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Subject-Verb Agreement is the rule that the verb must agree with its subject in number and person. A singular subject requires a singular verb, whereas a plural subject requires a plural verb.
Subject-Verb Agreement भनेको sentence मा subject को संख्या (singular वा plural) र person (first, second, third) अनुसार सही verb प्रयोग गर्ने rule हो।
Basic Rule & Person Rule
The verb changes form depending on whether the subject is singular/plural and the person category.
| Person Category | Subject Type | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Person | I (Singular) | Play | I play football. |
| Second Person | You (Singular/Plural) | Play | You play football. |
| Third Person Singular | He / She / It / Ram | Plays (s/es form) | He plays football. |
| Third Person Plural | They / We | Play | They play football. |
Rule 1 — Subjects Joined by 'AND'
Generally, when two singular subjects are joined by AND, they require a plural verb. However, if they represent a single combined concept, they require a singular verb.
Correct Format
Ram and Shyam are friends. (Two separate individuals)Sita and Gita sing well. (Two separate individuals)Bread and butter is my standard breakfast. (Considered one combined meal concept)Slow and steady wins the race. (One single unified proverb concept)Incorrect Format
Ram and Shyam is friends.Bread and butter are my standard breakfast.Rule 2 — Subjects Joined by 'OR / NOR'
When subjects are joined by or, nor, either...or, or neither...nor, the verb must agree with the nearest subject.
Correct Format
Ram or his friends are coming. (Friends is nearest and plural)Either the teacher or the students have arrived. (Students is nearest and plural)Neither the students nor the teacher is present. (Teacher is nearest and singular)Neither the boys nor the girl was ready. (Girl is nearest and singular)Incorrect Format
Neither the students nor the teacher are present.Either Ram or his friends is coming.Rule 3 & 4 — Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns fall strictly into singular or plural categories regardless of any surrounding prepositional phrases.
| Pronoun Class | Applicable Words | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singular Indefinites | each, everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, nobody | Singular (is / has / s-form) | Everyone is happy. |
| Singular Indefinites | each of, neither of, either of | Singular (was / does / plays) | Each of the students has a book. |
| Plural Indefinites | few, many, several, both | Plural (are / have / play) | Several books were missing from the shelf. |
Rule 5 — Some / All / None / Any
For these specific determiners, the verb matches the noun following the preposition 'of'.
| Determiner | Noun after 'of' (Type) | Verb Form | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Some / All / None | Uncountable Noun | Singular | All of the milk is gone. |
| Some / All / None | Uncountable Noun | Singular | Some of the rice is cooked. |
| Some / All / None | Plural Countable Noun | Plural | All of the students are absent today. |
| Some / All / None | Plural Countable Noun | Plural | None of the players are ready. |
Rule 6 — Collective Nouns
Collective nouns (team, family, class, committee, group) take a singular verb when acting as a unified group, and a plural verb when members act as separate individuals.
Correct Format
The team is winning. (Acting as a single cohesive unit)The committee has taken a decision. (Acting unanimously)The team are arguing among themselves. (Acting as disagreeing individuals)The family are fighting over the property. (Acting as disagreeing individuals)Incorrect Format
The team are winning the match. (When cohesive)The committee has disagreed on the main proposal.Rule 7 & 8 — Amounts, Time, Distance & Titles
Specific quantities, time intervals, or text titles are treated as a single singular entity.
| Subject Category | Context Pattern | Verb Form | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance Measure | Kilometers / Miles | Singular | Ten kilometers is a long distance to walk. |
| Money Sum | Rupees / Dollars | Singular | Five hundred rupees is missing from the drawer. |
| Time Interval | Hours / Minutes | Singular | Two hours is enough to complete the exam. |
| Book / Movie Title | The Lord of the Rings / India | Singular | The Lord of the Rings is a famous movie. |
Exam Trap — Plural-Looking Singular Nouns
Nouns ending in 's' do not automatically require plural verbs.
Academic subjects (Mathematics, Physics, Politics) and specific nouns (News, Billiards, Measles) end in 's' but are structurally singular.
केही शब्दहरू 's' मा अन्त्य हुन्छन् तर ती singular हुन्छन्, त्यसैले तिनीहरूका साथ सधैं singular verb प्रयोग गर्नुपर्छ।
The news is shocking. (NOT: The news are shocking)
Mathematics is difficult for many. (NOT: Mathematics are difficult)
Politics is a complicated business.
Rule 9 — Along With / As Well As Phrases
Expressions like along with, as well as, together with, or accompanied by are not part of the subject. Ignore them and match the verb to the initial main subject.
Correct Format
Ram, along with his friends, is coming. (Subject is 'Ram')The teacher, as well as the students, was excited. (Subject is 'The teacher')My brother, together with his cousins, has arrived. (Subject is 'My brother')Incorrect Format
Ram, along with his friends, are coming.The teacher, as well as the students, were excited.Rule 10 — Here / There Structures
The words here and there are never subjects. The true subject follows the verb. Find it to decide whether the verb is singular or plural.
