Why Does 'Neither the Teacher nor the Students' Take a Plural Verb?
When two subjects of different numbers are linked by 'either... or' or 'neither... nor', which one decides the verb? The rule of proximity! Discover how English syntax resolves conflicts between singular and plural subjects.
Why This Chapter Matters
Subject-verb agreement errors are penalized heavily in all board examinations. Mastering concord ensures flawless grammatical precision in both subjective answers and multiple-choice questions.
Before You Begin (Prerequisites)
- Identification of sentence subjects and verbs.
- Singular vs plural forms of nouns and verbs (singular verbs end in '-s').
What You Will Learn (Core Objectives)
- Apply the fundamental concord rule: Singular Subject -> Singular Verb; Plural Subject -> Plural Verb.
- Handle compound subjects joined by 'and' vs 'as well as / with'.
- Apply the proximity rule with 'either... or' and 'neither... nor'.
- Determine agreement with collective nouns and quantities.
Chapter Roadmap & Progression
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1. Core Rules of Subject-Verb Conco...
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2. Indefinite Pronouns, Collective...
Complete Concept Guide (100% Curriculum Coverage)
1. Core Rules of Subject-Verb Concord (सब्जेक्ट-वर्ब सहमती नियम)
| Rule | Explanation | Example |
|---|
| 1. Basic Concord | Singular takes singular (-s); plural takes plural | The bird sings. The birds sing. |
| 2. Compound with 'And' | Two subjects joined by 'and' take a plural verb | Rohan and Sohan are brothers. |
| 3. Single Idea / Pair | Two nouns expressing a single idea take a singular verb | Bread and butter is a wholesome breakfast. |
| 4. As Well As / With | Verb agrees strictly with the first subject | The teacher, along with the students, is coming. |
| 5. Either... Or / Neither... Nor | Verb agrees with the nearest subject (Proximity) | Neither the captain nor the players were ready. |
2. Indefinite Pronouns, Collective Nouns & Measurements
- Always Singular Pronouns: Each, every, everyone, someone, nobody, either, neither take singular verbs: 'Each of the boys has a book.'
- Collective Nouns: Take a singular verb when acting as a unified unit ('The committee has issued its report'), but plural when members act individually ('The committee are divided in their opinions').
- Units of Measurement / Time / Money: Represent a single lump sum, taking a singular verb: 'Fifty thousand rupees is a huge sum.' 'Ten miles is a long distance to walk.'
Conceptual Solved Examples & Case Studies
Example 1
Choose the correct verb: 'Each of the participants ______ (was / were) given a certificate.'
Step-by-Step Solution:
Answer: 'was'. Reason: 'Each' is grammatically singular and requires a singular verb.
Example 2
Choose the correct verb: 'The captain, as well as the players, ______ (has / have) arrived.'
Step-by-Step Solution:
Answer: 'has'. Reason: When linked by 'as well as', the verb agrees with the first subject ('The captain', singular).
Example 3
Choose the correct verb: 'Ten kilometers ______ (is / are) not a long distance for a marathon runner.'
Step-by-Step Solution:
Answer: 'is'. Reason: 'Ten kilometers' is considered a single unit of distance.
Example 4
Correct: 'Neither he nor I is responsible.'
Step-by-Step Solution:
Correction: 'Neither he nor I am responsible.' Reason: By the proximity rule, the verb agrees with 'I' ('am').
Common Misconceptions & Examiner Traps
Common Misconception
Looking at the noun right inside prepositional phrases (e.g. 'A bouquet of flowers were given').
Scientific Reality & Correction
The subject is 'bouquet' (singular), not 'flowers'. Correct: 'A bouquet of flowers was given'.
Chapter Summary & 10 Key Takeaways
Takeaway 1
A singular subject requires a singular verb; a plural subject requires a plural verb.
Takeaway 2
Pairs expressing a single food or idea (bread and butter) take singular verbs.
Takeaway 3
Phrases with 'as well as' or 'along with' agree with the first subject.
Takeaway 4
'Either... or' and 'neither... nor' follow the rule of proximity (nearest subject).
Takeaway 5
Lump sums of money, time, and distance take singular verbs.
Check Your Understanding (Diagnostic Practice Questions)
Diagnostic questions testing core conceptual clarity. Answers are hidden initially — solve each problem first, then click to reveal the step-by-step verified solution.
1
Choose correct: 'Slow and steady ______ (win / wins) the race.'
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Answer: wins.
Represents a single compound concept.
2
Choose correct: 'One of my friends ______ (live / lives) in Jamshedpur.'
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Answer: lives.
Subject is 'One', not 'friends'.
3
Choose correct: 'Mathematics ______ (is / are) an interesting subject.'
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Answer: is.
Name of an academic discipline.
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