Subject Verb Agreement Notes 2025

Subject Verb Agreement Notes 2025 A complete guide to mastering grammar for SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.

Subject Verb Agreement Notes 2025 Crucial for Government & Banking Exams

Subject Verb Agreement Notes 2025 For aspirants preparing for competitive exams like SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, and major banking exams such as IBPS PO, SBI PO, IBPS Clerk, and RBI Assistant, mastering Subject-Verb Agreement is non-negotiable. The English Language section in these exams frequently tests candidates on “Error Spotting” or “Sentence Correction” questions, where subject-verb agreement mistakes are the most common traps. A solid understanding of these rules allows you to quickly identify errors, save precious time, and significantly boost your accuracy. Each mark is vital, and proficiency in this single grammatical topic can be the difference-maker in clearing your cutoff and securing a top rank.

Key Uncountable Nouns

Category	Uncountable Nouns
Materials & Substances	Water, Air, Oil, Salt, Sugar, Rice, Gold
Abstract Ideas	Information, Knowledge, Advice, Beauty, Happiness, Courage, Honesty
Activities & Processes	Work, Research, Progress, Shopping, Cooking, Training
Categories	Music, Education, Traffic, Furniture, Equipment, News

Rule 1: Subject Placement in Questions

Subjects don’t always come before verbs in questions. You must accurately identify the subject before choosing the correct verb form. In questions, the verb or helping verb often comes before the subject.

💡 Examples:

Statement: She likes mangoes. → Question: Does she like mangoes?
Statement: They are playing football. → Question: Are they playing football?
Statement: He has finished his homework. → Question: Has he finished his homework?
Statement: The keys are on the table. → Question: Where are the keys?
Statement: A bird was singing. → Question: Was a bird singing?
Statement: The students are ready. → Question: Are the students ready?
Statement: It is raining. → Question: Is it raining outside?
Statement: Your friends have arrived. → Question: Have your friends arrived?

⚠️ Common Mistake:

Do likes she mangoes? → ✅ Does she like mangoes?

Remember, the auxiliary verb (do/does/is/are) carries the tense, and the main verb stays in its base form.

Rule 2: Two Nouns with “and”

When two singular nouns are connected by “and”, the verb is plural. However, if they represent a single idea or person, the verb is singular.

The boy and the girl are waiting. (Two people -> Plural)
Ram and Shyam are brothers. (Two people -> Plural)
Coffee and tea contain caffeine. (Two items -> Plural)
The principal and science teacher has not come. (One person, two roles -> Singular)
The poet and philosopher has arrived. (One person -> Singular)
Bread and butter is his only breakfast. (Single meal item -> Singular)
Profit and loss is a part of business. (Single concept -> Singular)
Slow and steady wins the race. (Single idea -> Singular)
The horse and carriage is at the door. (Single unit -> Singular)

Rule 3: Connecting Words

When subjects are joined by words like ‘with’, ‘along with’, ‘as well as’, ‘in addition to’, ‘unlike’, ‘besides’, etc., the verb agrees with the first subject.

The actress, along with her manager, is invited. (Agrees with “actress”)
The king, with all his ministers, was present. (Agrees with “king”)
The students, as well as their teacher, are excited. (Agrees with “students”)
My parents, along with my brother, are coming. (Agrees with “parents”)
She, like her sisters, enjoys classical music. (Agrees with “She”)
The captain, together with his team, is celebrating. (Agrees with “captain”)
No one except the volunteers knows the secret. (Agrees with “No one”)
The teacher, in addition to the students, was praised. (Agrees with “teacher”)

Rule 4: Correlative Conjunctions

With pairs like ‘or’, ‘nor’, ‘either…or’, and ‘neither…nor’, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it (Proximity Rule).

Neither you nor he is responsible. (Agrees with “he”)
Either the coach or the players are at fault. (Agrees with “players”)
Either you or I am mistaken. (Agrees with “I”)
Neither the plates nor the bowl goes on that shelf. (Agrees with “bowl”)
Neither the bowl nor the plates go on that shelf. (Agrees with “plates”)
Either my shoes or your coat is always on the floor. (Agrees with “coat”)
Either the dog or the cats are making that noise. (Agrees with “cats”)
Neither my uncle nor my aunts are coming to the party. (Agrees with “aunts”)

Rule 5: Usage of Either, Neither, None

Neither of is used for two things (not one of the two).

