, but it may take a plural verb if the notion of multiplicity predominates: The operating rooms are all in good order. More than one is (or are) equipped with the latest imaging technology.
When a noun phrase contains more than one and a singular noun, the verb is normally singular: There is more than one way to skin a cat. More than one editor is working on that project. More than one field has been planted with oats. When more than one is followed by of and a plural noun, the verb is plural: More than one of the paintings were stolen. More than one of the cottages are for sale. When more than one stands alone, it usually takes a singular verb, but it may take a plural verb if the notion of multiplicity predominates: The operating rooms are all in good order. More than one is (or are) equipped with the latest imaging technology.
Rahul said:
9 years ago
I thing no improvement is correct.
SAMRINDER KUMAR said:
8 years ago
Grammar rule : Sentences with "More than one + Noun" although sounds and is plural but is considered as singular and thus followed by a singular verb not a plural, moreover the answer mentioned here does not conform to subject-verb agreement i.e. When the subject in the sentence is singular the verb is also singular, here the subject is a Noun (person) not more than one.
Correct form is : More than one person was killed in an accident.
Form is : [More than one]+ [Noun-person]+[singular verb in past tense-was]+[helping verb-killed].
IT DOESN'T CONFORM WITH SUBJECT-VERB AND HENCE IT IS INCORRECT AND UNRELIABLE.
Correct form is : More than one person was killed in an accident.
Form is : [More than one]+ [Noun-person]+[singular verb in past tense-was]+[helping verb-killed].
IT DOESN'T CONFORM WITH SUBJECT-VERB AND HENCE IT IS INCORRECT AND UNRELIABLE.
Deepak said:
7 years ago
According to me, the sentence should be; More than one workmen was killed.
Post your comments here:
Quick links
Quantitative Aptitude
Verbal (English)
Reasoning
Programming
Interview
Placement Papers