Could you explain the correct subject-verb agreement in the example below?

a. Did you know a famous animal-rights activist has criticized horseracing because of the dangers involved?

b. Did you know a famous animal-rights activist have criticized horseracing because of the dangers involved?

I know the answer is A, but why?

2 Answers
Mar 20, 2018

A famous---activist

Explanation:

Explicitly denoting one ---a activist.

famous animal rights all words are adjective here.

Mar 21, 2018

Subject-verb agreement: subject and verb has to match

Explanation:

It is a) because the answer choice's verb (has) matches the subject (activist).

Activist is a singular noun, so the verb must be for singular nouns.

He has, she has, the book has, the activist has, etc.

The second one uses the word "have," which is for plural nouns/pronouns denoting more than one person/thing.

They have, we all have, the activists have, etc.