You need to be registered and logged in to take this quiz. Log in
| Rank | User | % Correct Answers |
|---|
MNB English Lessons
Class 9 & 10 · English Grammar · Comprehensive Lesson Notes
Subject–Verb Agreement (Concord)
Complete Rules · Examples · Common Errors · Exercises | SSC Board Exam Preparation
What is Subject–Verb Agreement?
Definition / Concord
Subject–Verb Agreement (also called Concord) is the grammatical rule that states: the verb in a sentence must agree with its subject in number and person.
In simple words — if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.
“The dog barks.” (singular subject → singular verb)
“The dogs bark.” (plural subject → plural verb)
In simple words — if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.
“The dog barks.” (singular subject → singular verb)
“The dogs bark.” (plural subject → plural verb)
Key Concepts at a Glance
📌 Quick Reference
TopicSubject–Verb Agreement (Concord)
Also Known AsConcord / Number Agreement
Basic RuleSingular subject → Singular verb; Plural subject → Plural verb
Singular VerbsEnds in –s / –es (e.g., runs, goes, is, was, has)
Plural VerbsNo –s ending (e.g., run, go, are, were, have)
Exam ImportanceVery common in editing, gap-fill, and error correction
Singular vs. Plural Verbs — Basic Chart
| Subject Type | Verb Form | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Person Singular (He / She / It / one noun) | Singular verb (adds –s / –es) | He runs. She goes. The dog barks. |
| 1st Person Singular (I) | Base form (except “am”) | I run. I am happy. I have a book. |
| 2nd Person (You) | Base / plural verb form | You are good. You run fast. |
| Plural Subject (They / We / two nouns) | Plural verb (no –s) | They run. The boys play. |
| Auxiliary: is / are / was / were / has / have | Depends on subject | He is. They are. She has. We have. |
Rules of Subject–Verb Agreement
1
Basic Rule — Singular Subject → Singular Verb / Plural Subject → Plural Verb
When the subject is singular, use a singular verb. When the subject is plural, use a plural verb.
| ✔ Correct | ✘ Incorrect | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| The bird sings sweetly. | The bird sing sweetly. | “Bird” is singular → “sings” |
| The birds sing sweetly. | The birds sings sweetly. | “Birds” is plural → “sing” |
| She writes every day. | She write every day. | “She” is 3rd person singular |
| They write every day. | They writes every day. | “They” is plural |
2
Two Subjects Joined by “AND” → Plural Verb
When two or more subjects are joined by and, they form a compound subject and take a plural verb.
| ✔ Correct | ✘ Incorrect | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Ram and Shyam are friends. | Ram and Shyam is friends. | Two subjects joined by “and” → plural |
| The teacher and the student have arrived. | The teacher and the student has arrived. | Two separate people |
| Bread and butter is my breakfast. | Bread and butter are my breakfast. | Exception: refers to one dish/concept |
⚠ Exception — “And” referring to one unit
When two nouns joined by “and” refer to one person, one idea, or one thing, the verb is singular.
The Director and Principal is Mr. Sharma. (one person holding both roles)
Slow and steady wins the race. (one concept / proverb)
Rice and curry is my favourite meal. (one dish / combination)
3
OR / NOR / EITHER…OR / NEITHER…NOR → Verb Agrees with the NEARER Subject
When subjects are joined by or, nor, either…or, neither…nor, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it (the nearer subject).
| ✔ Correct | ✘ Incorrect | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Either the boys or the girl is wrong. | Either the boys or the girl are wrong. | “girl” (singular) is nearer → singular verb |
| Either the girl or the boys are wrong. | Either the girl or the boys is wrong. | “boys” (plural) is nearer → plural verb |
| Neither Raju nor his friends have come. | Neither Raju nor his friends has come. | “friends” (plural) is nearer |
| Neither the students nor the teacher was present. | Neither the students nor the teacher were present. | “teacher” (singular) is nearer |
💡 Memory Tip
With OR / NOR — the verb “listens” to its nearest neighbour (the subject just before it). Place the longer / plural subject first and the shorter / singular subject second if you want a singular verb.
