Subject Verb Agreement

English Grammar · SSC / BPSC / BSSC Mind Map

What is Subject Verb Agreement?
Syntax → Syn = together, Tax = arrange
Subject = Noun / Pronoun
  • A dog is barking. (Noun subject)
  • We shall go to the party. (Pronoun subject)
Basic Rule: Singular / Plural Subject-Verb Matching
Singular Subject → Singular Verb

He / She / It → is / am / was / has / does / writes

Plural Subject → Plural Verb

I / We / You / They → are / were / have / do / write

⚠ EXAM TRAP "I" is an Exception — although singular in person, it takes plural-style verb forms: I am ✔, I was ✔, I have ✔ (not "I has" ✘), I do ✔ (not "I does" ✘), I write ✔ (not "I writes" ✘).
  • Pooja is a strong woman. (Singular Noun — Singular Verb)
  • He goes to the market daily. (Singular Noun — Singular Verb)
Singular + Singular (joined by "and") → Plural Verb
Sing N/Pr. + and + Sing N/Pr. → Plural Verb (Plural Subject)
  • Aman and Kavan have done well in exams.
  • Sonali and Neha are sisters.
  • You and he have won the match.
IncorrectCorrect
The politician and his son wants to talk to you about elections.The politician and his son want to talk to you about elections.
He and she was allowed to sit there.He and she were allowed to sit there.
Singular + Singular (as a Pair/Single Idea) → Singular Verb
Sing N. + and + Sing N. (As a Pair — Singular Subject) → Singular Verb
  • Rice and curry is my favorite dish.
  • Bread and butter is a healthy breakfast.
  • Bread and butter are sold here. (here, NOT as a pair — separate items)
IncorrectCorrect
Bread and butter is made from wheat and milk respectively.Bread and butter are made from wheat and milk respectively.
Rice and curry is a popular dish in the Southern Indian states.No Error (correctly a single dish/pair)
Rice and curry is ordered from Taj and Radisson respectively, for this party.Rice and curry are ordered from Taj and Radisson respectively, for this party.
⚠ EXAM TRAP The word "respectively" is a strong signal that two separate items are being discussed individually — this forces the plural verb even when the items are normally treated as a single dish/pair.
Same Person vs Two Different Persons (Article/Possessive Adjective Rule)
  • Article = A, An, The
  • Poss. Adj = My, our, your, his, her, its, their
(Art./Poss.Adj.) + Sing.N + and + Sing.N — Same Person (Sing. Subject) → Singular Verb
(Art./Poss.Adj.) + Sing.N + and + (Art./Poss.Adj.) + Sing.N — Two Different Persons (Pl. Subject) → Plural Verb
  • The principal and director has donated some money for the charity. ✔ (same person, one article for both nouns)
  • The principal and the director have donated some money for the charity. ✔ (two different persons, article repeated)
  • My friend and brother is very kind. ✔ (same person)
  • My friend and my brother are very kind. ✔ (two different persons)
IncorrectCorrect
The director and producer has arrived in their studio.The director and producer has arrived in his studio.
The director and the producer have arrived in his studio.The director and the producer have arrived in their studio.
My uncle and my guardian are very generous and kind. I think we should ask for his help....I think we should ask for their help.
⚠ EXAM TRAP Whether the article/possessive adjective is repeated before the second noun decides everything: NOT repeated = one person = singular verb + singular pronoun later; repeated = two persons = plural verb + plural pronoun later. This is one of the most frequently tested SSC/BPSC patterns.
Many vs Much
Many → Plural Countable Noun → Plural Verb
Much → Uncountable Noun → Singular Verb
  • Many students have qualified the exam.
  • A good many students have qualified the exam.
  • A great many students have qualified the exam.
Many + Pl.noun = A great many + Pl.noun = A good many + Pl.noun → All take Plural Verb

Many students have qualified the exam. = A good many students have qualified the exam. = A great many students have qualified the exam.

I am staying there for many reasons. = I am staying there for a good many reasons. = I am staying there for a great many reasons.

