Odisha State Board BSE Odisha Class 10 English Grammar Book Solutions Chapter 3 Subject Verb Agreement Textbook Exercise Activity Questions and Answers.
BSE Odisha Class 10 English Grammar Solutions Chapter 3 Subject Verb Agreement
Subject – Verb Agreement
- Subject – verb agreement means the use of correct verb as per the person or number of the subject. [Subject -Verb agreement ହେଉଛି Subject ବା କର୍ତ୍ତାର ପୁରୁଷ ବା ବଚନ ଅନୁସାରେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦର ବ୍ୟବହାର ।]
- Now see how verbs are used in agreement with the person(s) and number(s) of the subject(s).
(ଏବେ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ୟ କର କର୍ତ୍ତାର ପୁରୁଷ ଓ ବଚନ ଅନୁସାରେ କିପରି Verb ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।)
1. I am a teacher. [am = verb]
I = subject [first person / singular number]
2. Harishankar teaches well. [teaches = verb, Harishankar = subject (third person / singular number)]
3. The teachers in this school teach well, [teach = verb, teachers = subject (third person / plural number)]
Use of Singular Verbs :
1. Two nouns conveying the same meaning placed together only for purpose.
(ଦୁଇଟି ବିଶେଷ୍ୟପଦ ବିଶ୍ଳେଷଣାତ୍ମକ ଅର୍ଥରେ ପାଖାପାଖୁ ରଖୁ ସମାନ ଅର୍ଥ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରୁଥିଲେ)
Example:
(i) The honour and glory (ଗୌରବ) of my countrymen is uppermost (ସବୁଠାରୁ ଊର୍ଦ୍ଧ୍ବରେ) in my mind.
(noun) (noun)
The power (କ୍ଷମତା) and influence (ପ୍ରଭାବ) Gandhiji exerted over the Indian masses (ଭାରତୀୟମାନଙ୍କ ଉପରେ ପ୍ରଭାବିତ କରିଥିଲେ) was really great.
2. Two nouns combined by ‘and’ expressing a single idea.
(i) The sum and substance of the poem is given below. (summary = ସାରକଥା)
(noun) (noun)
(ii) Making a promise and not honouring it is against my principle.
3. Quantifiers (ପରିମାଣ ବାଚକ ପଦ) ‘A lot of, ‘a great deal of ‘plenty of, ‘lots of referring to amount or quantity takes singular verb. (ପରିମାଣ ଅର୍ଥରେ ଏକ ବଚନ ହୁଏ)
Examples:
(i) A lot of time was spent on preliminary (ପ୍ରାଥମିକ) enquiries (ଅନୁସନ୍ଧାନ). (time – uncountable noun / quantity)
(ii) Lots of food has been distributed (ବଣ୍ଟନ କରାଯାଇଛି) among the poor. (food – quantity)
(iii) Plenty of help is available. (help – amount)
4. Collective noun considered as a whole (ସମଷ୍ଟିବାଚକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଏକ ସାମଗ୍ରିକ ଅନୁଷ୍ଠାନ ଭାବରେ ବିବେଚିତ ହେଉଥିଲେ)
Examples:
(i) The committee was unanimous (ସର୍ବସମ୍ମତ) in its opinion. (Committee – collective noun)
(ii) The government has made some major (ମୁଖ୍ୟ) changes in its foreign policy. (government – collective noun)
5. “More than one + singular noun” takes singular verb.
Examples:
(i) More than one person (singular noun) has been honoured with Bharat Ratna this year.
(ii) More than one flower (singular noun) was faded (ମଉଳି ପଡ଼ିଥିଲା).
6. In mathematical expressions ‘is’ is generally used.
Examples:
(i) Two plus two is four.
(ii) Six minus (ବିଯୁକ୍ତ) two is four.
(iii) Two times two (୨ରେ ୨ ଗୁଣନ କଲେ) is four.
7. When an expression of amount, distance, weight, height or time is spoken of as a single unit, it is of ten used us a singular subject.
[ପରିମାଣ, ଦ,ରତା, ଓଜନ, ଉଚ୍ଚତା, ସମୟକୁ ଏକକ ରୂପେ କୁହାଗଲେ, ଏଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ singular subject ବା ଏକବଚନୀୟ କର୍ତ୍ତାର,ପେ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରାଯାଏ ।]
Examples
(i) Six weeks is a long vacation. (ଛ’ସପ୍ତାହ ଏକ ଦୀର୍ଘ ଛୁଟି ।)
(ii) Sixty minutes makes an hour. (୬୦ ମିନିଟ୍ରେ ଏକ ଘଣ୍ଟା ହୁଏ ।)
(iii) Five hundred rupees is what I get from my work a day. (ମୁଁ ଦିନକୁ ମୋ କାମରୁ ୫ ଶହ ଟଙ୍କା ପାଏ ।)
(iv) Two kilos of tea costs six hundred rupees. (୨ କେ.ଜି. ଚାହାର ମୂଲ୍ୟ ୬ ଶହ ଟଙ୍କା ।)
8. When two nouns are closely related to each other, are joined by ‘and’, they are sometimes considered as a single unit.
[ଯଦି ୨ଟି ବିଶେଷ୍ୟପଦ ‘and’ ଦ୍ଵାରା ଯୋଗ ହୋଇ ଏକ ଏକକକୁ ବୁଝାଏ, verb ଟି singular ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) Bread and butter is my favourite breakfast. (ରୁଟି ଓ ଲହୁଣୀ ମୋର ପ୍ରିୟ ସକାଳଖାଦ୍ୟ ।)
(ii) Slow and steady wins the race. (ଧୀରପାଣି ପଥର କାଟେ ।)
(iii) A horse and carriage was at the door. (ଘୋଡ଼ା ଗାଡ଼ିଟି ଦ୍ବାର ପାଖରେ ଥିଲା ।)
(iv) Truth and honesty is the best policy. (ସତ୍ୟ ଓ ସାଧୁତା ସର୍ବଶ୍ରେଷ୍ଠ ଗୁଣ ଅଟେ ।)
(v) Cury and rice was his favourite food. (ତରକାରୀ ଓ ଭାତ ତାହାର ପ୍ରିୟ ଖାଦ୍ୟ ଥିଲା ।)
