Monotosh Dey
3 min
Updated: Nov 15, 2023
INTRODUCTION:
A verb must agree with its subject in Number and in Person. For example, if the subject is in the singular number, the verb also must be in singular and if it is in the plural, the verb also must be in the plural.
Moreover, if the subject is in the First Person, the Verb also must be in the ‘First Person’ and if the Subject is in the Third Person, the verb also must be in the ‘Third Person.’
Note: Refer to Verb & its Forms here.
Rule 1
Bread butter is her only food.
My friend and adviser is sick.
Rule 2
He or his friend knows the secret.
Either you or your brother has seen him.
Neither he nor his friend was there.
Rule 3
e.g. Either you or your brothers have seen the match.
Rule 4
Either he or I am mistaken.
Neither you nor he is to blame.
Note: The above sentences can also be written in a better way as the following.
Either he is mistaken or I am
Neither you nor he is to blame.
Rule 5
The leader as well as his followers was excited. ( not were excited..)
My teachers as well as I was invited to the party. ( not were invited..)
Rule 6
Either of the two books reveals the idea.
Neither of the two girls has passed the exam.
Each of the boys is intelligent.
Everyone of the boys is studious.
Many a girl has attended the party. (‘many a girl’ means ‘many girls’)
Rule 7
Each and every man has his own ways.
Every boy and every girl is given chances.
Rule 8
The assembly has issued a circular. ( taken as a whole)
The assembly have issued a circular ( when members are taken individually)
Rule 9
Twenty thousand rupees is a large sum.
A hundred thousand rupees is a lakh.
The thousand rupees you gave me yesterday is pick-pocketed.
Rule 10
The shop with its goods was gutted in fire.
The ship with its crew was sunk.
He no less than you is guilty.
No one besides Sohan knows it.
The teacher together with his students has watched the match.
Rule 11
None of his answers are correct.
None of these facts are correct.
Are there any boys in the hostel? There are none.
Rule 12
The secretary and Chairman was present in the meeting. ( Same Person)
The secretary and the Chairman were present in the meeting. ( different persons)
Recommended Resource for Self-Study Given Below
Attempt the Quiz on Subject-Verb Agreement Below