📘 1. What is Subject-Verb Concord? (Core Definition)
Subject-verb concord (also known as subject-verb agreement) means that the verb in a sentence must match its subject in person (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) and number (singular or plural).
✅ The Golden Principle
A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
Example: The dog barks (singular), but The dogs bark (plural).
📌 Noun vs. Verb Endings
Remember: Adding '-s' or '-es' to a noun makes it plural (boy $\rightarrow$ boys). But adding '-s' or '-es' to a verb makes it singular (plays, runs)!
⚖️ 2. Essential Concord Rules for CBSE Class 10
A) Compound Subjects with "And"
Rule: Two or more singular nouns joined by 'and' generally take a plural verb. However, if they represent a single idea or item (like bread and butter), they take a singular verb.
Examples: Rahul and Priya are dancing. But: Bread and butter is my favorite breakfast.
B) The Proximity Rule (Either/Or, Neither/Nor)
Rule: When subjects are joined by either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Examples: Neither the teacher nor the students were present. Neither the students nor the teacher was present.
C) Expressions of Quantity & Fractions
Rule: Words like each, every, everyone, someone, anybody, nobody, either, neither are always followed by a singular verb.
Examples: Each of the boys was given a prize. Everyone has arrived.
D) Collective Nouns & Measurements
Rule: Collective nouns (jury, team, family, committee) take a singular verb when acting as a single unit, and a plural verb when members act individually. Fixed amounts of money, distance, or time take a singular verb.
Examples: The jury has given its verdict. Ten miles is a long distance to walk.
📝 3. CBSE Class 10 Subject-Verb Concord Practice Drill
Test your mastery before appearing for the exam. Select the correct option for each sentence below:
- Each of the students in the class _____ awarded a gold medal. (was / were)
- Either the principal or the teachers _____ responsible for this decision. (is / are)
- Time and tide _____ for no man. (wait / waits)
- Mathematics _____ considered a difficult subject by many pupils. (is / are)
- A bouquet of beautiful red roses _____ placed on the table. (was / were)
👉 Click Here to View Complete Answer Key & Explanations
2. are (Proximity rule: verb agrees with the closer subject 'teachers', which is plural)
3. wait (Compound subject viewed as plural action)
4. is (Names of academic subjects like Mathematics take a singular verb)
5. was (The subject is the singular noun 'bouquet', not 'roses')
