Rules of Concord in English Grammar: 20 Rules With Examples

Concord is one of the most important topics in English grammar because it helps learners construct sentences that are grammatically correct, clear, and easy to understand. Students often make concord errors in examinations, essays, formal letters, classroom discussions, interviews, and everyday conversations. These errors commonly occur when the subject of a sentence does not agree with its verb in number or person.

For example, consider the sentence, “The boy play football every afternoon.” Although the meaning is understandable, the sentence is grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct sentence is “The boy plays football every afternoon.” The subject the boy is singular, so the verb must take the appropriate singular form, plays.

Concord, also called agreement, refers to the grammatical relationship between words or parts of a sentence. In subject-verb concord, the subject and verb must agree according to the grammatical rules that apply. Other forms of concord involve pronouns, determiners, and the nouns they refer to.

Understanding the rules of concord is particularly useful for junior secondary school students, senior secondary school students, university students, and anyone who wants to improve their written and spoken English. Although concord is often taught as a set of rules to memorize, learners understand it more effectively when they study the reasons behind each rule and practise applying it in complete sentences.

This article explains 20 important rules of concord in English grammar, with definitions, examples, common errors, practical assignments, and an answer key. By the end, you should be able to identify subjects and verbs, recognize common agreement problems, correct grammatical errors, and apply the rules confidently in your own writing.

What Is Concord in English Grammar?

Concord in English grammar is the agreement between grammatical elements in a sentence. It ensures that related words work together correctly according to number, person, gender where relevant, or other grammatical features.

The most commonly studied type is subject-verb concord. It requires the verb to agree with its subject. For example, “The student writes neatly” is correct because the singular subject the student agrees with the singular present-tense verb writes. In contrast, “The students write neatly” is correct because the plural subject the students takes write.

Concord also applies to pronouns and the nouns they refer to. In “Amina brought her book,” the pronoun her refers to Amina. In “The boys brought their books,” the plural pronoun their refers to the plural noun boys.

It is important to understand that grammatical number does not always depend on whether a subject refers to one person or several people in the real world. Some nouns have special agreement patterns. For example, news is generally treated as singular in standard English, as in “The news is encouraging.” Similarly, mathematics is normally treated as singular when it refers to the school subject: “Mathematics is my favourite subject.”

Concord helps make sentences grammatically consistent. Learning its rules enables students to recognize why one sentence is correct and another is not, instead of relying entirely on how a sentence sounds.

Assignment 1: Understanding Concord

Answer the following questions.

1. Define concord in English grammar.

2. What is subject-verb concord?

3. Correct this sentence: “The girl sing beautifully.”

4. Explain why “The news is encouraging” is correct.

5. Write one sentence that demonstrates correct subject-verb concord.

Rule 1: A Singular Subject Takes a Singular Verb

In the simple present tense, a singular subject in the third person generally takes a verb ending in -s or -es. The third person refers to someone or something being discussed, such as he, she, it, or a singular noun.

For example, “The teacher explains the lesson” is correct because the teacher is a singular subject and explains is the appropriate present-tense verb. Likewise, “My brother watches television in the evening” uses watches because the subject is singular.

The spelling of the verb depends on the verb itself. Most verbs take -s, as in runs, reads, and works. Verbs ending in certain sounds or letters may take -es, as in watches, goes, and teaches. The verb have changes to has, while do changes to does.

This rule applies to ordinary statements in the simple present tense. It does not mean that every singular subject must be followed by a verb ending in -s. For example, “The teacher is ready” uses is, and “The teacher can explain the lesson” uses can explain. Modal verbs such as can, will, and should do not take an -s ending after a third-person singular subject.

Common mistake

Incorrect: She walk to school every day.

Correct: She walks to school every day.

The subject she is third-person singular, so the verb takes the appropriate form walks.

Assignment 2: Singular Subjects

Complete each sentence with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

1. My father _____ to work early. (go)

2. The student _____ every evening. (study)

3. She _____ two younger brothers. (have)

4. The bus _____ at the station. (stop)

5. He _____ his assignments carefully. (do)

Rule 2: A Plural Subject Takes a Plural Verb

In the simple present tense, plural subjects generally take the base form of the verb without -s or -es. This is different from the third-person singular pattern.

For example, “The students read every day” is correct. The subject the students is plural, so the verb remains read, not reads. Similarly, “The teachers explain the lesson” uses explain because the subject refers to more than one teacher.

The same pattern applies to plural pronouns such as we and they. We say “They work hard” and “We understand the instructions.” We do not normally say “They works hard” or “We understands the instructions.”

Remember that the singular and plural forms of some verbs are identical. For example, I work, you work, we work, and they work all use work. The verb be is different because its forms include am, is, are, was, and were.

Common mistake

Incorrect: The workers arrives early.

Correct: The workers arrive early.

The plural subject the workers requires arrive, the base form of the verb.

Assignment 3: Plural Subjects

Choose the correct verb.

