Agreement of Verb with the subject in number and person.
The verb must agree with the subjects in the person and number.
For example,
a. The taste of mangoes was amazing.
Singular subject Singular verb
b. People of intellect have always shown the right path to the world.
Plural Subject Plural verb
In the above examples, though we have plural word mangoes in the subject, the main subject ‘taste’ is singular. Therefore, the verb singular verb ‘was’ has been used.
c. A group of words is called a phrase.
d. The state of the internal affairs of the country is not up to the mark.
e. The result of his efforts has pleased his family.
f. Gold and Silver are costly metals.
g. His father and mother are doctors.
If a noun suggests a single idea, then the singular verb is used.
For example,
Time and tide waits for none.
Plural nouns
single idea Singular Verb
Bread and Butter is his only breakfast.
The carriage and horse was a preferred carrier before motor car. (The carriage and horse is considered as single unit)
The writer and actor is no more. (Here writer and actor refer to the same person)
Conjunctions (Either — or and Neither —– nor)- When we use these conjunctions, we use singular verb because we refer to only one of the two.
For example,
Either he or his friend has done it.
Either a lion or a lioness was found in the forest.
Neither the teacher nor his father was happy with his performance in the exam.
Neither his father nor his brother wants him to become a politician.
Every, Everyone and Each take only singular noun.
Each of us was given the proper instructions.
Everyone sitting in the meet was impressed with his presentation.
Each student is expected to follow the rules of the school.
Every child has some special qualities that need to be polished.
Every boy and girl was given equal chance to succeed.
When the proper noun contains the collective units, It is generally used with the names of books.
For example,
The Arabian Nights is one of the best- selling book.
The United States is the only super power of the world.
Gulliver’s Travels is an interesting fiction book
When the plural noun denotes the quantity or amount considered as a whole.
For example,
Ten minutes is given to the students for just reading the question paper.
Five Lakh rupees is a large amount.
Ten years is long enough for any place to develop.
Exercise – Please supply the suitable form of the verb.
The cost of all essential commodities ————— risen (has/have)
All news ——– is not true. (is/are)
The Three Musketeers ——— written by Dumas (was/were)
The famous magician and juggler ———– never performed here. (has/have)
Fifty thousand rupees ————– what he earns currently. (is/are)