Rules of Concord

Key Grammar Rules of Concord (Subject-Verb Agreement) Basic Rules A singular subject takes a singular verb; a plural subject takes a plural verb. Example: She writes. / They write. Compound Subjects Subjects joined by "and" use a plural verb. Example: Krish and Radha are on their way. Subjects joined by "or," "either...or," or "neither...nor" use a verb that agrees with the subject closest to the verb. Example: Neither Ricky nor Gina is here. / Either the teacher or the students have to... Indefinite Pronouns Words like "everyone," "nobody," "somebody," "nothing," etc., are singular and take singular verbs. Example: Everyone was happy. / Nobody has understood anything. Collective Nouns Collective nouns (e.g., family, team) can take singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group acts as a unit (singular) or as individuals (plural). Example: My family is settled in Australia. Special Nouns Nouns that look plural but are singular in meaning (e.g., news, mathematics) take singular verbs. Example: The news is shocking. / Mathematics is difficult. Phrases and Modifiers Ignore phrases between the subject and verb; match the verb to the main subject. Example: The bouquet of roses smells sweet. If the subject is followed by "as well as," "along with," etc., the verb agrees with the main subject, not the phrase. Example: Matt, as well as his dog, is expected shortly. Amounts and Quantities Periods of time, sums of money, or distances as a unit take singular verbs. Example: Ten years is a long time. / 1000 rupees is too much. Sentences Starting with "Here" or "There" The verb agrees with the subject that follows. Example: Here is your book. / There are the chocolates. "Each" and "Every" Treated as singular, even if followed by plural nouns. Example: Each student has been asked... / Every teacher, parent and student is expected... These rules ensure clarity and correctness in English sentences by matching subjects and verbs appropriately.