English Grammar is a vast topic to learn. However, we will cover the most important rules of English Grammar under this subcategory of General English. Today, we are going to learn Rule Number One of English Grammar. This topic will benefit language lovers, knowledge seekers, students, and teachers. If you are going to appear in a competitive exam, then you must go through all these rules we are going to teach here one by one. We will provide at least 20 MCQs for every single rule. In this manner, you can practice repeatedly to digest and memorise it.
Rule Number One
- A verb must agree with its subject in number and person.
This means:
- If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular.
- If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.
Common mistake (Error of Proximity):
Sometimes people make the verb agree with the nearest noun, not with the real subject. This is wrong. Always find the main subject of the sentence.
Examples of Rule Number One
- The quality of the mangoes was not good.
- Subject: The quality (singular)
- Verb: was (singular)
Even though mangoes is plural, the real subject is quality, so we use was.
- The introduction of tea and coffee and such other beverages has not been without some effect.
- Subject: The introduction (singular)
- Verb: has (singular)
Even though tea, coffee, beverages are plural, the subject is introduction (singular).
- His knowledge of Indian vernaculars is far beyond the common.
- Subject: His knowledge (singular)
- Verb: is (singular)
Vernaculars is plural, but the subject is knowledge (singular).
- The state of his affairs was such as to cause anxiety to his creditors.
- Subject: The state (singular)
- Verb: was (singular)
Affairs is plural, but state is the real subject.
- If it were possible to get near when one of the volcanic eruptions takes place, we should see a grand sight.
- Subject: one (singular)
- Verb: takes (singular)
Eruptions is plural, but the subject is one.
- The results of the recognition of this fact are seen in the gradual improvement of the diet of the poor.
- Subject: The results (plural)
- Verb: are (plural)
Here the subject is plural, so the verb must also be plural.
Important Tip:
You always need to identify the true subject (not the word closest to the verb). Then choose the verb that matches in number (singular/plural).
Rule Number One of English Grammar: Subject-Verb Agreement MCQs
Q. The bouquet of roses ___ lying on the table.
a) are
b) is
c) were
d) have
Q. The players of the team ___ practicing hard.
a) is
b) has
c) are
d) was
Q. The quality of mangoes ___ not good this year.
a) have
b) was
c) were
d) are
Q. The books on the shelf ___ covered with dust.
a) are
b) was
c) is
d) has
Q. The story of his adventures ___ very exciting.
a) are
b) were
c) was
d) have
Q. The results of the examination ___ announced today.
a) have
b) is
c) was
d) has
Q. His knowledge of foreign languages ___ impressive.
a) are
b) have
c) were
d) is
Q. The children of that family ___ very polite.
a) was
b) are
c) is
d) has
Q. The price of vegetables ___ increased recently.
a) have
b) has
c) are
d) were
Q. The pictures on the wall ___ beautiful.
a) are
b) is
c) was
d) has