4
Collective Nouns → Usually Singular Verb
A collective noun names a group of people or things. It usually takes a singular verb because the group acts as one unit. If the members act individually, a plural verb may be used.
| ✔ Correct (Singular — acting as one unit) | Note |
|---|---|
| The team is ready to play. | The team acts as one unit |
| The jury has given its verdict. | Collective decision |
| The committee meets every Monday. | One collective action |
| The army was deployed at the border. | Army = single force |
| The class was listening carefully. | All listening together |
| Common Collective Nouns | Often Used With |
|---|---|
| team, committee, jury, class | is / was / has / meets |
| army, navy, police, government | is / was / has |
| flock (of birds), herd (of cattle) | is / was |
| pack (of wolves), swarm (of bees) | is / was |
5
Indefinite Pronouns → Usually Singular Verb
Indefinite pronouns refer to non-specific people or things. Most take a singular verb.
Always Singular
- everyone, everybody, everything
- someone, somebody, something
- anyone, anybody, anything
- no one, nobody, nothing
- each, every, either, neither
- one, another, much, little
Always Plural
- both, few, many, several
- others
- (these always refer to more than one)
| ✔ Correct | ✘ Incorrect |
|---|---|
| Everyone is present today. | Everyone are present today. |
| Each of the students has submitted the work. | Each of the students have submitted the work. |
| Neither of the answers is correct. | Neither of the answers are correct. |
| Someone has taken my pen. | Someone have taken my pen. |
| Many were injured in the accident. | Many was injured in the accident. |
6
Intervening Phrases — Do NOT Be Misled by Words Between Subject and Verb
Sometimes a phrase comes between the subject and the verb (often beginning with of, with, as well as, along with, together with, in addition to, except, besides). The verb must still agree with the main subject, not the words in the intervening phrase.
| ✔ Correct | ✘ Incorrect | Main Subject |
|---|---|---|
| The quality of the mangoes is good. | The quality of the mangoes are good. | quality (singular) |
| The box of chocolates was on the table. | The box of chocolates were on the table. | box (singular) |
| The teacher, along with the students, has arrived. | The teacher, along with the students, have arrived. | teacher (singular) |
| Ravi, as well as his brothers, is coming. | Ravi, as well as his brothers, are coming. | Ravi (singular) |
| The girls, together with their teacher, were singing. | The girls, together with their teacher, was singing. | girls (plural) |
⚠ Common Exam Trap
“Along with / together with / as well as / in addition to” do NOT make the subject plural. They are just additional phrases. Always find the TRUE subject first, then choose the verb.
7
“Each” and “Every” → Always Singular Verb
Each and every always take a singular verb, even when they refer to more than one person or thing.
| ✔ Correct | ✘ Incorrect |
|---|---|
| Each student has a book. | Each student have a book. |
| Every child needs love. | Every child need love. |
| Each of the girls was wearing a uniform. | Each of the girls were wearing a uniform. |
| Every man, woman, and child is affected. | Every man, woman, and child are affected. |
8
Nouns Plural in Form but Singular in Meaning → Singular Verb
Some nouns end in –s and look plural but are actually singular in meaning. They take a singular verb.
| Noun | Type | Correct Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | School subject | Mathematics is my favourite subject. |
| Physics | School subject | Physics was difficult for me. |
| Economics | School subject | Economics is an interesting subject. |
| News | Uncountable | The news is shocking. |
| Measles | Disease | Measles is a childhood disease. |
| Mumps | Disease | Mumps is contagious. |
| The United States | Country name | The United States is a powerful nation. |
| The Netherlands | Country name | The Netherlands is known for tulips. |
9
Nouns Always Used in Plural → Plural Verb
Some nouns are always plural and always take a plural verb. They have no singular form.
| Noun | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| scissors | The scissors are sharp. |
| trousers / pants | These trousers are new. |
| spectacles / glasses | My spectacles were broken. |
| tongs | The tongs are on the stove. |
| pliers | The pliers have been misplaced. |
| cattle | The cattle are grazing. |
| police | The police have arrived. (acting as individuals) |
10
Titles, Books, Names of Countries, Organisations → Singular Verb
Even if a title or name looks plural, it takes a singular verb because it refers to one thing.
| ✔ Correct | Note |
|---|---|
| The Arabian Nights is a classic collection. | Title of one book |
| Three Men in a Boat is a humorous novel. | Title of one book |
| The United Nations has passed a resolution. | One organisation |
| Twenty kilometres is a long distance to walk. | Distance as one unit |
| Five hundred rupees is not enough. | Sum as one unit |
11
Fractions and Percentages → Depends on the Noun After “of”
When a fraction or percentage is followed by “of + noun,” the verb agrees with the noun after “of.”
| ✔ Correct | Note |
|---|---|
| Half of the students have submitted the form. | “students” is plural |
| Half of the work has been completed. | “work” is singular/uncountable |
| Two-thirds of the budget was spent on salaries. | “budget” is singular |
| Forty percent of the children are malnourished. | “children” is plural |
| Forty percent of the land is dry. | “land” is singular |
12
“The Number of” vs. “A Number of”
This is one of the most common exam traps. Remember the difference clearly:
“The number of” → SINGULAR verb
Refers to a specific, definite number — treated as a unit.