Correct Format
There is a book on the table. (True subject is 'a book')There are many books on the shelf. (True subject is 'many books')Here is my pen. (True subject is 'my pen')Incorrect Format
There is many books on the shelf.There are a book on the table.Rule 11 & 12 — Fractions, Percentages & Sets
Fractions look at the noun after 'of'. Collective classifiers like 'pair' or 'set' take singular verbs.
| Construction | Modifying Pattern | Verb Form | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fraction + Singular | Half of the cake | Singular | Half of the cake was eaten. |
| Fraction + Plural | Half of the students | Plural | Half of the students were absent. |
| Classifier Phrase | A pair of shoes | Singular | A pair of shoes is missing. |
| Classifier Phrase | A set of books | Singular | A set of books is on the table. |
Exam Trap — Many A + Singular Noun
Many a takes a singular noun and a singular verb.
Although 'many' suggests a plural quantity, the combination 'many a' functions structurally as singular in English syntax.
Many a पछि सधैं singular noun आउँछ र singular verb नै प्रयोग गर्नुपर्छ। यो बोर्ड परीक्षामा झुक्काउन सोधिने मुख्य नियम हो।
Many a student has passed the exam. (NOT: Many a student have passed)
Many a boy was absent yesterday.
Rule 14 — 'The Number' vs 'A Number'
The number of refers to a single specific figure and requires a singular verb. A number of means 'several' and requires a plural verb.
Correct Format
The number of students is increasing. (Refers to one rising figure)A number of students are absent today. (Means 'many students')Incorrect Format
The number of students are increasing.A number of students is absent today.Common Board Agreement Mistakes
He play football every day.
He plays football every day.
Ram and Shyam is good friends.
Ram and Shyam are good friends.
Everyone are happy with the decision.
Everyone is happy with the decision.
There is many students in the field.
There are many students in the field.
The news are shocking for everyone.
The news is shocking for everyone.
Easy Level Practice
Easy Level
1
He .......................... (go/goes) to school daily. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'He' is a third person singular pronoun, which requires the singular 's/es' verb form 'goes' in the present tense.
Correct: goes. 'He' is a third person singular pronoun, which requires the singular 's/es' verb form 'goes' in the present tense.
2
They .......................... (play/plays) football every day. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'They' is a plural subject, requiring the base/plural form of the verb 'play'.
Correct: play. 'They' is a plural subject, requiring the base/plural form of the verb 'play'.
3
She .......................... (has/have) a red bag. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! The third person singular subject 'She' pairs with the singular verb 'has'.
Correct: has. The third person singular subject 'She' pairs with the singular verb 'has'.
4
We .......................... (eat/eats) rice every day. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'We' is a first-person plural pronoun, requiring the plural verb 'eat'.
Correct: eat. 'We' is a first-person plural pronoun, requiring the plural verb 'eat'.
5
The cat .......................... (sleep/sleeps) on the sofa. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'The cat' is a singular subject, requiring the singular 's/es' form of the verb 'sleeps'.
Correct: sleeps. 'The cat' is a singular subject, requiring the singular 's/es' form of the verb 'sleeps'.
6
Ram and Shyam .......................... (is/are) good friends. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! Two singular subjects connected by 'and' form a plural compound subject, requiring the plural verb 'are'.
Correct: are. Two singular subjects connected by 'and' form a plural compound subject, requiring the plural verb 'are'.
7
Everyone .......................... (is/are) happy today. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'Everyone' is an indefinite pronoun and is grammatically treated as singular, requiring the verb 'is'.
Correct: is. 'Everyone' is an indefinite pronoun and is grammatically treated as singular, requiring the verb 'is'.
8
The news .......................... (is/are) shocking. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! Although 'news' ends in 's', it is an uncountable singular noun, which takes the singular verb 'is'.
Correct: is. Although 'news' ends in 's', it is an uncountable singular noun, which takes the singular verb 'is'.
9
Ten kilometers .......................... (is/are) a long distance to walk. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! Specific measurements of distance function as a singular unit, taking the singular verb 'is'.
Correct: is. Specific measurements of distance function as a singular unit, taking the singular verb 'is'.
10
There .......................... (is/are) many students in the classroom. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! The subject follows the verb. 'Many students' is plural, requiring 'are'.
Correct: are. The subject follows the verb. 'Many students' is plural, requiring 'are'.
Medium Level Practice
Medium Level
1
Neither the tracksuit nor the pajamas .......................... (fit) me. (Put the correct form of the verb given in the bracket.)
Correct! Under the nor/or rule, the verb matches the nearest subject 'pajamas', which is plural, requiring plural 'fit'.