Many + a/an + Singular Noun → Singular Verb
Many + Pl noun → Pl. Verb  |  Many + a/an + Sing. Noun → Sing. Verb
  • Many men have tried to climb Mount Everest but very few succeeded. = Many a man has tried to climb Mount Everest but very few succeeded.
Sentence with Error MarkedCorrection
Many a man along with a few friends of mine are going to temple to offer flowers and milk to Lord Shiva....is going to temple...
Many an employee of this company are supposed to be transferred to some other company of the same category because of recession....is supposed to be transferred...
Many a boy have not done their homework properly.Many boys have not done their homework properly.
⚠ EXAM TRAP "Many a + singular noun" ALWAYS takes a singular verb, no matter how many other plural elements appear in the sentence (like "along with a few friends") — the "many a" structure itself locks the verb to singular.
Quantity/Number Phrases: A Number Of, A Great Deal Of, etc.
A great deal of / A good deal of / The amount of + Uncountable Noun → Singular Verb (= Much)
A number of / A large number of + Plural Noun → Plural Verb (= Many)
SentenceCorrection
A good deal of banks are closed today.A number of banks are closed today.
A great deal of milk is used every year in Shiv temples for the rituals of Maha Shivratri.Much milk is used every year... (correction shown: "Much")
A good deal of schools have started new extra curricular activities.A number of schools have started new extra curricular activities.
A large number of money is required to build a startup.The amount of money is required to build a startup.
⚠ EXAM TRAP "A great/good deal of" and "the amount of" go ONLY with uncountable nouns; "a number of" / "a large number of" go ONLY with plural countable nouns. Mixing them up (e.g., "a large number of money") is a classic error.
"A Number Of" vs "The Number Of" — Exception
A number of (= many) + Pl. noun → Plural Verb
The number of + Pl. Noun → Singular Verb
IncorrectCorrect
A number of crimes in New York has increased this year.A number of crimes in New York have increased this year.
The number of crimes in New York have increased this year.The number of crimes in New York has increased this year.
The number of visitors are increasing.The number of visitors is increasing.
⚠ EXAM TRAP "A number of" and "The number of" look almost identical but behave oppositely — "A number of" (=many) takes plural verb; "The number of" (referring to the total count itself, a single figure) takes singular verb. Extremely commonly tested.
Fraction / Percentage Phrases
One third of / Two thirds of + Uncountable Noun → Singular Verb
Three fourths of + Plural Noun → Plural Verb

Also follows the same noun-driven pattern: Ten/Twenty percent of, Most of, Some of, A lot of, Lots of, Half of — verb depends on whether the noun that follows is singular/uncountable or plural.

