Grammar For IELTS: Expressions Of Quantity

Quantity expressions can be tricky, especially when deciding whether to use a singular or plural verb. Many IELTS learners struggle with this area of grammar, but mastering it is essential for accuracy in both Writing and Speaking tasks.

This guide explains the rules of subject-verb agreement with quantity expressions, provides examples, and includes practice exercises to help you strengthen your grammar for IELTS.

Why Focus on Quantity Expressions?

In English, subject-verb agreement often changes depending on the subject. With quantity expressions, the verb form depends not only on the quantity word but also on the noun that follows. Getting this right makes your English sound more natural and ensures better accuracy in IELTS tasks.

Subject-Verb Agreement with Quantity Expressions

1. Quantity Word + Prepositional Phrase

When a quantity word is followed by a prepositional phrase, the verb usually agrees with the quantity word itself.

Examples:

• One of the presidential candidates is in town today.
• Three of my classes were cancelled yesterday!

2. Quantity Expressions That Change Based on the Noun

Some expressions can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the noun in the prepositional phrase is singular or plural.

Examples:

• All of the…

  • All of the restaurant was full.
  • All of the restaurants were full.

• A lot of…

  • A lot of the money was torn.
  • A lot of the bills were torn.

• Some of the…

  • Some of the pizza has been eaten.
  • Some of the pizzas have been eaten.

• One-half / third / quarter of the…

  • One-third of the population is going to vote.
  • One-third of the people are going to vote.

3. Using “None” as a Subject

The word none traditionally takes a singular verb, because it means “not one.”

Examples:

• I looked at all the paintings. None is interesting to me.
• None of the paintings is interesting to me. (formal)

In spoken English, people often use the plural verb when the noun is plural. However, avoid this in formal academic writing.

Informal example:

• None of the paintings are interesting to me.

4. Quantity Words Without Objects

When certain quantity words are used alone as subjects, without an object of a preposition, they take fixed verb forms.

Singular Quantity Words:

• One is
• A little is
• Each is
• Every has

Plural Quantity Words:

• Both are
• A few are

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Look around your classroom as you complete these sentences. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement.

1. One of my classmates is sleeping in class.
2. None of my friends ________________________
3. Some of the people in class __________________
4. Everyone _________________________________
5. Some of the desks __________________________
6. No one in the class _________________________
7. One-half of the class ________________________
8. One-half of the students _____________________

Exercise 2: Correct Verb Forms

Read the passage and underline the correct form of the verb.

Careers in Information Technology

The number of people choosing a career in information technology (is increasing, are increasing) year by year. This decision is a smart one, for most companies now (need, needs) someone with advanced computer knowledge. Web design, computer graphics, and software development (is, are) just some of the areas that (is, are) in demand. Anyone with the skill to manipulate a keyboard and be creative (has, have) the opportunity to find an excellent employer. For those who (is not, are not) happy working for someone, other opportunities (exist, exists). Consulting (is, are) an excellent way to make a good living but not be tied down to one job. People who like to make their own hours, choose their contracts, and decide how much they are willing to work (thrive, thrives) on consulting work. Overall, a career in information technology, one of the most booming sectors that (has developed, have developed) over the last ten years, (is, are) a smart choice.

Answer Key:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. is sleeping in class 
2. None of my friends are talking right now.
3. Some of the people in class are studying.
4. Everyone is paying attention.
5. Some of the desks are broken.
6. No one in the class is late today.
7. One-half of the class is absent.
8. One-half of the students are participating in the activity.

Exercise 2: Correct Verb Forms

The number of people choosing a career in information technology is increasing year by year. This decision is a smart one, for most companies now need someone with advanced computer knowledge. Web design, computer graphics, and software development are just some of the areas that are in demand. Anyone with the skill to manipulate a keyboard and be creative has the opportunity to find an excellent employer. For those who are not happy working for someone, other opportunities exist. Consulting is an excellent way to make a good living but not be tied down to one job. People who like to make their own hours, choose their contracts, and decide how much they are willing to work thrive on consulting work. Overall, a career in information technology, one of the most booming sectors that has developed over the last ten years, is a smart choice.

Overall, mastering subject-verb agreement with quantity expressions is crucial for clear and accurate English. Whether in IELTS Writing or Speaking, using the correct verb form shows strong grammar skills and helps you achieve a higher band score.

Keep practicing with these examples and exercises to strengthen your confidence. For those aiming for top scores, following the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ can further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

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