Either of means a choice between two things (one of the two).

One of is used to select one from a group of more than two.

Neither of the two shirts fits me.
Neither of his parents speaks English.
Neither of the answers is correct.
Either of the books is fine for the assignment.
Either of these paths leads to the station.
Either of you is welcome to join.
One of my friends is coming over.
One of the cars has a flat tire.
One of the most important things is to stay calm.

Rule 6: “Not only…but also”

Similar to Rule 4, when using ‘not only…but also’ to connect subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it.

Not only the captain but also the team members were at fault.
Not only the team members but also the captain was at fault.
Not only the magazine but also the books are on the table.
Not only the books but also the magazine is on the table.
Not only my brother but also my parents want me to study medicine.
Not only my parents but also my brother wants me to study medicine.
Not only the manager but also the employees have received the memo.

Rule 7: Majority

“Majority” is singular when used alone but plural when followed by a plural noun. Context matters if the group acts as a single entity.

The majority has made its decision.
The majority believes the company is doing well.
A majority of the voters are against the new law.
A majority of the students have passed the exam.
A majority of the houses need repairs.
The majority of the work is done. (Work is uncountable)
The majority of the information was incorrect. (Information is uncountable)
The majority of the committee supports the new rule. (Acting as one unit)

Rule 9: Collective Nouns

Collective nouns (team, family, committee, crowd) are singular when the group acts as one unit, but plural when individuals within the group act separately.

The jury has reached a verdict. (Acts as one unit)
The orchestra plays beautifully. (Acts as one unit)
My family is going on vacation. (Acts as one unit)
The class is very noisy today. (Acts as one unit)
The jury were divided in their opinions. (Acts as individuals)
The orchestra are tuning their instruments. (Acts as individuals)
My family are all early risers. (Acts as individuals)
The team have to buy their uniforms themselves. (Acts as individuals)

Rule 10: Measurements and Amounts

Nouns indicating time, money, or measurements are singular when treated as a single unit, but plural when subdivided.

Ten dollars is a high price to pay.
Fifty kilometers is a long distance to walk.
Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense.
Two hundred pounds is a lot of weight.
Three hours of study is required every day.
Twenty gallons of fuel was purchased.
But: Ten dollars were scattered on the floor. (Subdivided into individual notes)
But: The first five years were the most difficult. (Subdivided into individual years)

Rule 11: Phrases of Quantity

With phrases like ‘a lot of’, ‘some of’, ‘plenty of’, the verb agrees with the noun that follows ‘of’. If the noun is plural, use a plural verb. If it’s uncountable, use a singular verb.

Some of the apples are rotten. (Plural noun)
Most of the guests have arrived. (Plural noun)
A lot of cars are parked outside. (Plural noun)
Plenty of people think so. (Plural noun)
Some of the water is contaminated. (Uncountable noun)
Most of the advice he gave was useless. (Uncountable noun)
A lot of sugar is bad for your health. (Uncountable noun)
Plenty of evidence was found at the scene. (Uncountable noun)

Rule 12: Names of Countries

Names of countries are singular, even if they end in “s”. However, in a sports context referring to the team, they are treated as plural.

The Philippines is an archipelago.
The United Arab Emirates is a popular destination.
Wales is part of the United Kingdom.
The Bahamas has beautiful beaches.
Australia are the current world champions in cricket.
The Netherlands have qualified for the finals.
Argentina are hoping to win the Copa America.
The West Indies are playing a great match.

Rule 13: The “Enemy”

When “enemy” is used to mean “armed forces,” it takes a plural verb.

The enemy were forced to retreat.
The enemy were spotted near the border.
Our intelligence confirmed that the enemy were planning an attack.
The enemy were well-equipped with modern weapons.
After a long battle, the enemy were finally defeated.
The enemy were advancing rapidly.
Reports indicated the enemy were low on supplies.

Rule 14: “None” and “No”

None of the + uncountable noun uses a singular verb. None of the + plural noun uses a plural verb. No takes a verb that agrees with the noun following it.

