Class 10 Subject Verb Agreement

Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide for Class 10 Students

Subject-verb agreement, a cornerstone of grammar, ensures that the verb in a sentence correctly matches its subject in number (singular or plural). This seemingly simple concept can be surprisingly tricky, especially when dealing with complex sentence structures. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently tackle subject-verb agreement, improving your writing clarity and precision. Mastering this skill is crucial for success in Class 10 exams and beyond.

Introduction: Understanding the Basics

At its core, subject-verb agreement means the verb must agree in number with its subject. If the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

Example:

• Singular: The dog barks loudly. (Singular subject "dog," singular verb "barks")
• Plural: The dogs bark loudly. (Plural subject "dogs," plural verb "bark")

This simple rule forms the foundation, but many nuances complicate the process. Let's delve into those complexities.

Common Challenges and Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

Several situations can make subject-verb agreement challenging. Let's explore these scenarios with detailed explanations and examples:

1. Intervening Phrases: Phrases placed between the subject and the verb do not affect the agreement. Ignore these phrases when determining the verb's number.

Example:

• The box of chocolates sitting on the table is delicious. ("Box" is the subject, not "chocolates," so the singular verb "is" is correct.)
• The students in the classroom are studying diligently. ("Students" is the subject; the intervening phrase doesn't change the plural verb "are.")

2. Compound Subjects: When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they generally take a plural verb.

Example:

• John and Mary are going to the party.

However, if the compound subject refers to a single unit or idea, it takes a singular verb.

Example:

• Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich. (Peanut butter and jelly are considered a single item)

3. Subjects Joined by "or" or "nor": The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Example:

• Neither the cat nor the dogs are allowed inside. (The plural subject "dogs" is closer to the verb)
• Either the dog or the cat is responsible for the mess. (The singular subject "cat" is closer to the verb)

4. Indefinite Pronouns: Many indefinite pronouns (e.g., each, everyone, everybody, anyone, anybody, someone, somebody, no one, nobody) are always singular and take singular verbs.

Example:

• Everyone is invited to the celebration.
• Somebody has taken my pen.

However, some indefinite pronouns (both, few, many, several) are always plural and take plural verbs.

Example:

• Many are called, but few are chosen.
• Several have volunteered to help.

Pronouns like some, any, none, all can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to.

Example:

• Some of the cake is left. (Singular, referring to "cake")
• Some of the cookies are left. (Plural, referring to "cookies")

5. Collective Nouns: Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, group, class) can be singular or plural depending on whether they refer to the group as a single unit or to the individual members.

Example:

• The team is playing well. (Team as a unit)
• The team are arguing amongst themselves. (Individual members of the team)

6. Nouns Ending in "-s" but Singular: Some nouns ending in "-s" are actually singular (e.g., news, measles, physics, mathematics). These take singular verbs.

Example:

• The news is good.
• Physics is my favorite subject.

7. Titles of Works: Titles of books, movies, and other works of art are treated as singular, even if they contain plural words.

Example:

• "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" is a classic novel.

8. Fractional Expressions: The verb agrees with the noun the fraction modifies.

Example:

• One-third of the students are absent. (Plural, referring to "students")
• One-third of the pizza is gone. (Singular, referring to "pizza")

9. Amounts of Money or Time: These are usually treated as singular.

Example:

• Ten dollars is a small amount.
• Five years is a long time.

10. Expressions of Quantity: These follow the same rule as fractional expressions; the verb agrees with the noun modified.

Example:

• A number of books are on the shelf. (Plural, referring to "books")
• The number of students is increasing. (Singular, referring to "number")

Advanced Subject-Verb Agreement Scenarios

Let's tackle more complex scenarios requiring a deeper understanding of grammatical structures:

1. Clauses Beginning with "who," "that," or "which": The verb in a relative clause agrees with the antecedent (the noun or pronoun the clause modifies).

Example:

• The students who are studying hard will succeed. ("Students" is the antecedent; the verb "are" agrees with it.)
• The book that is on the table is mine. ("Book" is the antecedent; "is" agrees.)

2. Inverted Sentences: In sentences with inverted word order (verb before subject), the verb still agrees with the subject.

Example:

• There are many reasons for his success. ("Reasons" is the subject; the verb "are" agrees.)
• Here comes the bus. ("Bus" is the subject.)

3. Subject-Verb Agreement with "Every" or "Each": These words always require singular verbs, even when followed by a prepositional phrase containing a plural noun.

Example:

• Every one of the students is responsible for their own work.

4. Singular Subjects Followed by Plural Appositives: The verb agrees with the subject, not the appositive.

Example:

• My sister, the twins, is studying abroad. (The subject is "sister," which is singular.)

Practice Exercises and Examples: Reinforcing Understanding

The best way to master subject-verb agreement is through practice. Here are some examples to test your understanding:

1. The flock of birds ______ over the field. (fly/flies)
2. Each of the contestants ______ a prize. (receive/receives)
3. Neither the teacher nor the students ______ prepared for the test. (was/were)
4. The committee ______ to make a decision. (has/have)
5. The number of errors ______ surprisingly low. (was/were)
6. A pair of shoes ______ under the bed. (is/are)
7. The flock of sheep _______ grazing peacefully. (is/are)
8. The team _______ their opponents easily. (defeated/defeats)
9. Measles ______ a highly contagious disease. (is/are)
10. Economics ______ a challenging subject. (is/are)

Answers: 1. flies, 2. receives, 3. was, 4. has, 5. was, 6. is, 7. are, 8. defeated, 9. is, 10. is

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the most common mistake students make with subject-verb agreement?

A: One of the most common mistakes is failing to correctly identify the subject of the sentence, especially when there are intervening phrases or complex sentence structures.

Q: How can I improve my subject-verb agreement skills?

A: Consistent practice with various sentence structures, along with a thorough understanding of the rules and exceptions, is key. Reviewing examples and completing exercises is crucial.

Q: Are there any online resources to help me practice?

A: Many online grammar websites and educational platforms offer quizzes, exercises, and explanations to help you master subject-verb agreement. (Note: I cannot provide specific external links.)

Q: What happens if I make a subject-verb agreement error in my writing?

A: Subject-verb agreement errors can detract from the clarity and professionalism of your writing. They may make your writing appear less polished and potentially impact your grade.

Conclusion: Mastering a Fundamental Skill

Subject-verb agreement, while seemingly simple at first glance, involves a nuanced understanding of grammatical rules and exceptions. Through diligent practice and a careful understanding of the concepts discussed in this guide, you can confidently master this essential grammatical skill. This mastery will significantly enhance the clarity, accuracy, and overall quality of your written work, contributing to your success in Class 10 and beyond. Remember, consistent practice is the key to mastering any grammatical concept. Continue practicing and refining your understanding, and you will significantly improve your writing proficiency.