1. The children (plays, play) in the garden.

2. My friends (likes, like) reading.

3. They (has, have) completed the exercise.

4. The players (runs, run) around the field.

5. We (understands, understand) the instructions.

Rule 3: Subjects Joined by “And” Usually Take a Plural Verb

When two or more subjects are joined by and, they usually form a compound subject and take a plural verb. The reason is that the sentence refers to more than one person, object, or idea.

For example, “John and Peter are classmates” is correct because the subject includes two people. Likewise, “The teacher and the principal attend the meeting” normally takes attend because it refers to two people performing the action.

The rule applies even when the individual subjects are singular. Two singular nouns joined by and normally create a plural subject. For example, “A pen and a notebook are on the desk” uses are because the sentence identifies two separate items.

However, a phrase joined by and can sometimes refer to one combined idea, one dish, or one unit. In such cases, a singular verb may be appropriate. For example, “Rice and beans is my usual lunch” can treat the meal as one combined dish. The intended meaning and established usage determine the agreement.

Common mistake

Incorrect: The manager and the assistant is present.

Correct: The manager and the assistant are present.

The subject normally refers to two different people, so the plural verb are is required.

Assignment 4: Subjects Joined by “And”

Choose the correct verb.

1. Mary and Grace (is, are) in the classroom.

2. The principal and the teachers (has, have) arrived.

3. A book and a pen (was, were) on the table.

4. My mother and my father (works, work) in the city.

5. Rice and beans (is, are) served as one combined dish in this sentence: “Rice and beans _____ my usual lunch.”

Rule 4: Subjects Joined by “Or” or “Nor”

When subjects are joined by or or nor, the verb often agrees with the subject nearest to it. This is commonly called the proximity principle. It is particularly relevant when the joined subjects differ in number.

For example, “Either the teacher or the students are responsible” uses are because the nearer subject, the students, is plural. In “Either the students or the teacher is responsible,” the nearer subject is singular, so is is appropriate.

The same pattern applies to constructions using neither … nor. For example, “Neither the manager nor the workers were available” uses were because the workers is the nearer subject. When both subjects have the same number, the agreement is usually straightforward: “Either John or Peter is coming.”

Although proximity agreement is accepted in standard English, sentences with mixed singular and plural subjects can sound awkward. In formal writing, it may be clearer to restructure the sentence so that the subject and verb agree naturally.

Common mistake

Incorrect: Neither the students nor the teacher are present.

Correct: Neither the students nor the teacher is present.

The nearer subject is the teacher, which is singular. Therefore, is is the appropriate verb in this construction.

Assignment 5: “Or” and “Nor”

Choose the correct verb.

1. Either the boy or the girl (is, are) responsible.

2. Neither the manager nor the workers (was, were) present.

3. Either the students or the teacher (has, have) the key.

4. Neither the teacher nor the students (is, are) ready.

5. Either Peter or John (is, are) coming to the meeting.

Rule 5: “Each” and “Every” Take Singular Verbs

The words each and every generally focus on individual members of a group. For this reason, a subject beginning with each or every normally takes a singular verb.

For example, “Each student has a textbook” is correct because the sentence considers students individually. Similarly, “Every child needs encouragement” uses needs because every child is grammatically singular.

The rule applies even when several people or objects are involved in the broader situation. In “Every teacher and every student is expected to attend,” the repeated determiner every presents each person individually, so the singular verb is is appropriate.

The same principle applies to each of followed by a plural noun or pronoun. For example, “Each of the students has completed the task” is correct. The plural noun students is part of a prepositional phrase, but the main subject is each, which is singular.

Common mistake

Incorrect: Each of the players have a uniform.

Correct: Each of the players has a uniform.

The main subject is each, not players. Therefore, the verb must be singular.

Assignment 6: “Each” and “Every”

Fill in the blanks with the correct verb.

1. Each student _____ a registration number. (have)

2. Every child _____ respect. (deserve)

3. Each of the books _____ useful information. (contain)

4. Every teacher and every student _____ expected to participate. (be)

5. Each of the applicants _____ required documents. (submit)

Rule 6: Indefinite Pronouns Usually Take Singular Verbs

Indefinite pronouns refer to people or things without naming a specific individual or item. Examples include everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, anyone, anybody, nobody, and nothing.

These pronouns are generally treated as singular in standard English. For example, “Everyone is ready” is correct, even though everyone refers to all the people in a group. Likewise, “Nobody knows the answer” uses knows, not know.

Other indefinite pronouns, such as each, either, and neither, are also normally singular when used independently as the subject. For example, “Neither is suitable” is correct when neither refers to two choices.

However, some indefinite pronouns, including all, some, most, and none, can take singular or plural verbs depending on what they refer to. “Some of the water is missing” uses a singular verb because water is uncountable. “Some of the students are absent” uses a plural verb because students is plural.

Common mistake

Incorrect: Everybody have submitted their work.

Correct: Everybody has submitted their work.

The verb has agrees with the singular pronoun everybody. The pronoun their is commonly used as a gender-neutral pronoun in contemporary English when referring to a person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant.

Assignment 7: Indefinite Pronouns

Choose the correct verb.