  • One third of the sugar is yet to be sold. (sugar = uncountable → singular verb)
  • Two thirds of the sugar is yet to be sold.
  • Three fourths of the sugar is yet to be sold.
  • One-third of the students have passed. (students = plural → plural verb)
SentenceCorrection
Most of us understand their duty towards the nations.Most of us understand our duty towards the nations.
...only one-third of the work have been finished....only one-third of the work has been finished.
Most of the people in our country is undernourished...Most of the people in our country are undernourished...
Three-fourths of the Eiffel tower are made up of wrought iron.Three-fourths of the Eiffel tower is made up of wrought iron.
Most of the money allocated for the beautification of Delhi...have not been used properly....has not been used properly.
Twenty percent of the milk have been used for making cheese...Twenty percent of the milk has been used for making cheese...
Fifty percent of the information you have given me are false...Fifty percent of the information you have given me is false...
⚡ QUICK RECALL For fraction/percentage phrases (one third of, most of, some of, a lot of, half of...), always look at the noun AFTER "of" — that noun decides singular or plural verb, not the fraction word itself.
⚠ EXAM TRAP Note: "Curd" and "curds" are both correct — in speech, plural "curds" is common, but when used as a noun modifier it must be "curd" (not "curds"): "curd-rice" or "curd-cheese," not "curds-rice."
"No" + Noun
No + Uncountable Noun → Singular Verb
No + Singular Noun → Singular Verb
No + Plural Noun → Plural Verb
  • No work has been done today.
  • No problem is big for us.
  • No problems are big for us.
Noun + (as well as / along with / together with / headed by / including / besides / and not / like / unlike) + Noun
Main Subject decides the Verb — the added phrase does NOT change the verb's number
  • The moon, as well as Venus, is visible in the night sky. ("moon" = main subject, singular)
  • Raj as well as Ranveer wants to express his views. (main subject "Raj" — singular; pronoun also stays singular "his")
  • The band leader along with other members is practising in the auditorium...
  • All the students including clueless Emma were shocked when they got to know that the obedient Richard is behind the mischief. ("All the students" = main subject, plural)
  • He together with his brothers was enjoying himself at the party. (main subject "He" — singular verb AND singular reflexive pronoun "himself")
SentenceCorrection
My mother with two younger brothers of mine are going Mumbai to attend a meeting to be held next Tuesday....is going Mumbai to attend a meeting...
All the people living in the house including the servant was invited there....were invited there. (main subject "All the people" is plural)
⚠ EXAM TRAP The verb ALWAYS agrees with the noun BEFORE these connector phrases, never with the noun that follows them — even though these phrases feel like "and," they don't function grammatically like "and." Also watch reflexive pronouns (himself/themselves) — they too follow the main subject, not the added noun.
"Like" — Verb vs Preposition
Like (पसंद करना) = Verb  |  Like (की तरह) = Preposition
  • She likes her sisters. (Verb — पसंद करना)
  • She, like her sisters, is bold. (Preposition — की तरह; main subject "She" stays singular)
"Than" — Conjunction vs Preposition
Than (Preposition) → S+V + than + S+V (comparing complete structures)
  • They talked on the phone for more than an hour.
  • The tournament starts in less than two months' time.
  • A crowd of more than 10,000 had gathered.
  • He claims not to own anything other than his home.
  • You are older than me. / You are older than I am. (both correct)
  • She walks far more slowly than her mother.
Than (Conjunction) → joins two clauses
  • We shouldn't spend more than we earn.
  • He wished he could have helped her more than he did.
  • The arrangement was more a formality than a genuine partnership of two nations.
  • I would sooner give up sleep than miss my evening class.
"More Than One" / "More + Plural + Than One"
More than one + Singular Noun → Singular Verb
More than two/three/etc. + Plural Noun → Plural Verb
More than one + Sing. Noun = More + Pl. noun + than one → Both Singular Verb
  • More than one boy was absent in the class. = More boys than one were absent. (Note: both structures still take a form that matches "one" logically — see below)
  • More than one house is vacant in this building.
  • More than two boys were absent in the class.
  • More than three houses are vacant in this building.
SentenceCorrection
More than one successful candidate of his institute have taken the interview for one of the most popular dailies......has taken the interview...
More books than one have been written by him and it is believed that he will continue writing many more books.No Error (correct as is)
More than one book one life style and motivation by this writer have been published so far......has been published so far...
More paintings than one is created by the greatest post-impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh...More paintings than one are created by the greatest... (Option B)
⚠ EXAM TRAP "More than one + singular noun" takes a SINGULAR verb (e.g., "has taken"), but "More + plural noun + than one" takes a PLURAL verb (e.g., "are created") — the word order flips the required verb form even though the meaning is identical.
"One Of" Structures
One of + Plural Noun → Singular Verb
  • One of the dogs is missing from the daycare.
  • He is one of the best representatives for the MUN meeting.
  • Raj is one of our best chefs. (No Error)
One of + Plural Noun + (Relative Pronoun) → Plural Verb
  • Kavan is one of the students who are going to London. (verb after "who" agrees with the plural noun before it, not with "one")
  • This is one of the buildings which are damaged in fire.
Only + One of + Plural Noun + (Relative Pronoun) → Singular Verb
  • Kavan is only one of the students who is going to London.
  • This is only one of the buildings which is damaged in fire.
SentenceCorrection
One of the greatest cricket players are playing in the IPL this year......is playing in the IPL this year...
Detachment is one of those virtues that makes you strong and weak at the same time....that make you strong and weak at the same time.
One of the representatives are knowledgeable and good at handling people....is knowledgeable and good at handling people.
One of the greatest cricket players in India are on the verge of announcing his retirement......is on the verge of announcing his retirement...
One of the peace-loving nations like Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal prove that most peaceful nations also enjoy lower interest rates......proves that most peaceful nations also enjoy lower interest rates...
⚠ EXAM TRAP "One of + plural noun" → singular verb. But if a relative pronoun (who/which/that) follows and refers back to the PLURAL noun, that clause's verb becomes plural — UNLESS the word "only" is added before "one," which forces everything back to singular. This three-layer distinction is heavily tested.
Infinitive (To + V1) and Gerund (V1+ing) as Subject
To + V1 (Infinitive) → Singular Verb (As a Singular Subject)
  • To walk is a good exercise.
  • To save money is difficult.
(To+V1) and (to+V1) → Plural Verb (As a Plural Subject)
  • To sing and to weep are two contrary activities.
  • To walk and to swim are good exercises.
V1+ing (Gerund) → Singular Verb (As a Singular Subject)
  • Walking is a good exercise.
  • Dancing is an art.
(V1+ing) and (V1+ing) → Plural Verb (As a Plural Subject)
  • Walking and swimming are good exercises.
  • Reading and writing are two different skills.
Noun Clause as Subject
(1 Clause) → Singular Verb (As a Singular Subject)
  • That he is a liar is well known.
  • What he says is not true.
  • Where he lives is still a mystery.
(1 Clause) and (1 Clause) → Plural Verb (As a Plural Subject)
  • What he says and what he does are not in agreement.
  • Where he comes and where he goes are not known to us.
Fixed Amount, Weight, Period, Distance, Height → Singular Verb
If an amount, weight, period, distance or height is FIXED (treated as one unit), Singular Verb is used
  • Fifty thousand rupees is too much for this work.
  • Five years is a long period.
  • Ten kilometers is a long distance.
But if the sentence gives the sense of DIFFERENT/SEPARATE units, Plural Verb is used
  • Ten thousand rupees are to be distributed among them. (separate units being distributed individually)
  • Five years have passed since I left the university. (individual years passing, not one lump sum)
⚠ EXAM TRAP The SAME quantity phrase can take singular OR plural verb depending on meaning — "as one unit" = singular verb; "as separate/distributed units" = plural verb. Context, not the phrase itself, decides.
"A Group Of" + Plural Noun → Singular Verb
A group of + Plural Noun → Singular Verb
  • A crowd of people is waiting for you.
  • A team of players has arrived.
  • A fleet of ships is sailing.
  • A galaxy of stars is seen in the sky.
⚡ QUICK RECALL Collective phrases like "a group/crowd/team/fleet/galaxy of" are treated as ONE unit — always singular verb, regardless of the plural noun that follows "of."
"But" — Conjunction vs Preposition
But (लेकिन) = Conjunction  |  But (सिवाय / except) = Preposition
  • Nobody but a boy was there in the room. (but = except, preposition; verb agrees with "nobody" — singular)
  • Nobody but two boys was there in the room. (verb still agrees with "nobody" — singular, NOT with "two boys")
Nothing but / Everything but / No one but / Everyone but + (Sing.n / Pl.n / Un.c.n) → Singular Verb
SentenceCorrection
Nothing but the marvellous and supernatural buildings have the charm in that city....has the charm in that city.
Everyone but my grandparents support her in all her decisions and struggles....supports her in all her decisions and struggles.
Nobody but my friends have planned for the homecoming party....has planned for the homecoming party.
⚠ EXAM TRAP When "but" means "except" (preposition), the verb agrees with the FIRST subject (nobody/nothing/everyone/no one — all singular), NOT with the noun that follows "but" — even if that noun is plural.