9. Some collective nouns like clothing, food, furniture, stationery, being singular, take singular verbs.
[କେତେକ ସମଷ୍ଟି ବାଚକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ; ଯଥା – clothing (ପୋଷାକପତ୍ର), food, furniture (ଆସବାବପତ୍ର), stationery (ମନୋହରୀ ଦ୍ରବ୍ୟ), poetry (କବିତା ଗୁଡ଼ିକ) ଇତ୍ୟାଦି ଏକବଚନ ଥିବାରୁ ଏଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସହିତ ଏକବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟା ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) The furniture needs to be repaired. (ଆସବାବପତ୍ରଗୁଡ଼ିକର ମରାମତି ଦରକାର ।)
(ii) The clothing has been soiled. (ପୋଷାକପତ୍ର ଧୂଳି ଧୂସରିତ ହୋଇଯାଇଛି ।)
(iii) The poetry of Shakespear is excellent order. (ସେକ୍ସପିୟରଙ୍କର କବିତାଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଉଚ୍ଚକୋଟୀର ।)
(iv) Stationery is sold in his shop. (ତାହାର ଦୋକାନରେ ମନୋହରୀ ଦ୍ରବ୍ୟ ବିକ୍ରି କରାଯାଏ ।)
10. The sentence begins with ‘One of phrase, takes singular verb.
[‘One of” ବାକ୍ୟାଶରୁ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିବା ବାକ୍ୟରେ ଏକବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟା ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) One of my friends lives in the nearby village. (ମୋର ଜଣେ ସାଙ୍ଗ (ସାଙ୍ଗମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ଜଣେ) ନିକଟବର୍ତ୍ତୀ ଗ୍ରାମରେ ବାସ କରନ୍ତି ।)
(ii) One of the mangoes is green. (ଆମ୍ବ ଭିତରୁ ଗୋଟିଏ (ଆମ୍ବ) କଞ୍ଚା ଅଟେ ।)
11. The Subject phrase beginning with either of, neither of, none of the verb becomes usually singular.
[either of, neither of, none of କର୍ତ୍ତାରୁ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିବା ବାକ୍ୟରେ ଏକବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟା ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) Either of the boys has got a prize. (ଦୁଇ ବାଳକଙ୍କ ଭିତରୁ ଜଣେ ଗୋଟିଏ ପୁରସ୍କାର ପାଇଛି ।)
(ii) Neither of the chairs looks beautiful. (ଦୁଇଟି ଚେୟାର୍ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କୌଣସି ଗୋଟିଏ ଚେୟାର୍ ସୁନ୍ଦର ଦେଖାଯାଉ ନାହିଁ ।)
(iii) None of the students was selected. (କୌଣସି ପିଲାଙ୍କୁ ବଛାଗଲା ନାହିଁ ।)
12. ‘Each of takes singular verb :
[‘Each of ରୁ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିବା Subject phrase ସହିତ ଏକବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟା ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) Each of the doctors was given a medal. (ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ଡାକ୍ତରଙ୍କୁ ଗୋଟିଏ କରି ପଦକ ଦିଆଗଲା ।)
(ii) Each of the boys is clever enough to answer your question. (ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ବାଳକ ତୁମ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନର ଉତ୍ତର ଦେବାପାଇଁ ଯଥେଷ୍ଟ ଚତୁର ।)
13. The Subject phrase taking ‘the number’ of in the beginning takes singular verb.
[The number of (ସଂଖ୍ୟକ) ବାକ୍ୟାଶରୁ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିବା Subject ସହିତ Singular verb ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) The number of the sick children is increasing in India. (ଭାରତରେ ଅସୁସ୍ଥ ପିଲାମାନଙ୍କର ସଂଖ୍ୟା ବଢ଼ୁଛି ।)
(ii) The number of books stolen was fifty. (ଚୋରି ହୋଇଥିବା ବହି ସଂଖ୍ୟା ୫୦ ଥିଲା ।)
14. If the subject is a noun clause, the verb is singular.
[ଯଦି କଇଁ ଏକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଉପବାକ୍ୟ / ଖଣ୍ଡବାକ୍ୟ, ତା’ହେଲେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦଟି ଏକବଚନ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) What you say, is beyond my understanding. (ତୁମେ କ’ଣ କରୁଛ, ମୋ ବୁଝିବା ବାହାରେ ।)
(ii) What he was doing all these days was a mistery. (ଆଜିକାଲି ସେ କ’ଣ କରୁଥିଲା ଏକ ରହସ୍ୟ ଥିଲା ।)
(ii) That she is alive is good news. (ଯେ ସେ ବଞ୍ଚୁଛି ଏକ ଭଲ ଖବର (ଅଟେ) ।)
(iv) What Manas does these days does not concern me. (ଆଜିକାଲି ମାନସ କ’ଣ କରୁଛି ମୋର ଏଥୁନେଇ ଚିନ୍ତା କରିବାର ନାହିଁ ।)
15. Uncountable Noun ending in-‘s’ take singular verbs.
[-‘s’ ରେ ଶେଷ ହେଉଥିବା Uncountable Noun ସହିତ ଏକବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟା ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।]
ଏହି ଅଗଣନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ପଦଗୁଡ଼ିକ ହେଲା :
Statistics (ପରିସଂଖ୍ୟାନ), Mathematics, Physics (ପଦାର୍ଥ ବିଜ୍ଞାନ), Economics (ଅର୍ଥନୀତି), News (ସମ୍ବାଦ/ସମାଚାର), Measles (ମିଳିମିଳା), Mumps (ଗଳାଫୁଲା), etc.