1. Everyone (is, are) invited.

2. Nobody (know, knows) the answer.

3. Somebody (has, have) taken my pen.

4. Some of the water (is, are) dirty.

5. Some of the students (is, are) absent.

Rule 7: “Either,” “Neither,” and “Each of” Take Singular Verbs

When either, neither, or each is the main subject, it normally takes a singular verb in standard English.

Either refers to one of two alternatives, while neither means not one and not the other. For example, “Either of the answers is acceptable” means that one of the two answers may be chosen. “Neither of the answers is correct” means that both answers are incorrect.

Similarly, each of treats the members of a group individually. In “Each of the players is prepared,” the verb agrees with each, not with the plural noun players.

Learners often choose a plural verb because they see a plural noun immediately after of. However, the noun in the of phrase is not usually the grammatical subject. Identifying the main subject helps avoid this error.

Common mistake

Incorrect: Neither of the two answers are correct.

Correct: Neither of the two answers is correct.

In formal standard English, neither is treated as singular in this construction.

Assignment 8: Either, Neither, and Each

Correct the following sentences.

1. Either of the two candidates are qualified.

2. Neither of the books have a cover.

3. Each of the children were given a gift.

4. Either of these routes lead to the station.

5. Neither of the answers seem correct.

Rule 8: Collective Nouns Can Take Singular or Plural Verbs Depending on Meaning and Variety

A collective noun refers to a group of people, animals, or things considered together. Examples include team, family, committee, class, audience, and staff.

In American English, collective nouns are commonly treated as singular when the group is considered as one unit. For example, “The team is playing well” treats the team as one organized group. “The committee has reached a decision” presents the committee as a single decision-making body.

In British English, collective nouns can more readily take plural verbs when the speaker emphasizes the individual members of the group. For example, “The team are arguing among themselves” emphasizes the members’ separate actions. American English often prefers a construction such as “The team members are arguing among themselves.”

The intended meaning matters. If the group is acting as a unified body, a singular verb is often appropriate. If the sentence explicitly emphasizes individual members, a plural construction may be more natural, depending on the variety of English and the sentence.

For learners using American English as their default, the safest general approach is to treat a collective noun as singular when the group acts as one unit. If you want to emphasize the individuals, you can make the members the subject instead.

Common mistake

Potentially unclear: The team are ready.

In American English, the usual form when the team is treated as one unit is: The team is ready.

If the intention is to emphasize individual people, write: The team members are ready.

Assignment 9: Collective Nouns

Choose the most suitable verb for standard American English.

1. The family (is, are) travelling together.

2. The committee (has, have) made its decision.

3. The audience (was, were) quiet during the performance.

4. The team members (is, are) preparing for the match.

5. Rewrite this sentence to emphasize the individual members: “The committee is discussing the proposal.”

Rule 9: Uncountable Nouns Usually Take Singular Verbs

Uncountable nouns refer to substances, concepts, or categories that are not normally counted as individual units in their usual meanings. Examples include information, advice, furniture, equipment, water, and knowledge.

These nouns generally take singular verbs. For example, “The information is useful” is correct because information is uncountable. Similarly, “The furniture was delivered yesterday” uses a singular verb.

Some learners add plural endings to uncountable nouns or use plural verbs because the nouns refer to large amounts of something. However, quantity does not determine grammatical number. A large amount of water is still described by the uncountable noun water, which normally takes a singular verb.

To refer to individual units, use a suitable counting expression. For example, say “two pieces of advice,” “three items of furniture,” or “four pieces of equipment.” The noun in the counting expression determines agreement when the entire expression is the subject.

Common mistake

Incorrect: The information are useful.

Correct: The information is useful.

Information is normally uncountable and takes a singular verb.

Assignment 10: Uncountable Nouns

Choose the correct verb.

1. The furniture (is, are) new.

2. Her advice (was, were) helpful.

3. The equipment (has, have) arrived.

4. The information (seem, seems) accurate.

5. Two pieces of equipment (is, are) missing.

Rule 10: Some Nouns Ending in “-s” Take Singular Verbs

Not every noun ending in -s is plural. Some nouns have an -s ending but are grammatically singular, so they take singular verbs.

Examples include news, mathematics, physics, and economics when referring to an academic subject or field of study. For example, “The news is encouraging” and “Mathematics is compulsory for this course” are correct in standard English.

These nouns may look plural because of their endings, but their grammatical number depends on their established use. You should not choose a verb merely by looking at the final letter of the noun.

Some nouns ending in -ics can take plural agreement when they refer to particular activities, practices, or individual matters rather than an academic subject. In standard educational contexts, however, school subjects such as mathematics and physics normally take singular verbs.

Common mistake

Incorrect: Mathematics are difficult for some students.

Correct: Mathematics is difficult for some students.

When mathematics refers to the academic subject, it normally takes a singular verb.

Assignment 11: Nouns Ending in “-s”

Choose the correct verb.

1. The news (is, are) encouraging.

2. Mathematics (is, are) my favourite subject.

3. Physics (seem, seems) difficult at first.

4. Economics (is, are) taught in the department.

5. Correct this sentence: “The latest news are about the election.”

Rule 11: Titles of Books, Films, and Other Works Usually Take Singular Verbs

The title of a book, film, play, song, or other creative work normally takes a singular verb when it is treated as the name of one work.

