English Rules for RBI (Last Day Revision)-01

A. SUBJECT - VERB AGREEMENT

1 . Two or more Singular Subjects connected by and usually take a Verb in the Plural.

For example,

Incorrect- Hari and Ram is here. Correct- Hari and Ram are here.

2. If two Singular Nouns refer to the same person or thing, the Verb must be Singular.

Incorrect- The Secretary and Principal are coming. Correct- The Secretary and Principal is coming.

(Here the same person is .Secretary as well as Principal)

3. If the Singular Subjects are preceded by each or every, the Verb is usually Singular.

For example,

Incorrect- Every boy and girl were ready. Correct- Every boy and girl was ready.

4. Two or more Singular Subjects connected by or, nor, either ..... or, neither

.... nor take a Verb in the Singular.

For example,

Incorrect- Neither he nor I were there.

Correct- Neither he nor I was there.

5. When the Subjects joined by 'or/nor are of different numbers, the Verb must be Plural, and the Plural Subject must be placed next to the Verb.

For example,

lncorrect- Neither the Assistant Masters nor the Headmaster was present.

Correct- Neither the Headmaster nor the Assistant Masters were

present. '

6. When the Subjects joined by or, nor are of different persons, the Verb agrees in person with the one nearest to it.

For example,

Incorrect- Either he or I is mistaken.

Correct- Either he or I, am mistaken.

7. A Collective Noun takes a Singular Verb when the collection is thought of as a whole, a Plural Verb when the individuals of which it is composed are thought of.

For example,

Correct- The Council has chosen the President.

Correct- The military were called out.

8. Some Nouns which are singular in form but plural in meaning, take a Plural Verb.

For example,

 Incorrect- Mathematics are a branch of study in every school.

Correct- Mathematics is a branch of study in every school.

9. Words joined to a Singular Subject by with, together with, in addition to, or, as well as, etc. are parenthetical, and therefore do not affect the number of the Verb.

For example,

Incorrect- The Chief, with all his men, were massacred .• Correct-The chief, with all his men, was massacred.

10. When the Subject of the Verb is a Relative Pronoun care should be taken to see that the Verb agrees in Number and Person with the Antecedent of the relative.

For example,

Incorrect- I, who is your friend, . will guard you,r interests.

Correct- I, who am your friend will guard your interests.


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