Examples :
(i) Mumps is a dangerous disease. (ଗଳାଫୁଲା ଏକ ବିପଜ୍ଜନକ ରୋଗ ।)
(ii) The bad news travels fast. (ଦୁଃସମ୍ବାଦ ଶୀଘ୍ର ବ୍ୟାପିଯାଏ ।)
(iii) Physics has always been a tough subject for the students. (ପଦାର୍ଥବିଜ୍ଞାନ ସର୍ବଦା ଛାତ୍ରଛାତ୍ରୀମାନଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ଏକ ଜଟିଳ ବିଷୟ ହୋଇ ଆସିଛି ।)
(iv) The scenery of Darjeeling is charming. (ଦାର୍ଜିଲିଂର ଦୃଶ୍ୟାବଳୀ ରମଣୀୟ ଅଟେ ।)
(v) The jewellery was old but costly. (ଗହଣା ପୁରୁଣା କିନ୍ତୁ ମୂଲ୍ୟବାନ ଥଲା ।)
16. Name of shops ending in -‘s’ takes singular verb.
[ଦୋକାନର ‘ନାମ’ –‘s’ ଅକ୍ଷରରେ ସମାପ୍ତ ହୋଇଥିଲେ, ଏକବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟା ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ, କାରଣ ଏହା ଗୋଟିଏ ଦୋକାନର ନାମକୁ ବୁଝାଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) The Giri Opticals is in front of the Secondary Board High School. (ଗିରି ଚଷମା ଦୋକାନ ମାଧ୍ୟମିକ ବୋର୍ଡ଼ ବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟର ସମ୍ମୁଖରେ ଅବ ସ୍ଥିତ ।)
(ii) The Saurabh Books stands near the school gate. (ସୌରଭ ପୁସ୍ତକ ଭଣ୍ଡାର ସ୍କୁଲ ଗେଟ୍ ପାଖରେ ଅବସ୍ଥିତ ।)
(iii) The United States is a powerful country. (ଯୁକ୍ତରାଷ୍ଟ୍ର ଏକ ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ ଦେଶ ଅଟେ ।)
(iv) Romeo and Juliet is a moving tragedy. (“ରୋମିଓ ଓ ଜୁଲିଏଟ’’ ଏକ କରୁଣ କାହାଣୀ ।)
17. Name of important books / poems / novels, etc. ending in ‘s’, takes singular verb.
[ଲୋକପ୍ରିୟ ପୁସ୍ତକ/ କବିତା / ଉପନ୍ୟାସ / ନାଟକର ନାମ ‘s’ ଅକ୍ଷରରେ ଶେଷ ହେଉଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ Singular verb ବସେ; କାରଣ ତାହା ଗୋଟିଏ ପୁସ୍ତକକୁ ସୂଚିତ କରେ ।]
Examples :
(i) Lines written in March is a beautiful poem of Wordsworth. (Lines written in March ୱାର୍ଡ଼ସ୍ୱାର୍ଥଙ୍କର ସୁନ୍ଦର କବିତା ଅଟେ ।)
(ii) Gulliver’s Travels was written by Jonathan Swift. (ଜୋନାଥନ୍ ସ୍ବିଫ୍ଟଙ୍କ ଦ୍ଵାରା Gulliver’s Travels ରଚିତ ହୋଇଥିଲା ।)
18. The Subject phrase having with ‘A/an…of’ structure, takes singular verb.
[‘A/ an.. of ଥିବା କର୍ରାର ବାକ୍ୟାଶ କ୍ଷେତ୍ରରେ ଏକବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) An army of soldiers is in the border. (ଦଳେ ସୈନ୍ୟ ସୀମାରେ ଅଛନ୍ତି ।)
(ii) A team of doctors is conducting the operation. (ଦଳେ ଡାକ୍ତର ଅସ୍ତ୍ରୋପଚାର କରୁଛନ୍ତି ।)
(iii) A troupe of monkeys has lived in this tree. (ଦଳେ ମାଙ୍କଡ଼ ଏହି ଗଛରେ ରହି ଆସୁଛନ୍ତି ।)
19. When the subject begins with ‘A pair of + plural noun ‘, the verb becomes singular. (କର୍ତ୍ତା A pair of + ବହୁବଚନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟରୁ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିଲେ କ୍ରିୟା ଏକବଚନ ହୁଏ ।)
Examples :
(i) A pair of shoes is lying in the corner. (ହଳେ ଜୋତା କୋଣରେ ପଡ଼ିଛି ।)
(i) A pair of scissors was needed to cut the paper. (କାଗଜ କାଟିବାପାଇଁ କଇଁଚିଟିଏ ଦରକାର ହେଉଥିଲା ।)
20. ‘Many a + singular noun ’and‘ more than one’ take singular verbs.
(Many a + ଏକବଚନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଏବଂ more than one + ଏକବଚନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ କର୍ତ୍ତା ଆକାରରେ ଥିଲେ, କ୍ରିୟା ଏକବଚନୀୟ ହୁଏ ।)
Examples :
(i) Many a man has sacrificed his life for this cause. (ଅନେକ ଲୋକ ଏହି ମହାନ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟପାଇଁ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ଜୀବନ ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି ।)
(ii) More than one person has been involved. (ଏକାଧିକ ଲୋକ ଏଥରେ ଜଡି଼ତ ଅଟନ୍ତି ।)
21. ‘Each / Every’ + singular noun takes singular verbs. (ବାକ୍ୟରେ Each / Every + singular noun ସହିତ ଏକବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟା ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।)
Examples :
(i) Each boy and each girl was in her best dress. (not ‘their’). (ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ବାଳକ ଓ ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ବାଳିକା ନିଜନିଜର ସୁନ୍ଦରତମ ପୋଷାକରେ ଥିଲେ ।)
(i) Every night and every day brings its own responsibility. (not ‘their’) (ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ରାତି ଓ ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ଦିନ ନିଜର ଦାୟିତ୍ଵ ଆଣିଥାଏ ।)
22. The + singular noun with the plural noun phrase takes singular verb.
(The + ଏକବଚନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ବହୁ ବଚନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ବାକ୍ୟାଶ ସହ ସଂଯୁକ୍ତ ହୋଇଥିଲେ, ପ୍ରଥମ ଏକବଚନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଅନୁସାରେ କ୍ରିୟା ଏକବଚନୀୟ ହୁଏ ।)
Examples:
(i) The town with the tall buildings looks beautiful. (town – first noun) (ଡେଙ୍ଗା / ଦୀର୍ଘ ଅଟ୍ଟାଳିକା ସହ ସହରଟି ସୁନ୍ଦର ଦିଶୁଛି ।)
(ii) The tallest (man) of the youths has won the prize. (ଯୁବକମାନଙ୍କ ଭିତରେ ସବୁଠାରୁ ଡେଙ୍ଗା ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି ଜଣକ ପୁରସ୍କାର ଜିତିଛି ।)
(iii) The mother with her five children was standing there. ( ପାଞ୍ଚ ପିଲାମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ମାଆ ସେଠାରେ ଠିଆ ହୋଇଥିଲେ ।)
23. Introductory ‘It’ is always followed by the singular verb, no mater whether the noun that follows it, is singular or plural.