For example, “Things Fall Apart is a widely studied novel” treats the title as the name of one book. Similarly, “The Chronicles of Narnia is on my reading list” treats the title as one literary series or work, depending on the intended reference.

The title may contain a plural noun or several words joined by and, but that does not automatically make the title’s grammatical subject plural. The agreement is determined by the fact that the title refers to one named work.

This rule also applies to the titles of films and television programmes. For example, “The Avengers is the film we watched” uses is because the subject is the title of one film.

However, if you are discussing multiple books, films, or other works rather than using a title, the verb must agree with the actual plural subject.

Common mistake

Incorrect: “Things Fall Apart” are on the reading list.

Correct: “Things Fall Apart” is on the reading list.

The title identifies one work, so it takes a singular verb.

Assignment 12: Titles and Concord

Choose the correct verb.

1. “The Lion King” (is, are) a musical film.

2. “Things Fall Apart” (is, are) studied in many classrooms.

3. The books on the desk (belongs, belong) to the students.

4. “The Three Musketeers” (is, are) the title of a novel.

5. Write a sentence using the title of a book with a singular verb.

Rule 12: Amounts of Money, Time, Distance, and Measurement Can Take Singular Verbs

When an amount of money, a period of time, a distance, or a measurement is treated as one total quantity, it commonly takes a singular verb.

For example, “Ten thousand naira is enough for the purchase” treats the money as one amount. Similarly, “Three hours is a long time to wait” treats the duration as one period.

The same principle applies to distance and measurement. In “Five kilometres is a long distance to walk,” the measurement is viewed as a single distance. In “Two litres of water is enough for the recipe,” the amount is treated as one quantity.

However, the verb may be plural when the sentence focuses on individual units rather than one total amount. For example, “The three hours were divided into separate sessions” emphasizes the separate periods within the total duration.

Common mistake

Incorrect: Five hundred naira are enough for the ticket.

Correct: Five hundred naira is enough for the ticket.

The sentence treats the money as one total amount.

Assignment 13: Amounts and Measurements

Choose the correct verb.

1. Ten minutes (is, are) enough for the exercise.

2. Five kilometres (seem, seems) too far to walk.

3. Two thousand naira (is, are) the amount required.

4. Three hours (was, were) divided into six sessions.

5. Four litres of water (is, are) enough for the recipe.

Rule 13: “A Number of” and “The Number of” Take Different Verbs

The expressions a number of and the number of look similar, but they usually require different forms of the verb.

A number of means several or many. It is followed by a plural noun and normally takes a plural verb. For example, “A number of students are absent” means that several students are absent.

The number of refers to the total or count of items. The grammatical subject is the number, which is singular. Therefore, “The number of students is increasing” is correct.

The distinction is important because the word students appears in both sentences, but it is not the main subject in the second sentence. The agreement depends on whether the subject refers to several students or to one numerical total.

Common mistake

Incorrect: The number of applicants are increasing.

Correct: The number of applicants is increasing.

The subject is the number, which is singular.

Assignment 14: “A Number of” and “The Number of”

Fill in the blanks with is, are, has, or have.

1. A number of students _____ absent.

2. The number of students _____ increasing.

3. A number of complaints _____ been received.

4. The number of complaints _____ decreased.

5. A number of teachers _____ attending the workshop.

Rule 14: “There Is” and “There Are” Depend on the Real Subject

Sentences beginning with there is or there are often describe the existence or presence of something. In these sentences, there introduces the statement, while the noun phrase that follows identifies what exists.

For example, “There is a book on the desk” is correct because the noun phrase a book is singular. “There are three books on the desk” is correct because three books is plural.

Learners sometimes choose the verb based on the word there, but there is not the subject in the usual grammatical analysis of these existential sentences. The verb agrees with the noun phrase that follows it.

In sentences containing several nouns, pay attention to the noun phrase associated with the verb. For example, “There are a pen and two notebooks on the table” is often used in everyday English, but mixed constructions can sound awkward. A clearer version is “A pen and two notebooks are on the table.”

Common mistake

Incorrect: There is many students in the hall.

Correct: There are many students in the hall.

The noun phrase many students is plural, so are is required.

Assignment 15: “There Is” and “There Are”

Choose the correct form.

1. There (is, are) a student outside.

2. There (is, are) several books on the shelf.

3. There (is, are) some water in the bottle.

4. There (is, are) many reasons for the decision.

5. Correct this sentence: “There is two teachers in the office.”

Rule 15: A Subject Separated From Its Verb by Extra Words Still Determines Agreement

A subject may be followed by phrases that provide additional information before the main verb appears. These phrases can distract learners from the actual subject, causing them to choose the wrong verb.

For example, “The box of books is heavy” is correct because the subject is the box. The plural noun books appears inside the phrase of books, but it does not determine the verb’s number.

Similarly, “The students in the classroom are quiet” uses are because the subject is the students. The phrase in the classroom adds information about the students but does not change the subject’s grammatical number.

A reliable method is to identify the main subject and temporarily ignore descriptive phrases between the subject and the verb. Once you identify the subject, you can choose the appropriate verb form.