The number of students is increasing.
The number of errors was very large.
“A number of” → PLURAL verb
Means “many” — refers to individual members of a group.
A number of students are absent today.
A number of errors were found.
💡 Memory Tip
THE number = one specific number → Singular. | A number = many → Plural.
Think: “The number is one thing. A number means many things.”
Think: “The number is one thing. A number means many things.”
13
Relative Pronoun as Subject → Verb Agrees with the Antecedent
When a relative pronoun (who, which, that) is the subject of a relative clause, the verb agrees with the antecedent (the noun the pronoun refers to).
| ✔ Correct | Antecedent |
|---|---|
| She is one of the students who have passed. | “students” (plural) — who refers to students |
| He is the only one who knows the answer. | “one” (singular) — who refers to one |
| I like people who are honest. | “people” (plural) |
| This is the book that was lost. | “book” (singular) |
14
Arithmetic Operations → Usually Singular Verb
When a sentence expresses an arithmetic calculation, it takes a singular verb.
| ✔ Correct | Note |
|---|---|
| Two and two is four. (or “makes”) | Result is one number |
| Five times six is thirty. | Multiplication |
| Ten minus four is six. | Subtraction |
15
Inverted Sentences (There is / There are) → Verb Agrees with the Real Subject
In sentences beginning with There, the real subject comes after the verb. The verb agrees with this real subject.
| ✔ Correct | Real Subject |
|---|---|
| There is a book on the table. | book (singular) |
| There are many books on the table. | books (plural) |
| There was a problem yesterday. | problem (singular) |
| There were fifty students in the hall. | students (plural) |
Common Errors in Subject–Verb Agreement
| Common Error | ✘ Wrong Sentence | ✔ Correct Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Using plural verb with singular subject | The girl go to school. | The girl goes to school. |
| Using singular verb with plural subject | The girls goes to school. | The girls go to school. |
| Confused by intervening phrase | The quality of the apples are good. | The quality of the apples is good. |
| “Along with” confusing the verb | Meera, along with her sisters, were singing. | Meera, along with her sisters, was singing. |
| “Each” / “Every” with plural verb | Each of the boys have a pen. | Each of the boys has a pen. |
| “Everyone” with plural verb | Everyone are here. | Everyone is here. |
| Confusing “a number of” / “the number of” | The number of students are increasing. | The number of students is increasing. |
| Plural form, singular meaning (news) | The news are good. | The news is good. |
| Two subjects + “and” — using singular | Sita and Gita is friends. | Sita and Gita are friends. |
| Collective noun with plural verb | The jury have given its verdict. | The jury has given its verdict. |
Quick Reference Summary — All Rules at a Glance
| # | Rule / Situation | Verb | Quick Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singular subject | Singular | She runs. |
| 2 | Plural subject | Plural | They run. |
| 3 | Two subjects + AND | Plural | Ram and Sita are here. |
| 4 | AND = one unit/idea | Singular | Bread and butter is ready. |
| 5 | OR / NOR / Either…or / Neither…nor | Agree with nearer subject | Either he or they are right. |
| 6 | Collective noun (as a unit) | Singular | The team has won. |
| 7 | Each / Every | Singular | Every child needs love. |
| 8 | Everyone / Someone / Nobody | Singular | Nobody was present. |
| 9 | Along with / as well as / together with | Agrees with main subject | Ravi, along with friends, is coming. |
| 10 | Subjects ending in –s (Maths, News) | Singular | Maths is easy. |
| 11 | Plural-only nouns (scissors, trousers) | Plural | Scissors are sharp. |
| 12 | The number of… | Singular | The number of errors is large. |
| 13 | A number of… | Plural | A number of errors were found. |
| 14 | Title of book / film / country | Singular | The Arabian Nights is a classic. |
| 15 | There is / There are | Agrees with real subject after verb | There are many books. |
| 16 | Fractions / Percentages + of + noun | Agrees with noun after “of” | Half the students have come. |
Exercise 1 — Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct form of the verb given in brackets.
