Subject Verb Agreement for Class 6: Examples, Exercises and Worksheets

The verb 'to be' has distinct forms that must agree with the subject in both present and past tenses.

Present Tense 'Be' Verbs: am, is, are

Past Tense 'Be' Verbs: was, were

The verb 'to have' also changes form in the present tense.

Present Tense 'Have' Verbs: has, have

Past Tense 'Have' Verb: had

In the Simple Past Tense, 'have' becomes had for all subjects (singular and plural).

• Example: She had an idea. They had many questions.

A. Subjects Joined by 'and'

When two or more subjects are joined by 'and', they typically form a plural subject and take a plural verb.

• Example: Research and development are crucial for innovation.
• Example: The professor and her students collaborate on various projects.

Exception: If the two subjects joined by 'and' refer to a single idea, person, or thing, or are treated as a unit, a singular verb is used.

• Example: Bread and butter is a common breakfast. (Considered a single dish)
• Example: The renowned scientist and philanthropist is here. (Referring to one person with two roles)

B. Subjects Joined by 'or', 'nor', 'either...or', 'neither...nor'

When subjects are joined by 'or', 'nor', 'either...or', or 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the subject that is closer to the verb (Proximity Rule).

• Example: Neither the students nor the instructor is available.
• Example: Either the instructor or the students are responsible for the setup.
• Example: Apples or mangoes are in the basket. Does a mango or apples taste better? (Rephrasing for clarity is often better: Are apples or a mango in the basket? Does a mango taste better, or do apples taste better?)

Collective Nouns (e.g., team, committee, family, jury, audience, government, group, class) refer to a group of individuals.

• If the collective noun is treated as a single unit, it takes a singular verb.
  • Example: The committee has submitted its report. The team is playing well.
• If the members of the group are considered as individuals acting separately, it can take a plural verb (this usage is more common in British English).
  • Example: The jury were divided in their opinions. (BrE) (American English might prefer: "The jury members were divided...")

For Class 6, focusing on the group as a single unit with a singular verb is a good starting point unless the individuality of members is clearly emphasized.

Indefinite Pronouns refer to non-specific persons, things, or amounts.

• Singular Indefinite Pronouns typically take singular verbs.
  Examples: each, either, neither, one, everyone, everybody, everything, someone, somebody, something, anyone, anybody, anything, no one, nobody, nothing.
  • Example: Everyone is expected to participate. Each of the samples requires analysis.
• Plural Indefinite Pronouns take plural verbs.
  Examples: both, few, many, others, several.
  • Example: Several of the theories have been disproven. Many contribute to the discussion.
• Indefinite Pronouns that can be Singular or Plural (depending on the noun in the 'of' phrase that follows them, or context): all, any, more, most, none, some.
  • Example: Some of the information (uncountable/singular) is confidential.
  • Example: Some of the documents (countable/plural) are missing.
  • Example: None of the equipment is working. None of the scientists agree. ('None' can be singular or plural, though singular is often preferred formally).

Words or phrases that come between the subject and the verb (e.g., prepositional phrases, clauses) do not affect the number of the verb. The verb must agree with the actual subject, not with a noun in the intervening phrase.

• Example: The box of chocolates is on the table. (Subject is 'box', not 'chocolates')
• Example: The scientist, along with her assistants, is conducting the experiment. (Subject is 'scientist')
• Example: One of the students has submitted the assignment. (Subject is 'One')

Some nouns end in -s and appear plural but are treated as singular and take singular verbs.

• Names of subjects: mathematics, physics, economics, civics, ethics, news.
  • Example: Mathematics is my favorite subject. The news is alarming.
• Certain diseases: mumps, measles, rickets.
  • Example: Measles is a contagious disease.
• Some games: billiards, darts.
  • Example: Billiards requires skill.
• Words like 'series', 'means' can be singular or plural depending on context.
  • Example: A series of lectures is scheduled. (One series)
  • Example: Several series of events were analyzed. (Multiple series)

Nouns that are always plural (pluralia tantum) take plural verbs: scissors, trousers, pliers, thanks, congratulations.

• Example: These scissors are sharp. My trousers need mending.

• Titles of books, movies, plays, etc. are treated as singular and take singular verbs, even if the title itself is plural in form.
  • Example: "The Three Musketeers" is a classic novel.
• In sentences beginning with 'Here' or 'There', the true subject follows the verb. The verb agrees with this true subject.
  • Example: Here is the report you requested.
  • Example: There are several reasons for this decision.