This method is particularly useful in examinations and longer sentences. It prevents learners from matching the verb with the nearest noun when that noun is not the subject.

Common mistake

Incorrect: The quality of the answers are excellent.

Correct: The quality of the answers is excellent.

The subject is the quality, which is singular. The plural noun answers is part of a phrase describing that quality.

Assignment 16: Finding the Main Subject

Choose the correct verb.

1. The basket of oranges (is, are) on the table.

2. The students in the library (is, are) studying.

3. The colour of the walls (look, looks) attractive.

4. The teacher with the students (was, were) in the classroom.

5. The results of the examination (has, have) been published.

Rule 16: Relative Pronouns Agree According to Their Antecedents

A relative pronoun introduces a clause that provides information about a noun or pronoun. Common relative pronouns include who, which, and that. The noun or pronoun to which the relative pronoun refers is called its antecedent.

In sentences using who or that as the subject of a relative clause, the verb generally agrees with the antecedent. For example, “She is one of the students who work hard” uses work because who refers to students.

Compare that sentence with “She is the only one of the students who works hard.” Here, the intended meaning is that she is the only student who works hard, so who refers to the only one. The singular verb works is appropriate.

These constructions can be challenging because the antecedent may be separated from the verb by several words. Identifying precisely what the relative pronoun refers to helps determine the correct form.

Common mistake

Incorrect: He is one of the students who studies every day.

Correct: He is one of the students who study every day.

The relative pronoun who refers to students, so the plural verb study is required.

Assignment 17: Relative Pronouns and Concord

Choose the correct verb.

1. The girl who (sing, sings) in the choir is my cousin.

2. The boys who (plays, play) football are my neighbours.

3. She is one of the students who (work, works) hard.

4. He is the only one of the players who (has, have) scored.

5. The books that (belongs, belong) to me are on the desk.

Rule 17: “As Well As,” “Along With,” and “Together With” Do Not Normally Create a Plural Subject

Expressions such as as well as, along with, together with, and in addition to add information about a subject. They do not normally combine two nouns into a compound subject in the same way that and does.

For example, “The principal, along with the teachers, is attending the meeting” is correct because the main subject is the principal. The phrase along with the teachers provides additional information but does not change the subject to plural.

Similarly, “The students, as well as their teacher, are preparing for the examination” uses are because the main subject is the students. The phrase as well as their teacher does not determine the verb’s number.

This rule is especially important because the noun immediately before the verb may be different in number from the main subject. Always identify the central subject rather than matching the verb with the nearest noun.

Common mistake

Incorrect: The teacher, as well as the students, are ready.

Correct: The teacher, as well as the students, is ready.

The main subject is the teacher. The phrase as well as the students does not make the subject plural.

Assignment 18: Additional Phrases

Choose the correct verb.

1. The principal, along with the teachers, (is, are) present.

2. My sister, as well as my brothers, (has, have) arrived.

3. The players, together with their coach, (was, were) ready.

4. The manager, in addition to the workers, (is, are) attending.

5. Correct this sentence: “The boy, along with his friends, are playing outside.”

Rule 18: Gerunds and Infinitive Phrases Used as Subjects Usually Take Singular Verbs

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun. For example, reading, swimming, and writing can function as subjects in sentences.

When a gerund or gerund phrase is the subject, it normally takes a singular verb because the activity is being treated as one idea or action. For example, “Reading improves vocabulary” is correct because reading is the subject.

An infinitive phrase, often formed with to plus a base verb, can also function as a subject. For example, “To exercise regularly is beneficial” treats the activity as one idea and takes the singular verb is.

When two distinct activities are joined by and, the subject is normally plural. For example, “Reading and writing are important skills” refers to two related activities, so the plural verb are is appropriate.

Common mistake

Incorrect: Learning English require practice.

Correct: Learning English requires practice.

The gerund phrase learning English functions as one singular subject, so the verb requires is correct.

Assignment 19: Gerunds and Infinitive Phrases

Choose the correct verb.

1. Reading (improve, improves) concentration.

2. To learn a new language (take, takes) time.

3. Swimming and running (is, are) popular exercises.

4. Writing clearly (help, helps) readers understand a message.

5. Correct this sentence: “Learning grammar and practising regularly makes students more confident.”

Rule 19: “Many a” and “More Than One” Usually Take Singular Verbs

The expressions many a and more than one can be confusing because they refer to multiple people or items but generally take singular verbs in standard English when used in their usual constructions.

Many a is a formal or literary expression meaning many. It is followed by a singular countable noun and a singular verb. For example, “Many a student has struggled with this question” is grammatically correct.

Similarly, “More than one student has submitted the assignment” normally takes has, not have. Although the phrase refers to multiple students, its established grammatical pattern is singular.

This rule illustrates why concord cannot always be determined by real-world quantity alone. Learners must recognize the grammatical structure of the subject. However, if the subject is expressed differently, the verb may be plural: “Several students have submitted the assignment.”

Common mistake

Incorrect: More than one student have complained.

Correct: More than one student has complained.

The expression more than one student normally takes a singular verb in standard English.