(ଉପକ୍ରମିକ ‘It’ ସହିତ ସର୍ବଦା ଏକବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟା ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ, ଏହା (It) ପରେ ଏକବଚନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ବା ବହୁବଚନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଯାହା ରହିଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ।)
Examples :
(i) It is the people who must be aware of it. (ଲୋକମାନେ ହିଁ ଏହା ବିଷୟରେ ସଚେତନ ହେବା ଜରୁରୀ ।)
(ii) It was the colleges that objected to the decision of the government. (କଲେଜଗୁଡ଼ିକ ହିଁ ସରକାରଙ୍କର ନିଷ୍ପଭିକୁ ବିରୋଧ କରିଥିଲେ ।)
Use of Plural Verbs :
1. Collective noun when we think of its members individually
(ସଭ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କୁ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଗତଭାବରେ ସୂଚିତ କଲାବେଳେ)
Examples:
(i) The committee were divided in their opinion. (Committee – collective noun)
(ii) The police are running after the thief (Police – collective noun)
2. The name of a state, country or institution denotes a team.
Examples:
(i) India have defeated Australia in the first ODI.
(ii) Pakistan were defeated by England in the last series.
3. More + Plural noun + than one Plural Verb
Example:
More persons (Plural verb) than one have been honoured with Padma Shree.
4. A lot of / A great deal of / plenty of etc. refer to number- plural verb
Examples:
(i) Plenty of shops (plural noun) accept payments by credit card.
(1) Lots of people (plural noun) are taking part in the marathon.
5. Some nouns like police, people, poultry (କୁକୁଡ଼ା ପାଳନ), government, cattle (ଗାଈଗୋରୁ), teeth, feet, geese, etc. take plural verbs. [କେତେକ nouns; ଯଥା – police, people, poultry, cattle ଇତ୍ୟାଦି ସହିତ ସର୍ବଦା plural verbs ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples:
(i) The cattle are grazing.
(ii) The government have kept all their promises. (ସରକାର ସେମାନଙ୍କର ସମସ୍ତ ଶପଥ ପୂରଣ କରିଛନ୍ତି ।)
(iii) The police have arrested the thief. (ପୋଲିସ୍ ଚୋରକୁ ଗିରଫ୍ କରିଛି ।)
(iv) The people were against price-list. (ଲୋକମାନେ ମୂଲ୍ୟବୃଦ୍ଧି ବିରୋଧରେ ଥିଲେ ।)
6. A number of + plural noun takes a plural verb.
[A number of ବହୁ ବଚନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟପଦ ସହିତ ସର୍ବଦା Plural verb (ବହୁ ବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ) ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) A number of children are suffering from cold and cough. (ବହୁତ ପିଲା ଥଣ୍ଡା ଓ କାଶର ଶିକାର ହେଉଛନ୍ତି ।)
(ii) A number of chairs in this classroom have broken. (ଏହି ଶ୍ରେଣୀରେ ଅଧିକାଂଶ |ବହୁତ ଚେୟାର୍ ଭାଙ୍ଗି ଯାଇଛି ।)
7. ‘The + adjective’ always takes Plural Verb as they refer to a group of people or people in general.
[‘The + adjective’ ସର୍ବଦା Plural Verb ଧାରଣ କରେ ଯେହେତୁ ଏହା ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଏକ ବର୍ଗର ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିବିଶେଷକୁ ବୁଝାଏ ।]
Examples:
(i) The rich always hate the poor. (ଧନୀମାନେ ସର୍ବଦା ଦରିଦ୍ରମାନଙ୍କୁ ଘୃଣା କରନ୍ତି ।)
(ii) The blind are given training in handicrafts.(ଅନ୍ଧମାନଙ୍କୁ ହସ୍ତକଳା ବିଷୟରେ ପ୍ରଶିକ୍ଷଣ ଦିଆଯାଏ ।)
(iii) The dead have been buried. (ମୃତମାନଙ୍କୁ କବର ଦିଆଯାଇଛି ।)
8. Pair Nouns (having two similar parts) take plural verbs.
[‘Pair Nouns (ଦୁ ଇଟି ସମାନ ଅଂଶକୁ ଧାରଣ କରିଥିବା ସର୍ବଦା ବହୁବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଧାରଣ କରିଥାଏ ।]
ଏହିଭଳି noun ହେଲା scissors, trousers, spectacles / glasses (ଚଷମା) shoes, pincers (ଚିମୁଟା), stockings (ମୋଜା), ଇତ୍ୟାଦି ।
Examples:
(i) My spectacles have been mended. (ମୋ ଚଷମାଟିକୁ ମରାମତି କରାଯାଇଛି ।)
(ii) The scissors need sharpening. (କଇଁଚି|କତୁରୀରେ ଧାର ଦେବା ଦରକାର ହେଉଛି ।)
(iii) Ther shoes are new and expensive. (ଜୋତା ନୂଆ ଓ ମୂଲ୍ୟବାନ୍ ।)
Singular or plural verbs :
1. If two nouns are joined by with, as well as, in addition to, together with, along with, etc. the verb becomes Singular or Plural in agreement with the first noun.
[ବାକ୍ୟରେ ୨ଟି noun ବା ବିଶେଷ୍ୟପଦ with, as well as, in addition to, together with, along with, etc. ଦ୍ଵାରା ସଂଯୁକ୍ତ ହୋଇଥିଲେ, ପ୍ରଥମ noun ଅନୁସାରେ verb ଏକବଚନ ବା ବହୁବଚନ ହୁ ଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) The teacher (first noun) with all his students has come. (ସମସ୍ତ ଛାତ୍ରଛାତ୍ରୀମାନଙ୍କ ସହିତ ଶିକ୍ଷକ ଆସିଛନ୍ତି ।)
(ii) Population growth (first noun) in addition to other problems has made India poor. (ଅନ୍ୟ ସମସ୍ୟାଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସହିତ ଲୋକସଂଖ୍ୟା ବୃଦ୍ଧି ଭାରତକୁ ଦରିଦ୍ର କରିଛି ।)
(iii) Harish (first noun) as well as his brothers was responsible for the loss. (ହରିଶ ଏବଂ ତାହାର ଭାଇମାନେ କ୍ଷତି ପାଇଁ ଦାୟୀ ଥିଲେ ।)
2. If two nouns are joined by not only … but also, or, either …… or, neither ….. nor, the verb becomes Singular or Plural as per the nearer or second noun or noun phrase.
