Tag: Indefinite Pronouns

Concord, also known as Subject Verb Agreement, is the grammatical rule that the verb must agree with its subject in number and person.

A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Definition

Concord is the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence according to number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third).

Basic Rules of Concord

1. Singular Subject Takes a Singular Verb

Examples:

1. The boy plays cricket.
2. She writes a letter.
3. Ram goes to school daily.

2. Plural Subject Takes a Plural Verb

Examples:

1. The boys play cricket.
2. They write letters.
3. The students attend classes regularly.

3. Two Singular Subjects Joined by “and” Take a Plural Verb

Examples:

1. Ram and Shyam are friends.
2. Tea and coffee are available.
3. The teacher and the student have arrived.

4. Subjects Joined by “or”, “nor”, “either…or”, “neither…nor”

The verb agrees with the subject nearest to it.

Examples:

1. Either the teacher or the students are responsible.
2. Neither the students nor the teacher is present.
3. Either Ram or his friends have completed the work.

5. Collective Nouns Usually Take a Singular Verb

Examples:

1. The committee has taken a decision.
2. The team is playing well.
3. The family lives in Mumbai.

6. Each, Every, Everyone, Everybody, Anyone, Anybody Take Singular Verbs

Examples:

1. Each student has a notebook.
2. Everybody likes music.
3. Every boy is present.

7. Uncountable Nouns Take Singular Verbs

Examples:

1. Information is useful.
2. Furniture is expensive.
3. Advice is valuable.

8. Titles of Books, Films, and Subjects Take Singular Verbs

Examples:

1. Mathematics is an important subject.
2. Economics is interesting.
3. The Merchant of Venice is a famous play.

9. Amounts of Money, Distance, and Time Considered as One Unit Take Singular Verbs

Examples:

1. Ten thousand rupees is a large amount.
2. Five kilometres is a long distance.
3. Two years is a long time.

10. A Number of / The Number of

A number of + plural noun + plural verb

Example:

A number of students have participated.

The number of + plural noun + singular verb

Example:

The number of students has increased.

Importance of Concord:

1. Ensures Grammatical Accuracy

Concord is the backbone of correct sentence structure. Without it, sentences sound broken and uneducated. Matching the subject with the correct verb form (e.g., “He runs” vs. “They run”) is a fundamental rule that demonstrates a basic command of the English language.

2. Prevents Misunderstanding

Proper concord clarifies who is performing the action. For example, “The list of items is long” versus “The items are long” changes the subject entirely. Correct agreement removes ambiguity, ensuring the reader or listener clearly understands the intended meaning without confusion.

3. Enhances Professional Credibility

In academic essays, job applications, or business emails, incorrect concord creates a poor impression. It signals carelessness and a lack of attention to detail. Readers subconsciously judge the writer’s competence; flawless agreement builds trust and positions you as a polished, serious professional.

4. Improves Reading Fluency

When subjects and verbs agree correctly, the text flows smoothly. Readers do not have to pause or re-read awkward phrases to decipher the meaning. This natural rhythm keeps the audience engaged and allows the writer’s ideas to be absorbed effortlessly and efficiently.

5. Demonstrates Mastery of Language

Mastering concord shows that a student has moved beyond basic vocabulary and understands the intricate mechanics of English. It reflects a deep, structural knowledge of how sentences are built, which is essential for advanced writing, literary analysis, and effective communication.

Quick Tip to Remember:

Always find the true subject (ignore prepositional phrases like “as well as” or “along with”) before choosing your verb.

• Correct: The teacher, along with her students, is going. (Subject = teacher).

• Incorrect: The teacher, along with her students, are going.

Common Errors and Corrections

Exam Oriented Questions

Fill in the Blanks

1. The girl _____ (sing/sings) well.
2. Each student _____ a book. (has/have)
3. Ram and Shyam _____ friends. (is/are)
4. Everybody _____ present today. (is/are)
5. The number of students _____ increased. (has/have)

Answers

1. sings
2. has
3. are
4. is
5. has