English Grammar

A verb must agree with its subject in number and person. 1. Error of Proximity: Sometimes, due to the “Error of Proximity”, the verb wrongly agrees with a nearby noun instead of the real subject. Examples: a. The quality of the apples was poor. b. The presence of many guests was unexpected. c. The condition of the roads was terrible. 2. Subjects Joined by “and” (Plural Verb): Two or more singular subjects joined by and take a plural verb. Examples: a. Tea and coffee are popular drinks. b. Honesty and hard work lead to success. c. Bread and jam make a simple breakfast. 3. Same Idea (Singular Verb): If two subjects refer to one idea or the same person, the verb is singular. Examples: a. Rice and curry is his favorite meal. b. The owner and manager is absent today. c. Slow and steady wins the race. 4. Words with “with”, “as well as”: Such phrases are parenthetical; the verb agrees with the main subject. Examples: a. The teacher, along with the students, is present. b. The car, with all its features, was expensive. c. Ali, as well as his brother, is coming. 5. Subjects Joined by “or / nor” (Singular): Two singular subjects joined by or / nor take a singular verb. Examples: a. Neither the boy nor the girl was ready. b. Either the pen or the book is missing. c. No chair or table was broken. 6. One Subject Plural (Nearest Rule): If one subject is plural, the verb agrees with the nearest subject. Examples: a. Neither the teacher nor the students are present. b. Either the players or the coach is responsible. c. Neither the books nor the pen is available. 7. Different Persons: The verb agrees with the nearest subject. Examples: a. Either you or I am responsible. b. Either he or you are mistaken. c. Neither they nor I am invited. 8. Indefinite Pronouns (Singular): Words like each, either, neither, everyone, many a take a singular verb. Examples: a. Each of the players is ready. b. Everyone in the class has submitted work. c. Many a student has failed here. 9. Each / Every with Two Nouns: Two nouns qualified by each or every take a singular verb. Examples: a. Every student and every teacher was present. b. Each boy and each girl was given a prize. c. Every house and every shop was decorated. 10. Plural Form, Singular Meaning: Some nouns look plural but are singular in meaning. Examples: a. Physics is an interesting subject. b. Economics is important today. c. The news is surprising. 11. “Pains” and “Means”: These can be singular or plural depending on usage. Examples: a. Great pains have been taken. b. Much pain has been caused. c. All means have been tried. Means (income): a. His means are limited. b. Their means are sufficient. c. My means were reduced. 12. Singular Form, Plural Meaning: Some nouns are singular in form but plural in meaning. Examples: a. Five dozen cost a lot. b. Ten years have passed quickly. c. A number of people are present. 13. “None”: Though singular in form, it often takes a plural verb. Examples: a. None of the students are absent. b. None of the answers are correct. c. None of them know the truth. 14. Collective Nouns: Singular verb → whole group; Plural verb → individuals Examples: a. The team has won the match. b. The team are arguing among themselves. c. The jury has reached a decision. 15. Plural Proper Nouns (Single Entity): Plural names of single things take a singular verb. Examples: a. The United Nations is an international body. b. The Philippines is a beautiful country. c. “Great Expectations” is a famous novel. 16. Quantity as a Whole: When a quantity is considered as one unit, the verb is singular. Examples: a. Twenty minutes is enough. b. Five miles is a long distance. c. Ten thousand rupees is a big amount.