(ଯଦି ଦୁଇଟି ବିଶେଷ୍ୟପଦ not only … but also or (କିମ୍ବା) either …… or ବା neither ….. nor ଆଦି Conjunctions ବା ଅବ୍ୟୟ ପଦଦ୍ୱାର ସଂଯୁକ୍ତ ହୋଇଥାଏ, ତା’ହେଲେ ପାଖାପାଖୁ ବା ୨ୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟପଦ ବା ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ବାକ୍ୟାଶ ଅନୁସାରେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଏକବଚନ ବା ବହୁବଚନ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples:
(i) Not only the doctor but also the nurses (2nd noun phrase) are to blame. (କେବଳ ଡାକ୍ତର ନୁହଁନ୍ତି, ସେବିକାମାନେ ମଧ୍ୟ ନିନ୍ଦାର ଯୋଗ୍ୟ ।)
(ii) Rama or his friends (2nd noun phrase) have broken the glass. (ରାମ କିମ୍ବା ତା’ ବଂଧୁମାନେ ପ୍ଲାସ୍ଟିକୁ ଭାଙ୍ଗି ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି ।)
(iii) Either you or I (2nd noun) am to leave this place. (ହୁଏତ ତୁମକୁ ବା ମୋତେ ଏହି ଯାଗା ଛାଡ଼ିବାର ଅଛି ।)
3. Verb becomes Singular or Plural as per the number and person of the antecedent or noun phrase in the Relative clause.
[Relative clause ରେ ଥିବା antecedent ବା noun phrase ର ବଚନ୍ ଓ ପୁରୁଷ ଅନୁସାରେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଏକବଚନୀୟ ବା ବହୁବଚନୀୟ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) It is you who have insulted me. (you = noun phrase/antecedent) (ତୁମେ ହିଁ ମୋତେ ଅପମାନିତ କରିଛ ।)
(ii) It is Rajesh who is guilty. (Rajesh = noun phrase / antecedent) (ରାଜେଶ ହିଁ ଦୋଷୀ। ଏହା ରାଜେଶ ଯେ କି ଦୋଷୀ)
(iii) It is / who am to do this work first. (I = noun phrase / antecedent) (ମୋତେ ହିଁ ପ୍ରଥମେ ଏହି କାମ କରିବାର ଅଛି ।)
4. If the subject begins with a fraction, the verb becomes Singular or Plural as the noun that follows the fraction.
[ଯଦି କର୍ତ୍ତା fraction ବା ଭଗ୍ନାଂଶକୁ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥାଏ, ତା’ହେଲେ fraction ପରେ ଥିବା। ଅନୁସାରେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଏକବଚନୀୟ ବା ବହୁବଚନୀୟ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) Two-thirds of the crop has been damaged. (crop = uncountable noun) (ଶସ୍ୟର ଦୁଇ-ତୃତୀୟାଂଶ ନଷ୍ଟ ହୋଇଯାଇଛି ।)
(ii) One-fourth of the books were gutted in the fire. (books = plural noun) (ଏକ-ଚତୁର୍ଥାଂଶ ବହି ନିଆଁରେ ଜଳି ପୋଡ଼ି ପାଉଁଶ ହୋଇ ଯାଇଥିଲା ।)
5. If ”and” connects two titles or designations of the same person, the verb is Singular (with ‘the’ before one (noun) and if the persons referred to are different (with the before each noun), the verb is Plural.
[ଯଦି ୨ଟି ଉପାଧ୍ ବା ପଦବୀ ଧାରଣ କରିଥିବା ଏକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟପଦ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିକୁ ସୂତ (କୌଣସି ଗୋଟିଏ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟପଦ ପୂର୍ବରୁ ‘the’ ଥାଏ) ତା’ ହେଲେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ Singular ବା ଏକବଚନୀୟ ହୁଏ । ସେହିପରି ଯଦି ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିବିଶେଷ ଭିନ୍ନ ଥାଏ (ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ପୂର୍ବରୁ ‘the’ ଥାଏ), ତା’ ହେଲେ verb ବା କ୍ରିୟା ପଦ Plural ବା ବହୁବଚନୀୟ ହୁଏ ।]
Examples:
(i) The editor (noun) and publisher (noun) of the newspaper has come to the town. (ସମ୍ବପତ୍ରର ସଂପାଦକ ଓ ପ୍ରକାଶକ (ଏକବ୍ୟକ୍ତି) ସହରକୁ ଆସିଛନ୍ତି ।)
(ii) The Vice-President of India and the speaker of Lok Sabha are considering the proposal. (ଭାରତର ଉପରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରପତି ଓ ଲୋକସଭାର ବାଚସ୍ପତି ପ୍ରସ୍ତାବଟିକୁ ବିବେଚନା କରୁଛନ୍ତି ।)(ଦୁଇ ଭିନ୍ନ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି)
6. If a collective noun or group noun is considered to be a single unit, verb is Singular but if we consider it as a collection of separate individuals we use Plural verb.
[ଯଦି ଏକ collective noun (ସମଷ୍ଟିବାଚକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ); ଯଥା – family, crowd, library, fleet, flock (ମେଣ୍ଢାପଲ), class(ଶ୍ରେଣୀ) ଏକ ବା ଗୋଷ୍ଠୀକୁ ବୁଝାଏ, verb ବା କ୍ରିୟା Singular ହୁଏ, କିନ୍ତୁ ଭିନ୍ନ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି ବିଶେଷମାନଙ୍କୁ ବୁଝାଏ, ତା’ ହେଲେ verb ବା କ୍ରିୟା Plural ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) Our family is a small one. (a single unit) (ଆମ ପରିବାର ଏକ କ୍ଷୁଦ୍ର ଅନୁଷ୍ଠାନ ଅଟେ ।)
(ii) Our family have been divided into two groups. (separate individuals) (ଆମର ପରିବାର ଦୁଇଟି ଶ୍ରେଣୀରେ ବିଭକ୍ତ ହୋଇଛନ୍ତି / ଦୁଇ ଭାଗ ହୋଇଯାଇଛି ।)
(iii) The fleet has set sail. (a single unit) (ଜାହାଜ (ଜଳ) ସବୁ ଏକତ୍ରିତ ହୋଇ ଯାତ୍ରା ଆରମ୍ଭ କରିଛନ୍ତି ।)
(iv) The fleet have scattered about having been attacked. (separate individuals) (ଆକ୍ରମଣ ପରେ ଜାହାଜଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଛତ୍ରଭଙ୍ଗ ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି ।)