Fill in the blanks with the correct verb:
- The children __________ (is/are) playing in the garden. → are
- Everyone __________ (has/have) done the homework. → has
- The committee __________ (has/have) taken a decision. → has
- Either Raju or his friends __________ (is/are) responsible. → are
- The news __________ (is/are) very good today. → is
- Mathematics __________ (is/are) my favourite subject. → is
- The number of students __________ (is/are) increasing every year. → is
- A number of trees __________ (was/were) cut down. → were
- The scissors __________ (is/are) very sharp. → are
- Bread and butter __________ (is/are) his breakfast every day. → is
- Neither of the answers __________ (is/are) correct. → is
- The teacher, along with the students, __________ (has/have) arrived. → has
- There __________ (is/are) a strange noise outside. → is
- Each of the boys __________ (has/have) a separate notebook. → has
- Two-thirds of the work __________ (has/have) been completed. → has
Exercise 2 — Spot the Error and Correct It
Find the error in each sentence and rewrite it correctly.
Correct the following sentences:
- The quality of these mangoes are not good. → is not good
- A flock of birds were flying in the sky. → was flying
- Meera, as well as her sisters, were present at the function. → was present
- Every student have to submit the assignment. → has to submit
- The Arabian Nights are a famous collection of stories. → is a famous collection
- Neither Ramu nor his brother have come to school. → has come
- There was many students absent today. → were many students
- The committee have announced their decision. → has announced its decision
- Fifty kilometres are a long distance to walk. → is a long distance
- The number of unemployed people are rising. → is rising
Exercise 3 — Choose the Correct Option (MCQ Style)
Circle the correct verb:
- The jury __________ reached its verdict. (has / have) → has
- Both the boys __________ passed the exam. (has / have) → have
- Neither Priya nor her friends __________ on time. (was / were) → were
- The United States __________ a powerful country. (is / are) → is
- Somebody __________ left the door open. (has / have) → has
- The police __________ investigating the case. (is / are) → are
- Half of the apples __________ rotten. (was / were) → were
- Half of the water __________ been used. (has / have) → has
- Physics __________ not easy for me. (is / are) → is
- A number of workers __________ on strike. (is / are) → are
Frequently Asked Questions — Exam Style
Q1What is Subject–Verb Agreement? Why is it important?
Subject–Verb Agreement (also called Concord) is the rule that the verb in a sentence must agree with its subject in number and person. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular; if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. It is important because incorrect agreement makes sentences grammatically wrong and changes meaning. It is tested heavily in SSC Board exams in editing, gap-fill, and error correction exercises.
Q2What is the difference between “a number of” and “the number of”?
“The number of” treats the count as a single, definite quantity and takes a singular verb. Example: The number of students is forty.
“A number of” means “many” and refers to the individual members of a group. It takes a plural verb. Example: A number of students are absent.
“A number of” means “many” and refers to the individual members of a group. It takes a plural verb. Example: A number of students are absent.
Q3When two subjects are joined by “or” / “nor”, how do we choose the verb?
When two subjects are joined by or, nor, either…or, neither…nor, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it (the nearer subject).
Example: Either the students or the teacher is wrong. (“teacher” is nearer — singular verb)
Example: Either the teacher or the students are wrong. (“students” is nearer — plural verb)
Example: Either the students or the teacher is wrong. (“teacher” is nearer — singular verb)
Example: Either the teacher or the students are wrong. (“students” is nearer — plural verb)
Q4Why does “Meera, along with her friends, was present” use “was” and not “were”?
The phrase “along with her friends” is an intervening phrase — it adds information but does not change the subject. The real subject of the sentence is Meera, which is singular. So the verb must be singular: “was.”
The same rule applies to: as well as, together with, in addition to, besides, except. These phrases do NOT make the subject plural.
The same rule applies to: as well as, together with, in addition to, besides, except. These phrases do NOT make the subject plural.
Key Points to Remember for the Exam
Singular Subject → Singular Verb
Plural Subject → Plural Verb
AND → Plural (usually)
OR / NOR → Agree with Nearer Subject
Each / Every → Singular
Everyone / Nobody → Singular
Along with / As well as → Main Subject Rules
The number of → Singular
A number of → Plural
Collective Noun (unit) → Singular
Scissors / Trousers → Plural
Maths / News → Singular
Thank you sir. Its little bit though….