Assignment 20: “Many a” and “More Than One”

Choose the correct verb.

1. Many a student (has, have) made this mistake.

2. More than one applicant (was, were) selected.

3. Several students (has, have) registered.

4. More than one person (is, are) waiting outside.

5. Rewrite this sentence using several instead of more than one: “More than one student has asked the question.”

Rule 20: Some Plural-Looking Nouns and Pair Nouns Require Special Attention

Some nouns have unusual agreement patterns because of their meaning or conventional grammatical use. Understanding these nouns prevents learners from applying the ordinary singular and plural rules too rigidly.

Certain nouns that refer to objects consisting of two joined parts are commonly plural in form. Examples include trousers, scissors, and shorts. When the noun is used on its own to refer to the item, it normally takes a plural verb: “These scissors are sharp.”

When referring to one item, you can use a phrase such as a pair of. In “This pair of scissors is sharp,” the subject is pair, which is singular. The verb therefore agrees with pair, not with scissors.

Other nouns can change their agreement according to their meaning. For example, police generally takes a plural verb when referring to police officers: “The police are investigating the incident.” The word people is also plural in its usual meaning: “People are waiting outside.”

The noun means can be singular or plural depending on meaning and context. For example, “A means of communication is necessary” uses a singular verb, while “Several means of communication are available” uses a plural verb.

Common mistake

Incorrect: The police is investigating the incident.

Correct: The police are investigating the incident.

When police refers to police officers collectively, it normally takes a plural verb.

Assignment 21: Special Nouns and Concord

Choose the correct verb.

1. The scissors (is, are) on the table.

2. This pair of scissors (is, are) new.

3. The police (has, have) arrived.

4. Several means of communication (is, are) available.

5. A means of communication (is, are) necessary.

Common Concord Mistakes and How to Correct Them

Understanding the rules is important, but learners also need to recognize the errors that commonly occur when applying them. The following examples demonstrate how to identify the actual subject, select the appropriate verb, and correct mistakes in everyday and academic writing.

Mistake 1: Matching the Verb With the Nearest Noun

A noun near the verb may not be the subject. In “The quality of the products is excellent,” the subject is quality, not products.

Incorrect: The list of names are on the desk.

Correct: The list of names is on the desk.

The main subject is the list, which is singular. The phrase of names merely identifies what the list contains.

Mistake 2: Treating Every Subject Joined by “And” as Plural

Subjects joined by and usually take a plural verb, but a phrase may refer to one combined idea or a single unit.

Incorrect in the intended meaning: Rice and beans are my usual lunch.

If the sentence treats rice and beans as one combined dish, a natural alternative is: Rice and beans is my usual lunch.

If the sentence refers to separate dishes or foods, the plural verb may be appropriate. The intended meaning determines the agreement.

Mistake 3: Using a Plural Verb After “Each” or “Every”

The words each and every normally take singular verbs, even when they refer to members of a large group.

Incorrect: Every student have an identification card.

Correct: Every student has an identification card.

The subject every student is grammatically singular.

Mistake 4: Confusing “A Number Of” With “The Number Of”

These expressions have different meanings and agreement patterns.

Incorrect: The number of applications are increasing.

Correct: The number of applications is increasing.

The subject is the number, which is singular. By contrast, “A number of applications are being reviewed” uses a plural verb because a number of means several applications.

Mistake 5: Using a Plural Verb With an Uncountable Noun

Uncountable nouns such as information, advice, and furniture normally take singular verbs.

Incorrect: The furniture are expensive.

Correct: The furniture is expensive.

If you want to count individual items, you can say “The three pieces of furniture are expensive.” In this sentence, pieces is plural and determines the verb’s form.

Mistake 6: Ignoring the Difference Between British and American Usage

Some agreement patterns vary between standard British and American English, particularly with collective nouns.

For example, American English commonly uses “The team is winning” when the team is treated as one unit. British English can also use a plural verb when emphasizing the individual members: “The team are arguing among themselves.”

When writing for an American English audience, use singular agreement for a collective noun treated as a unit. When emphasizing individual members, consider making the members themselves the subject to keep the sentence clear.

Assignment 22: Correcting Concord Errors

Rewrite each sentence correctly and explain the rule involved.

1. The teacher explain the lesson every day.

2. The boys plays football after school.

3. Each of the students have a textbook.

4. The principal, along with the teachers, are attending the meeting.

5. The number of applicants are increasing.

6. The information are useful.

7. There is several books on the table.

8. Neither the teacher nor the students is ready.

9. More than one student have submitted the assignment.

10. The pair of scissors are on the desk.

A Step-by-Step Method for Solving Concord Questions

Concord questions become easier when you follow a consistent process rather than guessing which verb sounds correct. The following method is useful for school assignments, examinations, essays, and professional writing.

Step 1: Find the Main Verb

The verb expresses an action, a state, or a condition. In “The students are preparing for the examination,” the verb phrase is are preparing. In “The teacher explains the lesson,” the verb is explains.

Identifying the verb helps you focus on the word that must agree with the subject.

Step 2: Identify the Subject

Ask who or what performs the action or is described by the verb. In “The quality of the answers is excellent,” the subject is the quality, not answers.

