Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
These days, the four flats on our floor each ______ a separate water meter.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → have
Subject-verb agreement with “each” after a plural subject:
- When “each” comes after a plural subject, the verb agrees with that plural subject.
- The subject is “the four flats”, which is plural. “Each” only follows it. “These days” shows the present. So the verb is have.
- Complete sentence: These days, the four flats on our floor each have a separate water meter.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: has — Incorrect. “Has” is singular, but the subject “the four flats” is plural. A singular verb comes only when “each” is the subject. Example: Each flat has two balconies.
Option 2: had — Incorrect. “Had” shows the past. The sentence is about now (“these days”). Example: The old flats had no lift.
Option 4: has had — Incorrect. “Has had” is singular, but the subject is plural. Example: Our building has had water problems since May.