Subject-Verb Agreement is one of the most crucial rules in English grammar. It determines how verbs match with their subjects in terms of number and person. For students studying for CBSE Class X and XII, understanding subject-verb agreement is essential for both writing and speaking. In this blog post, we’ll explain the basic rules of subject-verb agreement, provide useful examples, and include a comprehensive test to help reinforce the concepts. This blog post, with its detailed explanation and practice test, aims to help Class X and XII CBSE students understand and apply subject-verb agreement rules effectively. Whether you’re preparing for board exams or improving your everyday grammar, mastering this topic is a key step toward becoming a more proficient English user.

What is Subject-Verb Agreement?

Subject-Verb Agreement refers to the rule that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third). Simply put, if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

Examples:

• Singular: The dog runs fast.
• Plural: The dogs run fast.

Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

1. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.

• Singular: She plays tennis every day.
• Plural: They play tennis every day.

2. When two subjects are connected by “and,” the verb is usually plural.

The teacher and the student are in the classroom.

However, when two subjects refer to the same person or thing, the verb is singular.

The teacher and principal is absent today.

3. When two singular subjects are connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb is singular.

Either the boy or the girl has finished the homework.

4. When two subjects are connected by “or” or “nor” and one is plural, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.

Neither the teacher nor the students were present for the meeting.

Either the girls or the boy has to take the responsibility.

5. Collective nouns take a singular verb when considered as a unit.

The team Is playing well today.

But, when the individual members are emphasized, a plural verb is used.

The team are arguing among themselves.

6. Indefinite pronouns like “everyone,” “somebody,” and “anybody” take a singular verb.

Everyone is invited to the party.

Somebody has to help him with the task.

7. “There” and “Here” are never the subjects of a sentence. The subject comes after the verb in these constructions.

There is a book on the table.

Here are the keys.

8. When the subject consists of two or more nouns joined by “and,” the verb is plural.

John and Mary are going to the market.

9. When the subject is a fraction, percentage, or amount, the verb depends on the noun that follows “of.”

Half of the cake is eaten. (singular)

Half of the students are present. (plural)

10. Some nouns, though plural in form, take a singular verb when they refer to a group or a singular entity.

The news is good.

Mathematics is an interesting subject.

Common Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement

Even native speakers sometimes make mistakes with subject-verb agreement. Here are a few common errors:

1. Using a plural verb with collective nouns when the group is treated as a single entity.

Incorrect: The team are practicing for the match.

Correct: The team is practicing for the match.

2. Using the wrong verb when the subject is a fraction or quantity.

Incorrect: Half of the cake are gone.

Correct: Half of the cake is gone.

3. Subject-verb disagreement with complex subjects.

Incorrect: Neither the teacher nor the students was ready for the test.

Correct: Neither the teacher nor the students were ready for the test.

Subject-Verb Agreement Test for Class X and XII Students

Now that we’ve covered the rules of subject-verb agreement, it’s time to practice. Below is a test designed to help you master these concepts and prepare for your exams.

Section A: Fill in the Blanks (5 Marks)

1. Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb:
2. The team _______ (is/are) playing well today.
3. Neither the students nor the teacher _______ (was/were) late for the class.
4. Everyone _______ (has/have) to submit the project by next week.
5. There _______ (is/are) a lot of people waiting for the bus.
6. The teacher or the students _______ (is/are) responsible for cleaning the room.

Section B: Error Correction (5 Marks)

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences:

1. The books on the table belongs to me.
2. Neither the teacher nor the students was present for the meeting.
3. The news about the storm have caused panic.
4. Both the manager and the assistant is coming to the meeting.
5. Half of the apples is rotten.

Section C: Sentence Transformation (5 Marks)

Rewrite the following sentences using the correct subject-verb agreement:

1. The teacher and principal has arrived at the meeting. (Correct the verb)
2. Either the manager or the employees were responsible for the delay. (Correct the verb)
3. The team have won the championship. (Correct the verb)
4. The police is investigating the case. (Correct the verb)
5. Some of the water are polluted. (Correct the verb)

Section D: Short Answer Questions (5 Marks)

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. What is subject-verb agreement? Explain with an example.
2. How does subject-verb agreement change when using “either/or” and “neither/nor”? Provide examples.
3. Explain the subject-verb agreement rule for collective nouns.

Conclusion

Subject-Verb Agreement is an integral part of English grammar, especially for students preparing for exams like CBSE Class X and XII. By following the basic rules and avoiding common mistakes, students can significantly improve their writing and speaking skills. Everyday practice is essential to mastering subject-verb agreement, and this test provides a great way to test your knowledge.