Do not assume that the noun closest to the verb is the subject. Phrases beginning with of, with, along with, and as well as often contain nouns that do not determine the main verb’s agreement.

Step 3: Determine Whether the Subject Is Grammatically Singular or Plural

Ask whether the main subject is singular, plural, or governed by a special agreement pattern. For example, the student is singular, the students is plural, and each student is singular.

Remember that some nouns ending in -s, such as news and mathematics when referring to the subject, are grammatically singular. Other nouns, such as police, normally take plural agreement when referring to police officers.

Step 4: Check for Special Structures

Look for expressions such as each of, every, a number of, the number of, either … or, and neither … nor. These structures have their own agreement patterns.

For example, “A number of students are absent” takes a plural verb, while “The number of students is increasing” takes a singular verb.

Step 5: Read the Complete Sentence Again

After choosing the verb, read the complete sentence to make sure the intended meaning is clear. In formal writing, consider restructuring a sentence if mixed subjects make the agreement awkward.

For example, instead of writing “Either the manager or the workers are responsible,” you could write “The workers or the manager must accept responsibility,” if that wording accurately expresses the intended meaning. A clear sentence is often better than a complicated construction.

Assignment 23: Apply the Five-Step Method

Choose the correct verb and briefly identify the main subject.

1. The quality of the essays (is, are) impressive.

2. A number of students (has, have) requested extra time.

3. The number of students (is, are) rising.

4. Every teacher and student (is, are) expected to attend.

5. The books on the shelf (belongs, belong) to my sister.

Final Answer Key With Explanations

Attempt the assignments before checking these answers. For questions that ask you to write or explain something, sample answers are provided. Other answers may also be correct if they follow the same grammatical principles.

Answers to Assignment 1: Understanding Concord

1. Concord is the grammatical agreement between related elements in a sentence.

2. Subject-verb concord means that a verb agrees with its subject according to the applicable grammatical rules.

3. The girl sings beautifully. The singular subject the girl requires sings in the simple present tense.

4. News is normally treated as a singular uncountable noun in standard English, so it takes is.

5. Sample answer: The students are studying. The plural subject students agrees with are. Other correct examples are possible.

Answers to Assignment 2: Singular Subjects

1. goes. My father is a singular third-person subject.

2. studies. The verb study changes to studies after a third-person singular subject.

3. has. The singular subject she takes has.

4. stops. The singular subject the bus takes stops.

5. does. The singular subject he takes does.

Answers to Assignment 3: Plural Subjects

1. play. The children is plural.

2. like. My friends is plural.

3. have. The plural pronoun they takes have.

4. run. The players is plural.

5. understand. The plural pronoun we takes the base form.

Answers to Assignment 4: Subjects Joined by “And”

1. are. Mary and Grace form a compound subject.

2. have. The principal and the teachers are two subjects joined by and.

3. were. A book and a pen refer to two items.

4. work. My mother and my father are two people.

5. is. The sentence treats rice and beans as one combined dish.

Answers to Assignment 5: “Or” and “Nor”

1. is. Both subjects are singular.

2. were. The nearer subject, workers, is plural.

3. has. The nearer subject, teacher, is singular.

4. are. The nearer subject, students, is plural.

5. is. Both alternatives are singular.

Answers to Assignment 6: “Each” and “Every”

1. has. Each student is singular.

2. deserves. Every child is singular.

3. contains. The main subject is each, not books.

4. is. The repeated determiner every presents each person individually.

5. submits. The subject is each of the applicants, which takes a singular verb.

Answers to Assignment 7: Indefinite Pronouns

1. is. Everyone is grammatically singular.

2. knows. Nobody is singular.

3. has. Somebody is singular.

4. is. Water is uncountable in this context.

5. are. Students is plural, so the verb is plural.

Answers to Assignment 8: Either, Neither, and Each

1. Either of the two candidates is qualified. Either is singular in this construction.

2. Neither of the books has a cover. In formal standard English, neither normally takes a singular verb here.

3. Each of the children was given a gift. Each is singular.

4. Either of these routes leads to the station. Either is singular.

5. Neither of the answers seems correct. Neither is singular in this formal construction.

Answers to Assignment 9: Collective Nouns

1. is. The family is treated as one unit.

2. has. The committee is treated as one decision-making body.

3. was. The audience is treated as one group.

4. are. The subject team members is plural.

5. Sample answer: The committee members are discussing the proposal. The plural noun members emphasizes the individual people. Other correct rewrites are possible.

Answers to Assignment 10: Uncountable Nouns

1. is. Furniture is normally uncountable.

2. was. Advice is normally uncountable.

3. has. Equipment is normally uncountable.

4. seems. Information takes a singular verb.

5. are. The subject is two pieces, which is plural.

Answers to Assignment 11: Nouns Ending in “-s”

1. is. News is singular in this usage.

2. is. Mathematics is singular when it refers to the school subject.

3. seems. Physics is normally singular when referring to the academic subject.

4. is. Economics is singular in this context.

5. The latest news is about the election. The noun news takes a singular verb.

Answers to Assignment 12: Titles and Concord

1. is. The title refers to one film.