7. When the sentence starts with a dummy ‘there’ the verb agrees with the logical or real subject that follows the verb.
[ଯେତେବେଳେ ବାକ୍ୟ dummy (ଛଦ୍ମବେଶୀ), there ରୁ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥାଏ, logical ବା real (ବାସ୍ତବ / ପ୍ରକୃତ) କର୍ତ୍ତା ଅନୁସାରେ verb (କ୍ରିୟା) Singular ବା Plural ହୁଏ ।]
Examples :
(i) There is a bag on the table.( a bag = real subject) (ଟେବୁଲ ଉପରେ ବ୍ୟାଗ୍ନେଟିଏ ଅଛି ।)
(ii) There were a lot of girls in this college. (a lot of girls = real subject) (ଏହି ବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟରେ ଅନେକ ଝିଅ ଥିଲେ ।)
8. The following plural nouns always take plural verbs. (‘-s’ ରେ ଶେଷ ହୋଇଥବା ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ବହୁବଚନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ପଦ ସହିତ ସର୍ବଦା ବହୁବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟା ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।)
(These nouns are always used in ‘s’ or ‘-es’)
| annals (ପୃଷ୍ଠା) | arms (ଅସ୍ତ୍ରଶସ୍ତ୍ର) |
| ashes (ପାଉଁଶ) | assets (ସଂପରି) |
| clothes (ପୋଷାକ) | auspics (ଶୁଭାଶୁଭ ଲକ୍ଷଣ, ପୂର୍ବାଭାଷ, ପୃଷ୍ଠପୋଷକତା) |
| credentials (ପ୍ରମାଣ) | customs (ଟିକସ୍) |
| embers (ଜ୍ଵଳନ୍ତ କୋଇଲା ବା ଅଙ୍ଗାର) | environs (ପରିବେଶ) |
| fetters (ବେଢ଼ି ବା ବନ୍ଧନ ବା ଶିକୁଳି) | goods (ମାଲପତ୍ର) |
| leavings (ତ୍ୟାଗଦ୍ରବ୍ୟ ସବୁ) | links ( ସମ୍ପର୍କ) |
| nuptials (ବିବାହ ବନ୍ଧନ) | adds (ସମ୍ଭାବନା) |
| proceeds (ଆଗୁଆ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମ) | premises (ପ୍ରାଙ୍ଗଣ ବା ହତା ଘର, ସ୍କୁଲ ଆଦିର) |
| remains (ଅବଶିଷ୍ଟାଶ) | riches (ଧନ, ସମ୍ପତ୍ତି, ପ୍ରାଚୁର୍ଯ୍ୟ) |
| savings (ସଞ୍ଚୟ) | socks (ଛୋଟପିଲାମାନଙ୍କର ମୋଜା) |
| spectacles (ଚଷମା) | stairs (ପାହାଚ ଶ୍ରେଣୀ) |
| statistics ( ସାଂଖ୍ୟକ ତଥ୍ୟ ସବୁ) | thanks (ଧନ୍ୟବାଦ) |
| vitals (ମୁଖ୍ୟଦ୍ରବ୍ୟ ସବୁ) | wages (ମଜୁରି) |
| wares (ବିକ୍ରି ସାମଗ୍ରୀ) |
Examples:
(i) Your clothes are expensive.
(ii) Her scissors were blunt (ମୁଣ୍ଡା).
(iii) These goods are for sale ( ବିକ୍ରିପାଇଁ).
(iv) The man’s wages are ₹300/- a day..
(v) (But the wages (reward ପୁରସ୍କାର) of sin (ପାପ) is death.)
9. There are several nouns, plural in form but singular in meaning. They nearly always require singular verbs. (ବହୁବଚନୀୟ ରୂପ (-s ବା -es) ରେ ସରୁଥୁବା କେତେକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ପଦ ଅର୍ଥରେ ଏକବଚନ ଅଟନ୍ତି । ଏଭଳି ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ସହିତ ଏକବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟା ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।)
| acoustics (ଶବ୍ଦ ବିଜ୍ଞାନ) | acronautics (ବିମାନ ଉଡ଼ାଣ ବିଜ୍ଞାନ) |
| alms (ଭିକ୍ଷା) | analytics (ବିଶ୍ଳେଷଣ) |
| Athens ( ଗ୍ରୀସ୍ ଦେଶର ରାଜଧାନୀ) | athletics (ଦୌଡ଼, ଲମ୍ଫ ଥିବା କ୍ରୀଡ଼ା) |
| bellows ( ହାରମୋନିଅମ୍ର ପବନ ସଞ୍ଚାଳନ ଅଙ୍ଗ ବା କମାରର ଭାତି ବା ହାପର) | billiards (ସ୍ଵତନ୍ତ୍ର ଟେବୁଲ୍ ଉପରେ ତିନୋଟି ବଲ୍କୁ କାଠବାଡ଼ିରେ ଖେଳା ଯାଉଥିବା ଏକ ଦି ଜଣିଆ ଖେଳ ।) |
| civics (ନଗର ବିଜ୍ଞାନ) | dynamics (ଗତି ବା ଗତି ବିଦ୍ୟା) |
| economics ( ଅର୍ଥଶାସ୍ତ୍ର ) | aesthetics (ସୌନ୍ଦର୍ଯ୍ୟତତ୍ତ୍ଵ) |
| ethics (ନୀତି) | gallows (ଫାଶୀଖୁଣ୍ଟ) |
| hydraulics ( ଜଳଗତି ବିଜ୍ଞାନ) | innings (କ୍ରିକେଟର ପାଳି) |
| linguistics ( ଭାଷାବିଜ୍ଞାନ) | magnetics ( ଚୁମ୍ବକୀୟ ବିଜ୍ଞାନ) |
| mathematics (ଗଣିତ) | measles (ମିଳିମିଳା) |
| mechanics ( ଯନ୍ତ୍ର ବିଦ୍ୟା) | metaphysics (ଅଧୂବିଜ୍ଞାନ / ସତ୍ୟଜ୍ଞାନ ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧୀୟ ବିଜ୍ଞାନ) |
| molasses (ଗୁଣ୍ଡ) | mumps (ଗାଲ ବେକଫୁଲା ରୋଗ) |
| news (ଖବର) | optics (ଚଷମା) |
| phonetics (ଉଚ୍ଚାରଣ ବିଦ୍ୟା) | physics (ପଦାର୍ଥ ବିଜ୍ଞାନ) |
| politics (ରାଜନୈତିକ ବିଜ୍ଞାନ) | summons (କୋର୍ଟ ଡାକରା) |
| tactics (କୌଶଳ) |
Notice :
What are your politics? (political beliefs)
But Politics is a dirty game.
