Lesson 3.3: Subject-Verb Agreement

Introduction:
Subject-verb agreement is essential for SSC English exams. It ensures the verb matches the subject in number (singular/plural) and person.

1. Basics

• Singular subject → Singular verb

  • Example: She runs fast.

• Plural subject → Plural verb

  • Example: They run fast.

2. Rules

1. Subjects joined by ‘and’ usually take a plural verb.

   • Example: Ram and Shyam are friends.

2. Subjects joined by ‘or’ / ‘nor’ → verb agrees with the nearest subject.

   • Example: Neither Ram nor his friends are coming.

3. Collective nouns (team, family, committee) usually take singular verb when acting as a unit.

   • Example: The team wins matches regularly.

4. Indefinite pronouns (each, everyone, somebody) → singular verb.

   • Example: Everyone is invited.

5. With fractions / percentages / sums → verb depends on noun after of.

   • Example: 50% of the students are present.

3. SSC Tips

• Always identify the main subject before choosing the verb.

• Watch out for interrupting phrases between subject and verb.

• Be careful with collective nouns and indefinite pronouns.

4. Practice Questions

1. Each of the boys ___ (is/are) playing in the field.

2. Neither Ram nor his brothers ___ (has/have) come.

3. Ten rupees ___ (is/are) enough to buy a book.

4. The team ___ (is/are) practicing for the match.

5. Either the teacher or the students ___ (was/were) present in the hall.