None of the counterfeit money has been found.
None of the work was completed on time.
None of the students have finished the exam yet.
None of my friends want to go.
No student was present in the class.
No information is available.
No employees were fired.
No problem seems too difficult.

Rule 15: “A number of” vs. “The number of”

a number of + plural noun + plural verb.

the number of + plural noun + singular verb.

A number of students are going to the class picnic.
A number of issues were raised during the meeting.
A number of flights have been delayed.
A number of people have complained about the noise.
The number of days in a week is seven.
The number of mistakes he made was surprisingly low.
The number of applicants has increased this year.
The number of participants was lower than expected.

Rule 16: Relative Pronouns (Who, That, Which)

When ‘who’, ‘that’, or ‘which’ is a subject, its verb agrees with the noun directly in front of it (the antecedent).

He is one of the men who do the work. (who refers to men)
She is one of those doctors who really care. (who refers to doctors)
This is one of the books that are required. (that refers to books)
I like stories that have happy endings. (that refers to stories)
She is one of those people who are never late. (who refers to people)
This is one of the songs that always make me happy. (that refers to songs)
He is the only one of my friends who speaks French. (Exception: ‘the only one’ makes the antecedent ‘one’, which is singular)

Rule 17: Subjunctive Mood

Use were instead of “was” in sentences that express a wish or are contrary to fact (hypothetical).

I wish it were Friday.
If the teacher were here, you’d have to answer.
If I were you, I would take the job.
She wishes she were taller.
He talks as if he were the boss.
Suppose she were to say no, what would you do?
I wish I were a millionaire.

Rule 18: Indefinite Pronouns

Words like Each, Every, Everyone, Someone, Nobody, None, One, Any, Many a, More than one are considered singular and take a singular verb.

Word	Example Sentence
Each	Each student has submitted their assignment.
Every	Every employee is required to attend the meeting.
Everyone	Everyone in the room was listening attentively.
Someone	Someone is knocking at the door.
Somebody	Somebody has left their bag on the table.
Nobody	Nobody is allowed to enter the restricted area.
None	None of the books is available in the library.
One	One of the players is injured.
Any	Any of these options is acceptable.
Many a	Many a student has struggled with this concept.
More than one	More than one person was involved in the incident.

Each of the students is responsible.
Every employee is required to attend.
Everybody wants to be successful.
Somebody has to take responsibility.
No one knows the answer.
Anyone is welcome to join.
More than one employee was given a bonus.
Many a soldier has died for their country.

Rule 19: Optative Sentences (Wishes/Prayers)

In sentences expressing a wish or prayer, the verb is always in its base form (plural subjunctive), regardless of the subject.

God save the world!
Long live our prime minister!
May you live a long and happy life.
God bless you!
Heaven forbid such a thing should happen.
Success be yours in the exam.
The committee insists that he attend the meeting.

Rule 20: “Amount of” / “Quantity of”

Amount of / Quantity of + Uncountable Noun takes a singular verb.

The amount of money is not sufficient.
The amount of information was overwhelming.
A large quantity of sand is needed.
The amount of traffic is increasing.
The quantity of sugar you consume affects your health.
A significant amount of research has been done.
The amount of damage was extensive.

Rule 21: “All”

“All” is plural when it refers to countable nouns (people/things) but singular when it refers to an uncountable concept or entity.

All are waiting for the principal. (Referring to people)
All is well at home. (Referring to the general situation)
All of the students are here.
All of the cake has been eaten.
All the equipment is new.
All that glitters is not gold.
All of the books were interesting.

Rule 22: Always Uncountable Nouns

Nouns like furniture, advice, work, evidence, equipment, news, information, luggage, poetry, scenery, etc., are uncountable and always take a singular verb.