All possible means have been tried. (ପଦକ୍ଷେପ ଉପାୟ)
But Every means has been tried.
Activity – 1 :
1. Choose the correct verbs given in brackets and rewrite the sentences:
(a) There (is / are) plenty of job opportunities for the people of this region.
Answer:
are (for opportunities)
(b) There (was /were) plenty of room for improvement in her work.
Answer:
was
(c) Two plus two (is / are) four.
Answer:
is
(d) Two twos (is / are) four.
Answer:
are
(e) Seventy kilometres (are / is) a long distance.
Answer:
is
(f) Fish and chips (is / are) not so expensive as chicken curry and rice.
Answer:
is
(g) A crowd (has / have) gathered in the street.
Answer:
has
(h) The assembly (was / were) divided on this issue.
Answer:
were
(i) The police (is / are) chasing the burglar.
Answer:
are
(j) Her clothing (is / are) waterproof.
Answer:
is
Activity – 2 :
2. Fill in the blanks with appropriate auxiliary verbs.
(a) Either of the boys _________ won a medal.
Answer:
has
(b) Neither of those officers _________ efficient.
Answer:
is
(c) One of his friends _________ able to speak English fluently.
Answer:
is
(d) Some honey _________ left in the pot.
Answer:
is
(e) The governor and chancellor of the university _________ been invited to this function.
Answer:
has
(f) Three-fourths of the crop _________ damaged by the flood.
Answer:
was / is
(g) Agreat deal of money _________ spent for his mother’s treatment.
Answer:
was
(h) A whole regiment of volunteers _________ working here.
Answer:
is
(i) The number of scholarships _________ increased this year.
Answer:
has
(j) These days mumps _________ not at all difficult to cure.
Answer:
is
Activity – 3 :
3. Rewrite the sentences choosing the correct alternative given in brackets:
(a) What he says about me (do / does) not affect me.
Answer:
does
(b) Ram as well as his friends (like / likes) to play football.
Answer:
like
(c) Neither rose nor jasmine (was / were) available in the market.
Answer:
was
(d) A pair of spectacles (were / was) lying on the bed.
Answer:
was
(e) The rich (lives / live) in affluence.
Answer:
live
(f) The Centerbury Tales (was / were) written by Chaucer.
Answer:
was
(g) Six weeks (are / is) a long vacation for students.
Answer:
live
(h) Your trousers (is / are) tom.
Answer:
live
(i) I am young and strong, (amn’t / aren’t) ?
Answer:
aren’t
(j) It is you who (has / have) insulted me.
Answer:
have
Activity – 4 :
4. Choose the correct expression from the brackets and rewrite the sentences:
(a) There (is / are) people waiting to see you.
Answer:
are (people – real subject)
(b) Ours (is / are) a great nation, (isn’t it / aren’t they) ?
Answer:
is, isn’t it ?
(c) The police (has / have) a difficult job.
Answer:
have
(d) A lot of cattle (was / were) grazing in the field.
Answer:
were
(e) The youth (is / are) not so sincere.
Answer:
are
(f) The youth (was / were) more serious than his uncle.
Answer:
was (the young man)
(g) Ill news (travel / travels) fast.
Answer:
travels
(h) Mumps (is / are) very unpleasant.
Answer:
is
(i) Bacteria of the harmful kind (cause / causes) diseases.
Answer:
cause
(j) There (is / are) a pair of spectacles on that shelf.
Answer:
is
At A Glance :
I. Look at the following sentences :
(i) Fish and meat aren’t available here.
(ii) Bread and butter is a wholesome food.
In the sentence (i) two singular nouns in the subject part fish and meast joined by and they take a plural verb.
ପ୍ରଥମ ବାକ୍ୟରେ କର୍ତ୍ତାରେ ଥିବା ଦୁଇଟି ଏକବଚନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ପଦ; ଯଥା – fish ଓ meat ଅନୁଯାୟୀ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ are ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୋଇଛି। ‘are’ ହେଉଛି ଏକ ବହୁବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଯାହା fish ଓ meat ଭଳି ବହୁବଚନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ସହିତ ସମ୍ପର୍କ ବା ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧ ବା ଚୁକ୍ତି ଅନୁସାରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୋଇଛି।
ଦ୍ଵିତୀୟ ବାକ୍ୟରେ subject part ରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ Bread ଓ butter ଦୁଇଟି ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ପଦ ଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ତାହା ଏକ unit ବା ଏକକ ରୂପେ ଗୋଟିଏ ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧିତ ଧାରଣାକୁ ସୂଚିତ କରୁଛି । ତେଣୁ Bread ଓ butter ସହିତ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ is ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧ ବା ଚୁକ୍ତି ରକ୍ଷା କରୁଛି ।
So a subject-verb agreement means the use of verb in accordance with the number and person of the subject.
କର୍ତାର ବଚନ ଓ ପୁରୁଷ ଅନୁସାରେ verb ବା କ୍ରିୟାସହ ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧିତ ବ୍ୟବହାରକୁ subject-agreement କୁହାଯାଏ।
Some collective nouns such as government, committee, family, army, audience, class, community, company, council, enemy, majority, military, jury, public take plural verbs when they refer to individual members separately. But they can take a singular verb when they mean a
group as a single or whole body.
ଉପରଲିଖୁତ ସମଷ୍ଟିବାଚକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିମାନଙ୍କୁ ଅଲଗା ବା ସ୍ଵତନ୍ତ୍ର ଭାବରେ ସୂଚିତ କରୁଥିଲେ ବହୁବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଓ ଏକ ଦଳ ବା ଗୋଷ୍ଠୀ ଅର୍ଥରେ ଏକବଚନ ସହିତ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।
1. (a) The government have levied high tax on the income groups.
