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Making Subjects

and Verbs Agree

 Relationship of the Subject with the


Predicate in a Sentence
Definition
 Selection of the verb according to the
nature of the subject is known as
‘Agreement’.

 A singular subject requires a singular verb.


 A plural subject requires a plural verb.
 E.g. I am in the classroom.
We/ You/ They are in the classroom.
He/ She/ It is in the classroom.
Rule 1
 When a sentence begins with a word like
“There”, the verb agrees with the real
subject after the verb “be” e.g.

 There is a book on the table.


 There are ten books on the table.
Rule 2
 When the subject is 2 or more nouns
joined by ‘and’ ,it is treated as a plural.e.g.
 Gopal & Hari were going by bus.

 But if the 2 nouns are closely related, it is


treated as a singular .e.g.
 Bread and butter is my favourite breakfast.
Rule 3
 The words: each, everyone, everybody,
anyone, anybody, someone and no one
are singular. e.g.

 Each of the members was given a gift.


 Everyone likes Shweta.
 Somebody is coming this way.
 No one likes to be scolded.
 Every tree is known by its fruit.
Rule 4
 Some nouns ending in ‘s’ look as if they
are in plural but as a subject take singular
verbs e.g.

 Mathematics is my favourite subject.


 The News is on at six p.m.
 Measles is an infectious disease.
Rule 5
 In Mathematical statements, ‘is’ is
generally used. E.g. 2+2 is 4
 Rs. 900/- is too much for this dress.
 ‘The Number’ is usually treated as
singular while ‘A Number’ is treated as
plural. E.g.:
 The number of trainees is 25.
 A number of boys were playing on the
field.
Rule 6
 Some Nouns with a singular form may be treated either
as singular or plural e.g.
- The Council has (have) postponed its/their decision.

 Other words in this category are : audience, association,


committee, crowd, family, generation, group, team,
government etc.
- My family has 5 members.
- My family have never agreed on anything.

 ( In formal writing it is more common to use a singular


verb)
Rule 7
 Some Nouns are usually plural and take a
plural verb e.g. scissors, earrings, goods ,stairs,
congratulations, police, people, staff, trousers,
etc.

- The scissors are very sharp.


- Congratulations are in order.
- The police are patrolling the area.
Rule 8

 With phrases such as, ‘A majority of, A lot of,


Some of, Plenty of ‘ along with a plural noun, a
plural verb is used.e.g.
- A majority of the members were in favour of
the motion.
- Some of the students do not attend classes.
- A lot of people were seen at the reception.
Rule 9
 After ‘ Percent’ or % we use a singular
verb. E.g.
- Around 10 % of the forest is destroyed
every year.

 However, in phrases such as Percent of +


a plural noun ‘ a plural verb is used. E.g.
- 50% of the hoses need repairs.
A word of caution
 Do not be misled by phrases that come between
the subject and the verb.
 The verb agrees with the subject and not the
Noun or Pronoun in the phrase.e.g.
- The woman, with all her dogs, walks down my
street.
- The prime Minister, along with his family
members , is holidaying in Simla.
- One of the boxes is open.

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