Note: If an amount/weight/period/distance/height after "but" gives a sense of different units, plural verb is used — same exception logic applies as elsewhere.

Each, Every, Either, Neither + Singular Noun → Singular Verb
Each / Every / Either / Neither + Singular Noun → Singular Verb
SentenceCorrection
Each students has come.Each student has come.
Every review matters.No Error
Either dresses are fine.Either dress is fine.
Neither dishes are perfect.Neither dish is perfect.
Each of / Either of / Neither of / Everyone of + Plural Noun → Singular Verb
Each of / Either of / Neither of / Everyone of + Plural Noun → Singular Verb
  • Each of the ten students wants his share.
  • Either of the two students is missing.
  • Neither of the two flowers is fresh.
Each + Sing. Noun = Pl. noun + each → Both patterns valid, verb form follows the respective structure
  • Each student wants his share. = The students each want their share.
Either...Or / Neither...Nor / Not Only...But Also — Verb Agrees with Nearest Subject
Either (sub)...Or (sub)... / Neither (sub)...Nor (sub)... / Not only (sub)...but also (sub)... / ...(sub) Or...(sub) → Verb agrees with the NEAREST subject
  • Either he or I am a fool.
SentenceCorrection
Mitosis is common to all eukaryotes. During this process, each of the parent cells split into two genetically identical daughter cells, each of which contains the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell....each of the parent cells splits into two genetically identical daughter cells...
Each of our students pay their tuition fee at the beginning of the month.Each of our students pays his tuition fee at the beginning of the month.
Either of the two officers need to visit the house of the victim and investigate the matter by interrogating the prime suspects rather than harassing the victim's family.Either of the two officers needs to visit the house of the victim...
Not only the boy but also his parents regretted his mistakes.Not only the boy but also his parents regretted their mistakes.
Each of the candidates, who have been chosen to work as a probationary officer in different parts of the country, are very intelligent and perfectly suitable for this job....is very intelligent and perfectly suitable for this job.
Neither leaders nor the prime minister are responsible for the poverty and corruption rampant in our country.Neither leaders nor the prime minister is responsible for the poverty and corruption...
Neither of the two children said their prayers before going to bed.Neither of the two children said his prayers before going to bed.
Either the counsellor or the teacher of that institute always tries to misguide students regarding the quality of education they offer to them.No Error (verb agrees with nearest subject "teacher" — singular "tries")
Either your sister or your brother has to present themselves before the magistrate....has to present himself before the magistrate.
⚠ EXAM TRAP With Either...Or / Neither...Nor / Not only...but also, the verb (AND any pronoun that follows) agrees with the subject NEAREST to the verb — not with the first-mentioned subject. This trips up most candidates who default to plural agreement.
Each vs Every