(b) The government welcomes (ସ୍ଵାଗତ କରୁଛି) the proposal. (as single body)
2. (a) The committee are against the appointment (ନିଯୁକ୍ତି). (individual members)
(b) The committee was unanimous (ସର୍ବସମ୍ମତ) on the issue. (as a single body)
3. (a) Mr Mishra’s family have gone on holidays. (some of the members of the family)
(b) Mr Mishra’s family consists of (ଗଠିତ) five members. (family as a whole)
4. (a)The council meets today in the Town Hall. (as a single body)
(b) The council were divided in their opinions. (the individual members)
II. Look at the following sentences:
A group of people was standing at the gate.
A herd of cattle is sleeping under the tree,
When we use the collective noun phrases such as a group of (ଦଳେ), a flock of (ଦଳେ), a herd of (ଦଳେ/ଗୋଠେ), a band of (policemen /robbers) (ଦଳେ), a bevy of (ladies) (ଦଳେ ଭଦ୍ରମହିଳା), a body of (laws) (ନିୟମାବଳୀ), a gallery of (picture), a fleet of sheeps (ଜାହାଜଦଳ), a posse of (constables) (ଦଳେ) etc., they usually take singular verb.
(ଉପରଲିଖୁତ ସମଷ୍ଟିବାଚକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟପଦ କର୍ତ୍ତାରୁ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିଲେ, ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଏକବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟା ସହିତ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।)
But, if we think of the group separately, a plural verb may be used. (କିନ୍ତୁ ଏଭଳି ସମଷ୍ଟିବାଚକକୁ ସ୍ଵତନ୍ତ୍ର ଓ ଭିନ୍ନ ଦୃଷ୍ଟିରୁ ଚିନ୍ତା କଲେ, ବହୁବଚନୀୟ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୋଇପାରିବ।)
A group of us are going to a study tour to Bhubaneswar.
A herd of cows were descending (ଓହ୍ଲାଇ ଆସୁଥୁଲେ) into the valley.
III. Two nouns in the subject part take a singular verb if they refer to a single idea or single item. (Subject part ରେ ଥିବା ଦୁଇଟି noun ଏକ ଓ ଅଭିନ୍ନ ଧାରଣା ବା ଉପାଦାନକୁ ସୂଚିତ କରୁଥିଲେ singular verb ବୃବହୃତ ହୁଏ ।)
Examples:
Bread and butter is my favourite food. (Bread and butter is taken together)
Truth and honesty is the best policy.
Slow and steady wins the race. (a man being slow and steady)
Courtesy (ସୁଜନତା) and gentlemanliness (ଭଦ୍ରାମି) is the finer quality of man.
The scholar and poet (one person as ‘the’ is used before one person ‘scholar’) is dead.
The poet and philosopher is alive.
The accountant and cashier (same person) has fled (ପଳାୟନ କରିଛି) with the bank’s money.
But, mark ‘the’ before each noun.
The scholar and the poet are dead. (two different persons)
The poet and the philosopherare alive. (two different persons)
The accountant and the cashier have fled with the bank’s money.
Subject Verb Agreement Additional Questions With Answers
Fill in the blanks with correct form of verbs in brackets.
1. Food ___________ necessary for living. (be)
Answer:
is
2. The furniture ___________ to be repaired. (need)
Answer:
need
3. The poultry _________ feed. (have)
Answer:
have been
4. Truth and honesty___________ the best policy. (be)
Answer:
is
5. Sixty years ___________ a long time. (be)
Answer:
is
6. One of my friends ___________ come. (have)
Answer:
has
7. It ___________ two miles to the beach. (be)
Answer:
is/was
8. There ___________ a book on the table. (be)
Answer:
is/was
9. Five kilos of sugar ___________ two hundred rupees. (cost)
Answer:
costs
10. The committee ___________ divided on this issue. (be)
Answer:
were
11. The jury ___________ selected its chairman. (have)
Answer:
has
12. All the books which have been placed on the table ___________ mine. (be)
Answer:
are
13. Either of the boys ___________ got a prize. (have)
Answer:
has
14. Each of the students ___________ given a prize. (be)
Answer:
was
15. Some water ___________ left in the pot. (be)
Answer:
was
16. The Vice-President of India and the Chairman of Rajya Sabha ___________ his consent to the bill. (have)
Answer:
has
17. Two thirds of the water ___________ evaporated. (have)
Answer:
has
18. A lot of money ___________ spent last year. (be)
Answer:
was
19. A crowd of people ___________ shouting last night. (be)
Answer:
was
20. The number of children ___________ increasing. (be)
Answer:
is
21. Gymnastics ___________ compulsory in the school. (be)
Answer:
is
22. The news ___________ true. (be)
Answer:
is
23. What he says ___________ true. (be)
Answer:
is
24. Babul as well as his friends ___________ responsible for the loss. (be)
Answer:
is
25. Not only Ashish but also his classmates ___________ equally guilty. (be)
Answer:
are
26. A pair of shoes ___________ lying here. (be)
Answer:
is
27. The blind ___________ assistance of others. (need)
Answer:
need
28. It is you who ___________ wronged me. (have)
Answer:
have
29. The United States ___________ a powerful country. (be)
Answer:
is
30. The rich ___________ the poor. (hate)
Answer:
hate
31. Ours ___________ a great nation. (be)
Answer:
is
32. What he says about me ___________ not affect me. (do)
Answer:
does
33. The data ___________ not true. (be)
Answer:
are
34. A lot of cattle ___________ grazing. (be)
Answer:
are
35. The youth ___________ not so sincere. (be)
Answer:
are
36. Six weeks ___________ a long vacation. (be)
Answer:
is
37. Bad news ___________ fast. (travel)
Answer:
travels
38. The police ___________ on duty. (be)
Answer:
are
39. Neither of those officers ___________ efficient. (be)
Answer:
is/was
40. A number of children ___________ playing. (be)
Answer:
are
41. Three fourth of the crop ___________ damaged. (be)
Answer:
was
42. A herd of elephants ___________ seen in the jungle. (be)
Answer:
was
43. Some of the music ___________ excellent. (be)
Answer:
was
44. The radio you gave my children ___________ properly. (work)
Answer:
works
45. Neither of them ___________ come. (have)
Answer:
has
46. Two plus two ___________ four. (be)
Answer:
is
47. Her clothing ___________ waterproof. (be)
Answer:
is
48. The committee ___________ unanimous on this issue. (be)
Answer:
was
49. The people of India ___________ hardworking. (be)
Answer:
are
50. The scissors old. (be)
Answer:
are