Uncountable Noun	Example Sentence
Furniture	The furniture in the room is brand new.
Advice	The advice you gave me is invaluable.
Work	His work requires precision.
Evidence	The evidence presented was compelling.
Equipment	All the equipment is functioning perfectly.
News	The news about the event is shocking.
Information	The information on the website is accurate.
Luggage	The luggage needs to be checked before boarding.
Baggage	Her emotional baggage is slowing her down.
Percentage	The percentage of errors is low this time.
Poetry	Poetry expresses deep emotions beautifully.
Knowledge	Knowledge is the key to growth.
Dirt	The dirt on the floor is hard to clean.
Dust	The dust in the air is causing allergies.
Traffic	The traffic was chaotic this morning.
Electricity	Electricity powers the entire building.
Music	The music is soothing to the soul.
Breakage	Breakage during transport is a common issue.
Stationery	All the stationery is neatly organized.
Scenery	The scenery in the hills is breathtaking.
Confectionery	Confectionery is a popular choice for gifts.
Pottery	Pottery is a traditional art form.
Bakery	The bakery near my house is famous for its cakes.
Crockery	The crockery is made of fine porcelain.
Behaviour	His behaviour was commendable.

The scenery of Himachal was very beautiful.
The furniture in the office is elegant.
The advice given by the teacher was very helpful.
Hard work is the key to success.
The evidence presented was insufficient.
The news about the election is exciting.
The information provided is accurate.
Her luggage is very heavy.
The poetry of Wordsworth is famous worldwide.

Rule 23: Nouns in Pairs (Always Plural)

Nouns for items made of two parts are always plural: headphones, scissors, trousers, pants, pliers, spectacles, goggles, etc. To make them singular, use the phrase “a pair of”.

These scissors are sharp.
My new jeans are too tight.
Where are the tongs for the barbecue?
His pajamas have a funny pattern.
These binoculars are very powerful.
The proceeds from the sale were donated to charity.
His earnings have increased this year.
A pair of trousers was lying on the bed.
My eyeglasses need cleaning.

Rule 24: Plural Form, Singular Meaning

Some nouns appear plural (end in ‘s’) but are actually singular: news, innings, politics, summons, linguistics, billiards, athletics, physics, economics, mumps, measles, etc.

The news is at 10 PM.
Athletics is good for young people.
Politics is a complicated business.
Mathematics was my favourite subject.
Measles is a contagious disease.
Billiards requires a lot of skill.
A court summons was issued for him.
The first innings of the match was exciting.

Rule 25: Singular Form, Plural Meaning

Some nouns appear singular but are plural: cattle, cavalry, infantry, poultry, peasantry, children, gentry, police, people.

The police are investigating the case.
The cattle were grazing in the field.
People are waiting for the show to start.
Children are playing in the park.
The peasantry have suffered for centuries.
Poultry are raised on this farm.
The cavalry are ready for the charge.
The local gentry were invited to the ball.

Rule 27: Hair

“Hair” is normally uncountable and singular. It is only countable (and plural) when referring to individual strands.

She has long thick hair.
His curly hair is truly unique.
The child has soft golden hair.
Her hair needs to be trimmed soon.
There is a lot of hair on the floor.
Two strands of grey hair were found by the police.
Several hairs were left on the chair after the haircut.
I found two black hairs on my white shirt.

Rule 29: Same Singular & Plural Form

Some nouns have the same form for both singular and plural: deer, sheep, series, species, fish, crew, jury, aircraft.

A deer was seen. / Two deer were seen.
One sheep is grazing. / A flock of sheep are grazing.
A TV series was launched. / Several series are available.
A new species was discovered. / Many species are endangered.
A single aircraft was seen. / Three aircraft were flying.
The crew is well-trained. (As a unit)
The crew are having their dinner. (As individuals)
A fish was caught. / Many fish were seen.

Additional Examples & Corrections

Sentence: Neither Mohit nor Rohit were there at the shop.

Correction: …was there…

Reason (Rule 4): The verb agrees with the subject closer to it (Rohit, which is singular).

Sentence: The village, with all its houses, were flooded by the river.

Correction: …was flooded…

Reason (Rule 3): The verb agrees with the first subject (The village, which is singular). The phrase “with all its houses” does not affect the verb.

Sentence: The Doon Valley with all its lights look beautiful at night.

Correction: …looks beautiful…

Reason (Rule 3): The verb agrees with the main subject (The Doon Valley, which is singular).

Sentence: More than 25% people admits they have not sent a letter.

Correction: …admit they…

Reason: When a percentage refers to a plural countable noun (people), the verb is plural.

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Subjunctive mood examples
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