Three key differences: (1) Numbers, (2) Parts of Speech, (3) Individuals vs Groups.

1. Numbers

Each → used for TWO or MORE THAN TWO persons or things
Every → used for THREE or MORE THAN THREE persons or things
  • She had paint on each leg. (only two legs — "each" required, not "every")
  • My parents are arriving tomorrow, and each of them will be on a different plane. (two parents)
  • He has a ring on every finger. ✔ (more than 2 fingers — either each/every acceptable here)

2. Parts of Speech

Each → Pronoun / Adjective  |  Every → Adjective only (never a pronoun)
  • Each of us has a bicycle. ✔
  • Every of us has a bicycle. ✘ (wrong — "every" cannot stand as a pronoun before "of")
  • Every one of us has a bicycle. ✔
IncorrectCorrect
Every of the children received a special gift.Each of the children received a special gift. / Every one of the children received a special gift.

3. Individuals vs Groups

Each → talks about an INDIVIDUAL person or item in a plural group
Every → describes the COLLECTIVE group, not individuals within it
  • Each child is performing a different task. (Individual)
  • Every child is performing the same task. (Collective group)
SentenceCorrection
We have three windows; every has a great view.We have three windows; each has a great view.
The dogs are unique. Every has different marking.The dogs are unique. Each has different marking.
Every of the children received a present.Each of the children received a present.
Every one of the windows was broken.No Error
I've seen three films. Every was very interesting.I've seen three films. Each was very interesting.
Rahul has two sons and every one of them is brilliant in studies.Rahul has two sons and each one of them is brilliant in studies.
Each of my ten pens writes smoothly.No Error
Kavan is using different pencils every time.Kavan is using different pencils each time.
Sahil is using the same pencils each time.Sahil is using the same pencils every time.
Each artist is sensitive.Every artist is sensitive. (collective statement about all artists)
Every artist sees things differently.Each artist sees things differently. (individual variation)
⚠ EXAM TRAP "Each" pairs with only TWO items and describes individual variation; "Every" needs THREE+ items and describes a collective/uniform pattern. Also — "every" can NEVER be followed directly by "of" (never "every of us" — must be "every one of us").
Few vs Little — Basic Difference
Few — a few — the few  |  Little — a little — the little
FewLittle
Plural Countable Noun
Few boys, Few colleges, Few students		Uncountable Noun
Little water, Little work, Little milk
Few / A Few / The Few

Few — Plural Countable Noun

Few = Hardly any (Negative sense)

I read few books. (implies almost none / very few)

A few = Some (Positive sense)

I read a few books. (implies some, a small positive number)

The few = Not many but ALL there are

I read the few books that I bought. (all the limited books I had)

