Correct sentence: The pelican caught exactly eight fish.
Why? Step by step:
- "Eight fish" means more than one fish, so it is plural.
- The verb "is" is singular. The subject (how many) and verb must agree: a plural subject needs a plural verb.
- It sounds clearer to put the subject first: say who did the action (the pelican) and then the action (caught exactly eight fish).
Other correct version:
- Exactly eight fish were caught by the pelican. (this is passive voice)
Quick examples:
- One fish is in the bowl.
- Two fish are in the bowl.
Tip: The word "fish" looks the same for one or many, so check the number (one vs. more than one) to choose the right verb.
Nice work — keep practicing!