Correct: fit. Under the nor/or rule, the verb matches the nearest subject 'pajamas', which is plural, requiring plural 'fit'.
2
Either Ram or his friends .......................... (has/have) to go. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! The verb matches the nearest subject 'friends' (plural), so 'have' is correct.
Correct: have. The verb matches the nearest subject 'friends' (plural), so 'have' is correct.
3
The family .......................... (is/are) enjoying their dinner together. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'Family' is a collective noun acting together as a single unified group, requiring the singular verb 'is'.
Correct: is. 'Family' is a collective noun acting together as a single unified group, requiring the singular verb 'is'.
4
Half of the cake .......................... (is/are) eaten. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! For fractions, match the noun after 'of'. 'Cake' is singular, requiring 'is'.
Correct: is. For fractions, match the noun after 'of'. 'Cake' is singular, requiring 'is'.
5
Half of the students .......................... (is/are) absent. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! Match the noun after 'of'. 'Students' is plural, requiring 'are'.
Correct: are. Match the noun after 'of'. 'Students' is plural, requiring 'are'.
6
A pair of shoes .......................... (is/are) missing. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! The actual subject is the classifier 'A pair', which requires the singular verb 'is' regardless of plural 'shoes'.
Correct: is. The actual subject is the classifier 'A pair', which requires the singular verb 'is' regardless of plural 'shoes'.
7
Mathematics .......................... (is/are) my favorite subject. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'Mathematics' is a singular academic discipline, requiring the singular verb 'is'.
Correct: is. 'Mathematics' is a singular academic discipline, requiring the singular verb 'is'.
8
All of the milk .......................... (is/are) gone. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! Match the noun after 'of'. 'Milk' is uncountable, requiring the singular verb 'is'.
Correct: is. Match the noun after 'of'. 'Milk' is uncountable, requiring the singular verb 'is'.
9
Ramit, together with his friends, .......................... (practice/practises/has practised) yoga everyday. (Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence.)
Correct! Ignore parenthetical phrases. The main subject 'Ramit' is singular, so it takes the singular 'practises' to represent an everyday habit.
Correct: practises. Ignore parenthetical phrases. The main subject 'Ramit' is singular, so it takes the singular 'practises' to represent an everyday habit.
10
Here .......................... (is/are) my books. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! The true subject 'books' is plural and follows the verb, requiring 'are'.
Correct: are. The true subject 'books' is plural and follows the verb, requiring 'are'.
Hard Level Practice
Hard Level
1
Bread and butter .......................... (is/are) my breakfast. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'Bread and butter' is treated as a single unified meal concept, requiring the singular verb 'is'.
Correct: is. 'Bread and butter' is treated as a single unified meal concept, requiring the singular verb 'is'.
2
The committee .......................... (has/have) taken a decision. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'Committee' is acting as a single cohesive unit here, taking singular 'has'.
Correct: has. 'Committee' is acting as a single cohesive unit here, taking singular 'has'.
3
The committee members .......................... (has/have) disagreed on the proposal. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! Since members are acting individually and disagreeing, the plural form 'have' is correct.
Correct: have. Since members are acting individually and disagreeing, the plural form 'have' is correct.
4
Many a student .......................... (has/have) passed the exam. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'Many a' is structurally followed by a singular noun and must take a singular verb ('has').
Correct: has. 'Many a' is structurally followed by a singular noun and must take a singular verb ('has').
5
The number of students .......................... (is/are) increasing. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'The number of' refers to a single specific quantity, requiring the singular verb 'is'.
Correct: is. 'The number of' refers to a single specific quantity, requiring the singular verb 'is'.
6
A number of students .......................... (is/are) absent. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'A number of' acts as a plural quantifier meaning 'several', requiring the plural verb 'are'.
Correct: are. 'A number of' acts as a plural quantifier meaning 'several', requiring the plural verb 'are'.
7
Politics .......................... (is/are) a difficult subject. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! 'Politics' is a singular noun representing a field of study, requiring the singular verb 'is'.
Correct: is. 'Politics' is a singular noun representing a field of study, requiring the singular verb 'is'.
8
Neither the teacher nor the principal .......................... (was/were) available. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! The nearest subject to the verb is the singular noun 'principal', requiring singular 'was'.
Correct: was. The nearest subject to the verb is the singular noun 'principal', requiring singular 'was'.
9
The Lord of the Rings .......................... (is/are) famous. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! Proper titles of singular works (even if ending in plural nouns) require the singular verb 'is'.
Correct: is. Proper titles of singular works (even if ending in plural nouns) require the singular verb 'is'.
10
There .......................... (is/are) two books and a pen on the table. (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.)
Correct! The subject follows the verb. 'Two books and a pen' forms a plural compound subject, requiring the plural verb 'are'.
Correct: are. The subject follows the verb. 'Two books and a pen' forms a plural compound subject, requiring the plural verb 'are'.