RULE 1: Use verbs that agree with a subject, not with a noun that is part of a modifying phrase or clause between the verb and the subject.
Example: The quality of these oranges was not good.
The discovery originated with an idea that has been around for Years.
RULE 2: Two or more singular nouns or pronouns joined by ‘and’ require a plural verb.
Example: Gold and silver are precious metals.
She and I were playing carrom.
RULE 3: When the plural noun is a proper name for single objects or collective unit, it must be followed by a singular verb.
Example: Darts is a popular game in England.
RULE 4: Some nouns which are singular in form, but plural in meaning take a plural verb.
(cattle, gentry, vermin, peasantry, artillery, clergy, alphabet, Offspring, information)
Example: “I need all information to process the case” said the police Inspector.
RULE 5: Either, neither, each, each one, anyone, everyone, everybody, anybody, nobody, somebody, someone, many a, no one must not required to be followed by a singular verb.
Examples: She asked me whether either of the applicants was suitable.
Each of these substances is found in England.
Many a man was shot dead in a war.
RULE 6: Words joined to a singular subject by with, as well as, along with, including, in addition to, besides, accompanied by, together with etc., are parenthetical .
The verb should therefore be put in the singular.
Example: Silver as well as gold, has demand in the market.
The Mayor, with his assistant, is present in the room.
RULE 7: Two or more singular subjects connected by or /nor require a singular verb.
Example: Either the deer or the dog has been here.
Neither cat nor dog was to be found there.
RULE 8: When the subject joined by or/ nor are of different numbers, the verb agrees with the nearer.
Example: Either the father or his sons have to attend the marriage.
RULE 9: Two nouns qualified by each or every, even though connected by and, require a singular verb.
Example: Every girl and every boy was given a packet of chocolate.
RULE 10: Some nouns which are plural in form, but singular in meaning, take a singular verb.
(Mathematics, classics, ethics, athletics, innings, gallows, economics, poetry, news, measles, news, mumps, electronics, tactics, physics)
Example: Mathematics is an interesting subject.
RULE 11: Pains and means take either the singular or the plural verb, but the construction must be consistent.
Example: All possible means have been tried by us.
The pain was intolerable.
RULE 12: None, though properly singular, commonly takes a plural verb.
Example: None of the boys are studying in the class.
RULE 13: A Collective noun takes a singular verb when the collection is thought of as one whole; plural verb when the individuals of which it is composed are thought of;
(audience, committee, company, council, army, police, society, board, cabinet, department, group, family, public, government, organisation, team, club, crowd, minority, jury, class )
Example: The group works for the implementation of the scheme.
RULE 14: When a plural noun denotes period of time, amounts of money, or quantities is considered as a single unit, singular verbs are used. considered as a whole, the verb is generally singular.
( Foot, metre, score, dozen, million, rupees, month )
Example: Twenty kilometres is a long walk.
Five months is too long a time to wait.
RULE 15: If two different singular nouns express one idea, the verb should be in the singular form.
(Bread and milk, Rice and curry, Bread and butter)
Example: Bread and butter is good for breakfast.
RULE 16: When two singular subjects are practically synonymous the verb should be in the singular form.
(Law and order, power and influence, power and position, peace and prosperity)
Example: The law and order situation in Tamil Nadu was fully under control.
RULE 17: When (Not only-but also) is used to combine two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject close to it.
Example: Not only Raj, but also his brothers were arrested.
Not only he but also his sister was eating.
RULE 18: Majority can be singular or plural. If it is alone it is usually singular, if it is followed by a plural noun, it is usually plural.
Example: A majority is always right.
A majority of students are right.
RULE 19: The number/A number used as singular as well as plural
Example: A number of students are found there.
The number of people living in streets has reduced.
RULE 20: when a lot of, a great deal of, plenty of, most of and some of refer to number, a plural verb is used.
Example: A lot of people were present at the meeting.
But, if these expressions refer to an amount, the verb is in the singular number. A lot of work has to be completed before we go.
RULE 23: When sentences start with “there” or “here, ” the subject will always be placed after the verb, so care needs to be taken to identify it correctly.
Example: There are four members in the team.
There is a problem in the worksheet.
RULE 24: A linking verb usually agrees with its subject, not with its complement.
Example: The reason of her failure was excessive absences.
RULE 25: Plural verbs are required for many nouns that have no singular form, such as proceeds, goods, ashes, remains, credentials, premises, etc.,
Example: The goods are being despatched by goods train.
RULE 26: After such expressions as one-half of, two-thirds of, a part of, a majority of
Example: Two- thirds of the mailing list has been sent.
RULE 27: In sentences containing the words one of, the verb is chosen as follows:
Example: One of the pencils is missing from my bag.
RULE 28: All, any, more, most, some may be singular or plural depending on the meaning, and take verbs accordingly.
Example: All the work has been finished.
RULE 29: The title of books or magazines are considered singular and take singular verbs.
Example: The Hindu still has wide circulation.
RULE 30: When gerunds are used as the subject of a sentence, they take the singular verb form of the verb; but, when they are linked by and, they take the plural form.
Example: Singing and playing flute are my hobbies.