Subject-verb agreement is essential in any written communication. It establishes a clear and concise message for the reader. If there is a disagreement between the subject and the verb, it can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. This rule applies to all modes of writing- academic, professional, or casual. In this article, we will discuss subject-verb agreement rules that will help you learn CBSE.
CBSE, or the Central Board of Secondary Education, is the primary education board in India. The board conducts examinations for classes 10th and 12th in Indian schools. It is essential to have a good understanding of subject-verb agreement rules to score well in English exams for CBSE. Here are some basic rules that students can follow:
1. The subject and the verb must agree in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. For example,
– The dog barks in the night. (singular subject)
– The dogs bark in the night. (plural subject)
2. When a subject is made up of singular and plural nouns joined by `or` or `nor,` the verb agrees with the nearest noun. For example,
– Neither the teacher nor the students are happy. (plural noun, plural verb)
– Either the teacher or the principal is responsible. (singular noun, singular verb)
3. When the subject is a collective noun, it can take either a singular or plural verb depending on the context. For example,
– The jury reaches a verdict. (singular verb)
– The jury disagree among themselves. (plural verb)
4. When the subject and the verb are separated by a phrase or a clause, the verb agrees with the subject, not the phrase or the clause. For example,
– The book, as well as the pen, was kept on the table. (singular verb)
5. Some nouns, even though they are plural in form, are singular in meaning. For example,
– Mathematics is my favorite subject. (singular)
6. One trick for singular subjects that end in `s` is to use a singular verb that doesn`t end in `s.` For example,
– The news is good. (not, the news are good)
CBSE English exams test students on their understanding of subject-verb agreement. The above rules provide a foundation for students to understand this grammatical concept. Students can improve their subject-verb agreement by practicing exercises and reading books. Reading books improves writing, comprehension, and grammar, leading to better communication. Students can also take online tests to reinforce their understanding.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a fundamental concept in English grammar. It applies to all modes of writing, including academic writing, professional writing, and casual writing. Students can improve their subject-verb agreement by following the basic rules mentioned above, practicing exercises, and reading books. A good understanding of the subject-verb agreement will help students score well in CBSE English exams, leading to better academic performance.