<\/span><\/h3>\nWe will now try to explore all the rules which are important for subject-verb agreement. If you observe the rules you will be able to do your homework with ease or other activities in the classroom. Here some examples have been given to clear all your doubts or queries. Take a look<\/p>\n
Basic Rule. A singular subject (she, Bill, car<\/em>) takes a singular verb (is, goes, shines<\/em>), whereas a plural subject takes a plural verb.<\/p>\nExample:<\/em> The<\/em> list<\/em> of items<\/em> is\/are on the desk.<\/em><\/p>\nRule 1.<\/p>\n
A subject will come before a phrase beginning with of<\/em>. This is a key rule for understanding subjects. <\/p>\nA<\/em> bouquet<\/em> of yellow roses<\/em> lends<\/em> color and fragrance to the room.<\/em><\/p>\nRule 2. Two singular subjects connected by or, either\/or,<\/em> or neither\/nor<\/em> require a singular verb.<\/p>\nExamples:<\/em>
My<\/em> aunt<\/em> or my<\/em> uncle<\/em> is arriving<\/em> by train today.<\/em>
Neither<\/em> Juan<\/em> nor<\/em> Carmen<\/em> is available.<\/em>
Either<\/em> Kiana<\/em> or<\/em> Casey<\/em> is helping<\/em> today with stage decorations.<\/em><\/p>\nRule 3. The verb in an or, either\/or,<\/em> or neither\/nor<\/em> sentence agrees with the noun or pronoun closest to it.<\/p>\nExamples:<\/em>
Neither the<\/em> plates<\/em> nor the serving<\/em> bowl<\/em> goes<\/em> on that shelf.<\/em>
Neither the serving<\/em> bowl<\/em> nor the<\/em> plates<\/em> go<\/em> on that shelf.<\/em><\/p>\nRule 4. As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected by and.<\/em><\/p>\nExample:<\/em> A<\/em> car<\/em> and a<\/em> bike<\/em> are<\/em> my means of transportation.<\/em><\/p>\nBut note these exceptions:<\/p>\n
Exceptions:<\/em>
Breaking and entering<\/em> is<\/em> against the law.<\/em>
The<\/em> bed and breakfast<\/em> was<\/em> charming.<\/em><\/p>\nRule 5a. Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by such words as along with, as well as, besides, not,<\/em> etc. These words and phrases are not part of the subject. Ignore them and use a singular verb when the subject is singular.<\/p>\nExamples:<\/em>
The<\/em> politician, along with the newsmen,<\/em> is expected<\/em> shortly.<\/em>
Excitement, as well as nervousness,<\/em> is<\/em> the cause of her shaking.<\/em><\/p>\nRule 5b. Parentheses are not part of the subject.<\/p>\n
Example: Joe (and his trusty mutt)<\/em> was always welcome.<\/em><\/p>\nRule 6. In sentences beginning with here<\/em> or there,<\/em> the true subject follows the verb.<\/p>\nExamples:<\/em>
There<\/em> are<\/em> four<\/em> hurdles<\/em> to jump.<\/em>
There<\/em> is<\/em> a high<\/em> hurdle<\/em> to jump.<\/em>
Here<\/em> are<\/em> the<\/em> keys.<\/em><\/p>\nRule 7. Use a singular verb with distances, periods of time, sums of money, etc., when considered as a unit.<\/p>\n
Examples:<\/em>
Three miles<\/em> is too far to walk.<\/em>
Five years<\/em> is the maximum sentence for that offense.<\/em>
Ten dollars<\/em> is a high price to pay.<\/em><\/p>\nRule 8. With words that indicate portions\u2014e.g., a lot, a majority, some, all<\/em>\u2014Rule 1 given earlier in this section is reversed, and we are guided by the noun after of<\/em>. If the noun after of<\/em> is singular, use a singular verb. If it is plural, use a plural verb.<\/p>\nExamples:<\/em>
A lot<\/em> of the<\/em> pie has disappeared.<\/em>
A lot<\/em> of the<\/em> pies have disappeared.<\/em>
A<\/em> third<\/em> of the<\/em> city is<\/em> unemployed.<\/em>
A<\/em> third<\/em> of the<\/em> people are<\/em> unemployed.<\/em>
All<\/em> of the<\/em> pie is<\/em> gone.<\/em><\/p>\nRule 9. With collective nouns such as group<\/em>, jury<\/em>, family<\/em>, audience<\/em>, and population<\/em>, the verb might be singular or plural, depending on the writer’s intent.<\/p>\nExamples:<\/em>
All<\/em> of my<\/em> family has arrived<\/em> OR has arrived.<\/em>
Most<\/em> of the<\/em> jury is<\/em> here<\/em> OR are<\/em> here.<\/em>
A<\/em> third<\/em> of the<\/em> population was<\/em> opposed<\/em> OR were<\/em> opposed to the bill.<\/em><\/p>\nRule 10. The word were<\/em> replaced in sentences that express a wish or are contrary to fact:<\/p>\nExample:<\/em> If Joe<\/em> were here, you’d be sorry.<\/em><\/p>\nI wish it<\/em> were Friday.<\/em><\/p>\nShe requested that he<\/em> raise his hand.<\/em><\/p>\nNow you have gathered a lot of information on subject-verb agreement. It\u2019s time to check your progress. Here are some sentences and you need to select the correct form. You can see the right answers after you finish your task. Good luck!<\/p>\n
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We have covered a detailed guide on CBSE<\/a> Class 10 English Grammar Subject and verb concord. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below.<\/p>\n