Little vs Few — Hardly Any (Negative)
IncorrectCorrect
Because of extreme heat, a few girls have come to attend the class.Because of extreme heat, few girls have come to attend the class.
I cannot go there; I have a little money.I cannot go there; I have little money.
⚠ EXAM TRAP When the sentence context is negative/discouraging (implying a shortage or difficulty), use the plain "Few/Little" (without "a") — NOT "a few/a little," which would wrongly imply a sufficient positive quantity.
A Little vs A Few — Some (Positive)
IncorrectCorrect
Despite extreme heat, few girls have come to attend the class.Despite extreme heat, a few girls have come to attend the class.
Give me little food. I'm hungry.Give me a little food. I'm hungry.
⚠ EXAM TRAP "Despite" signals a positive outcome achieved in spite of an obstacle — this needs "a few/a little" (positive), while "because of" typically signals a negative/limiting outcome — needing plain "few/little." Watch the connecting word carefully.
The Little vs The Few — जो भी कुछ (Whatever There Is)
  • She was so kind that she gave the few books she had to the needy person.
  • The little water that I had was spilt on the table.
SentenceCorrection
If you look up tea in a cookery book you may find a little instructions that give you no help on several important points....you may find few instructions that give you no help...
There are only a few company that can handle project of this magnitude.There are only a few companies that can handle project of this magnitude.
The few clothes they had were all tattered and torn.No Error
I am very thirsty, so give me a little water to drink.No Error
Few books I had kept for you have been stolen.The few books I had kept for you have been stolen.
I gave him the little money that I could spare then.No Error
She spent the little amount of money she had.No Error
Exception: "Less" With Numbers and Distance
We can use "Less" with Numbers and Distance
  • I have 100 rupees less than what is required.
  • In less than 7 days our results will be out.
SentenceCorrection
Will you lend me a few rupees in this hour of need?No Error
No less than fifty students came for the hunger strike.No Error
The doctor advised him to take rest for a few days.No Error
There were no less than forty boys in the class when this happened.No Error
The captain declared that his ship had carried no less than three hundred passengers on the last voyage.No Error
⚡ QUICK RECALL "Less" normally goes with uncountable nouns, but "no less than" + a NUMBER (fifty, forty, three hundred) is an accepted exception, used to emphasize a surprisingly large count or distance.
Worked Practice: Error Spotting (Parts a/b/c/d/e format)
#Sentence (with parts marked)Answer
1Many a man along with (a) a few friends of mine are going (b) to temple to offer flowers and (c) milk to Lord Shiva (d) No error (e)(b) — should be "is going"
2Many an employee of this company (a) are supposed to be transferred (b) to some other company (c) of the same category because of recession (d) No error (e)(a) — should be "is supposed"
3Most of the money (a) allocated for the beautification of Delhi (b) for the common wealth Game (c) have not been used properly (d) No error (e)(c) — should be "has not been used"
4Twenty percent of the milk (a) have been used for making (b) cheese and rest of the (c) milk has been been allocated for cubs (d) No error (e)(a) — should be "has been used"
5Fifty percent of the (a) information you have given me are false (b) and I am not going to use (c) any piece of it (d) No error (e)(b) — should be "is false"
6My mother with two younger brothers (a) of mine are going (b) Mumbai to attend a (c) meeting to be held next Tuesday (d) No error (e)(b) — should be "is going"
7All the people living (a) in the house including (b) the servant (c) was invited there (d) No error (e)(c) — should be "were invited"
8More than one successful candidate of his institute (a) have taken the interview for one (b) of the most popular dailies (c) being published from Los Angels (d) No error (e)(a) — should be "has taken"
9More books than one (a) have been written by (b) him and it is believed that (c) he will continue writing many more books (d) No error (e)No Error (e)
10More than one book one life style (a) and motivation by this writer (b) have been published so far and (c) all are selling like a hot cake (d) No error (e)(b) — should be "has been published"
11One of the representatives (a) are knowledgeable (b) and good at (c) handling people (d) No error (e)(a) — should be "is knowledgeable"
12One of (a) the greatest cricket players (b) in India are on the verge of (c) announcing his retirement from all forms of the game (d) No error (e)(b) — should be "is on the verge of"
13Each of the candidates (a) who have been chosen to work as a probationary officer (b) in different parts of the country, (c) are very intelligent and perfectly suitable for this job (d) No error (e)(c) — should be "is very intelligent"
14Neither leaders (a) nor the prime minister are responsible (b) for the poverty and corruption (c) rampant in our country (d) No error (e)(b) — should be "is responsible"