2. is. The title identifies one novel.

3. belong. The subject books is plural.

4. is. The title refers to one novel, even though the title contains a plural-looking noun.

5. Sample answer: “The Old Man and the Sea” is on our reading list. The title of one book takes a singular verb.

Answers to Assignment 13: Amounts and Measurements

1. is. The ten-minute period is treated as one amount of time.

2. seems. The distance is treated as one measurement.

3. is. The money is treated as one total amount.

4. were. The sentence emphasizes three hours as separate sessions. The plural verb agrees with the implied separate periods.

5. is. The amount of water is treated as one quantity.

Answers to Assignment 14: “A Number of” and “The Number of”

1. are. A number of means several students.

2. is. The subject the number is singular.

3. have. A number of complaints refers to several complaints.

4. has. The subject the number is singular.

5. are. A number of teachers means several teachers.

Answers to Assignment 15: “There Is” and “There Are”

1. is. The noun phrase a student is singular.

2. are. Several books is plural.

3. is. Water is uncountable in this sentence.

4. are. Many reasons is plural.

5. There are two teachers in the office. The noun phrase two teachers is plural.

Answers to Assignment 16: Finding the Main Subject

1. is. The main subject is the basket.

2. are. The main subject is the students.

3. looks. The main subject is the colour.

4. was. The main subject is the teacher. The phrase with the students does not create a compound subject.

5. have. The main subject is the results, which is plural.

Answers to Assignment 17: Relative Pronouns and Concord

1. sings. Who refers to the singular antecedent girl.

2. play. Who refers to the plural antecedent boys.

3. work. Who refers to students in the expression one of the students who work hard.

4. has. The intended meaning is that he is the only player who has scored.

5. belong. That refers to the plural noun books.

Answers to Assignment 18: Additional Phrases

1. is. The main subject is the principal.

2. has. The main subject is my sister.

3. were. The main subject is the players, which is plural.

4. is. The main subject is the manager.

5. The boy, along with his friends, is playing outside. The main subject is singular, and along with his friends is an additional phrase.

Answers to Assignment 19: Gerunds and Infinitive Phrases

1. improves. Reading is a singular gerund subject.

2. takes. The infinitive phrase is treated as one activity.

3. are. Two activities joined by and form a compound subject.

4. helps. Writing clearly is a singular gerund phrase.

5. A clear correction is Learning grammar and practising regularly make students more confident. The sentence presents two activities joined by and, so a plural verb is appropriate.

Answers to Assignment 20: “Many a” and “More Than One”

1. has. Many a student takes a singular verb.

2. was. More than one applicant normally takes a singular verb.

3. have. Several students is plural.

4. is. More than one person normally takes a singular verb.

5. Sample answer: Several students have asked the question. The expression several students takes a plural verb.

Answers to Assignment 21: Special Nouns and Concord

1. are. Scissors normally takes a plural verb when referring to the item.

2. is. The subject is pair, which is singular.

3. have. Police normally takes a plural verb when referring to police officers.

4. are. Several means is plural.

5. is. A means is singular.

Answers to Assignment 22: Correcting Concord Errors

1. The teacher explains the lesson every day. A singular third-person subject takes explains in the simple present tense.

2. The boys play football after school. A plural subject takes the base verb play.

3. Each of the students has a textbook. Each is the main subject and is singular.

4. The principal, along with the teachers, is attending the meeting. The main subject is the principal.

5. The number of applicants is increasing. The subject the number is singular.

6. The information is useful. Information is uncountable and takes a singular verb.

7. There are several books on the table. The noun phrase several books is plural.

8. Neither the teacher nor the students are ready. The nearer subject, students, is plural.

9. More than one student has submitted the assignment. The expression more than one student normally takes a singular verb.

10. The pair of scissors is on the desk. The main subject is the pair, which is singular.

Answers to Assignment 23: Applying the Five-Step Method

1. is. The main subject is the quality, which is singular.

2. have. A number of students means several students, so the verb is plural.

3. is. The subject the number is singular.

4. is. Every teacher and student is treated as a singular construction because of every.

5. belong. The main subject is the books, which is plural.

Conclusion

Concord is essential to accurate English because it ensures that subjects, verbs, and other related grammatical elements agree appropriately. The most important starting point is to identify the main subject before choosing the verb. A singular subject generally takes a singular verb, while a plural subject generally takes a plural verb, but special constructions require additional attention.

The 20 rules explained in this article cover common agreement patterns, including subjects joined by and, or, and nor; indefinite pronouns; collective nouns; uncountable nouns; titles; measurements; expressions such as a number of and the number of; and subjects separated from verbs by extra phrases.

To apply these rules successfully, avoid choosing a verb simply because it is close to a noun or because the sentence sounds familiar. Identify the main subject, check whether it is grammatically singular or plural, and look for any special agreement pattern. Pay particular attention to the rules that you frequently get wrong.

The best way to improve is through consistent practice. Complete the assignments, explain why each answer is correct, and review your mistakes when writing essays, answering examination questions, or preparing formal messages. With repeated practice, concord will become easier to recognize and apply in both written and spoken English.