15Either the counsellor (a) or the teacher of that institute always tries to (b) misguide students regarding the quality (c) of education they offer to them (d) No error (e)No Error (e)
Worked Practice: Passage-Based Error Correction
Passage SentenceCorrection
More paintings than one is created by the greatest post-impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh. Though he sold only one artwork during his life, after his death he became perhaps the most recognized painter of all time.Option B correct: "one are created by the greatest"
One of the peace-loving nations like Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal prove that most peaceful nations also enjoy lower interest rates, a stronger currency, and higher foreign investment......proves that most peaceful nations also enjoy...
Detachment is one of those virtues that makes you strong and weak at the same time. Therefore, you need to maintain the balance so that you don't hurt anyone unintentionally including yourself....virtues that make you strong and weak at the same time.
Mitosis is common to all eukaryotes. During this process, each of the parent cells split into two genetically identical daughter cells, each of which contains the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell....each of the parent cells splits into two genetically identical daughter cells...
Either of the two officers need to visit the house of the victim and investigate the matter by interrogating the prime suspects rather than harassing the victim's family.Either of the two officers needs to visit the house of the victim...
Master Table — Subject Verb Agreement (Complete Quick Revision)
TopicKey Rule / Fact
Basic DefinitionSyntax = Syn(together) + Tax(arrange). Subject = Noun/Pronoun.
Basic AgreementSingular Subject → Singular Verb; Plural Subject → Plural Verb
Exception: "I"I - am/was/have/do/write (never has/does/writes) despite being first person singular
Sing + and + Sing (different)→ Plural Verb — "Aman and Kavan have done well"
Sing + and + Sing (as a pair)→ Singular Verb — "Rice and curry is my favorite dish"
Same Person RuleArticle/Poss. Adj not repeated = one person = Singular Verb; Repeated = two persons = Plural Verb
Many vs MuchMany + Plural Noun → Plural Verb; Much + Uncountable Noun → Singular Verb
Many a + singular noun→ Singular Verb, regardless of other plural elements in sentence
A great/good deal of, The amount of+ Uncountable Noun → Singular Verb (= Much)
A number of, A large number of+ Plural Noun → Plural Verb (= Many)
A number of vs The number of"A number of" → Plural Verb; "The number of" → Singular Verb
Fraction/Percentage phrasesVerb depends on the noun AFTER "of" — singular/uncountable noun → singular verb; plural noun → plural verb
No + NounNo + Uncountable/Singular Noun → Singular Verb; No + Plural Noun → Plural Verb
Connector Phrasesas well as / along with / together with / including / besides / and not / like / unlike — verb agrees with the noun BEFORE the phrase, never after
Like (Verb vs Preposition)Like = पसंद करना (verb); Like = की तरह (preposition, doesn't change main subject's number)
Than (Conjunction vs Preposition)Than joins two clauses (conjunction) OR is followed by Prep+Object (preposition) — both valid
More than one + Sing. Noun→ Singular Verb; More + Plural Noun + than one → Plural Verb (word order flips the verb)
One of + Plural Noun→ Singular Verb
One of + Plural Noun + Relative Pronoun→ Plural Verb (verb after who/which agrees with the plural noun)
Only one of + Plural Noun + Relative Pronoun→ Singular Verb ("only" forces singular)
Infinitive/Gerund as subjectTo+V1 or V1+ing (single) → Singular Verb; two joined by "and" → Plural Verb
Noun Clause as subject1 clause → Singular Verb; 2 clauses joined by "and" → Plural Verb
Fixed Amount/Weight/Period/Distance/Height→ Singular Verb (treated as ONE unit); if meant as separate/different units → Plural Verb
A group of + Plural Noun→ Singular Verb (crowd, team, fleet, galaxy, etc. — treated as one unit)
But (Conjunction vs Preposition)But = लेकिन (conjunction); But = सिवाय/except (preposition) — verb agrees with the word BEFORE "but," not after
Nothing/Everything/No one/Everyone + but+ (Sing/Pl/Uncountable Noun) → Singular Verb always
Each/Every/Either/Neither + Sing Noun→ Singular Verb
Each of/Either of/Neither of/Everyone of + Plural Noun→ Singular Verb
Either...Or / Neither...Nor / Not only...but alsoVerb (and pronoun) agrees with the NEAREST subject to the verb
Each vs Every: NumbersEach = two or more; Every = three or more
Each vs Every: Parts of SpeechEach = Pronoun/Adjective; Every = Adjective only (never "every of...")
Each vs Every: Individual vs GroupEach = individual variation within a group; Every = describes the collective/uniform group
Few (Plural Countable) vs Little (Uncountable)Few boys/colleges/students; Little water/work/milk
Few/Little = Hardly anyNegative sense — almost none
A few/A little = SomePositive sense — a small but sufficient amount
The few/The little = जो भी कुछNot many/much, but ALL there is/are
Exception: "Less"Can be used with Numbers and Distance — "100 rupees less," "no less than fifty," "less than 7 days"