This blog provides a comprehensive guide to Class 8 Subject-Verb Agreement Rules, ensuring students understand how subjects and verbs must agree in number and person. The explanation is simple and easy to follow, making it ideal for Class 8 / Grade 8 students and ESL learners.
The informative article also covers key clear examples to prevent common grammatical mistakes. Additionally, it includes practice questions, worksheets, and answers to enhance learning and improve accuracy in writing and speech. Perfect for English exam preparation and grammar practice!
Subject Verb Agreement for Class 8
In English grammar, “subject-verb agreement” means that a verb must match its subject in number and person. In other words, a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
If a subject is a noun phrase with more than one noun, the verb should agree with the noun that is the real subject or the headword.
For example,
- The main objective of all my efforts is to help him.
subject (noun phrase) predicate
The headword in the noun phrase is ‘objective’, which is singular, that’s why the verb (is) used here is singular.
People also ask
- All my plans to start a new school have failed.
subject (noun phrase) predicate
The headword in the noun phrase is ‘plans’ which is plural, that’s why the verb (have) used here is plural.
However, this isn’t as simple as it appears, as Subject Verb Agreement relies on additional words and factors. Therefore, reviewing the following Subject Verb Agreement Class 8 rules is essential.
Rules for Subject Verb Agreement Class 8
Rule 1: If two or more singular nouns or pronouns are joined by and, a plural verb is to be used.
For example,
- Ram and Shyam are friends.
- Honesty and bravery are virtues.
- Their car and house have been sold to my friend.
But sometimes, plural nouns or two singular nouns joined by and suggest a single person, thing, or idea. Then the verb used should be singular.
For example,
- A great poet and essayist has died. (The same person is being referred to.)
- Bread and butter is my favourite breakfast. (Considered as a single item)
- Ten kilometres is a good distance. (The distance is being referred to.)
- Gulliver’s Travels is an interesting story. (The title of the book.)
- Sales and marketing of products depends on their quality. (Taken as a single entity.)
- The United States is a big country. (Taken as a single entity.)
Rule 2: A singular noun joined to another singular or plural noun by with, along with, as well as, takes a singular verb.
For example,
- She, along with her friends, is joining us shortly.
- The bus, with all its passengers, seems to be veering off the road.
- Mala, as well as her sisters, is interested in buying this property.
Rule 3: A singular noun joined to another singular noun by or or nor takes a singular verb and the verb agrees with the noun closer to it.
For example,
- They or their sister has contacted the manager.
- Neither Siddartha nor I am going to help you.
- Either you or he has broken the glass.
If one of the nouns joined by or or nor is plural, the verb used should be plural and the plural noun should be kept closer to the verb.
For example,
- Either you or your assistants have to be blamed for this failure.
- Neither Meera nor her parents were called to attend the meeting.
Rule 4: Each, everyone, either, neither, many a are followed by a singular verb.
For example,
- Either boy has got experience.
- Neither of us was able to control the situation.
- Each of them has left without permission.
- Everyone loves their country (‘their’ is possible if the gender is not definite)
- Many a teacher loves their profession dearly. (‘their’ is possible if the gender is not definite)
Rule 5: If the two singular nouns joined by and have the word every or each before them, the verb used here should be singular.
For example,
- Every man and every woman present there was happy.
Rule 6: A few nouns, though singular in meaning, look plural. Such nouns take a singular verb.
For example,
- Physics is an interesting subject.
- The news has shocked us.
- The innings has been tough for us.
Rule 7: The noun means can be used either as a singular or a plural noun.
For example,
- Is there any means to come out of the problem?
- The means to sort out the problem are limited.
Rule 8: Nouns which seem to be singular but are plural in meaning, take a plural verb.
For example,
- The police have been called in.
- Five dozen cost twenty rupees.
- The public are crazy about this actor.
Rule 9: None can take either a singular or a plural verb.
For example,
- None of them has/have an aptitude for music.
- I called five boys. None has turned up.
Rule 10: A collective noun takes a plural verb when the emphasis is on its individual members. But when a collective noun is taken as a body collectively, it takes a singular verb.
For example,
- The class is disciplined.
- The class have shown their answers to the teacher.
- The committee have left their seats and walked out.
- The committee has announced its decision.
Class 8 Subject-Verb Agreement Questions
Practice Class 8 Subject-Verb Agreement Questions with detailed rules and examples. Improve grammar skills with worksheets and answers for exams!
Question 1
A. Choose the appropriate option from the given alternatives.
1. Author and publisher, Mr Sahni, ____________ in town to inaugurate the Book Fair.
(i) is
(ii) are
2. The author and the publisher ____________ called for a meeting.
(i) was
(ii) were
3. The comfort and luxury provided by the machines ____________ made people lazy.
(i) has
(ii) have
4. Her hard work and dedication ____________ paid off.
(i) has
(ii) have
5. Going to a beach and making sand castles ____________ my idea of a perfect holiday.
(i) is
(ii) were
6. Simple living and high thinking __ Gandhiji’s philosophy.
(i) was
(ii) were
7. It is said that beauty and brains ____________ not go together.
(i) do
(ii) does
8. Dev and Anuj ____________ going to Goa this weekend.
(i) is
(ii) are
9. The singer and actor, Sonu, ____________ awarded the trophy.
(i) was
(ii) were
10. The singer and the actor ____________ wearing similar jackets.
(i) was
(ii) were
Question 2
B. Correct the following sentences by subject-verb agreement.
1. Mr Chopra as well as his subordinates have been working for more than ten hours a day.
2. Not only his parents but his aunt also support his decision.
3. Either Rohan or I is making the cake.
4. Neither Mudit nor his friends is going on the school trip.
5. The President with his ministers have reached the venue.
6. Not only the fruit but the leaves of the banana tree is also immensely useful.
7. Either the professor or his students is going to present the thesis.
8. Madhu as well as I is anchoring the show.
9. Neither Indu nor her parents has met Tisha.
10. The contestants as well as the host was nervous before the final result.
Question 3
C. Tick (✓) the correct option in the following sentences.
1. John and his brother (is/are) going to the party together.
2. The cat and the dog (is/are) playing in the backyard.
3. Pizza and salad (is/are) on the menu for dinner tonight.
4. Sarah and her best friend (is/are) going shopping this weekend.
5. My phone and laptop (is/are) essential for my work.
6. The teacher and the principal (is/are) attending the conference.
7. Pasta and sauce (is/are) being served for dinner tonight.
8. Mary and her sister (is/are) planning a trip to Europe.
9. The cat and the mouse (is/are) hiding in the corner.
10. Bread and butter (is/are) essential for making a sandwich.
Question 4
D. Choose the correct option from the brackets according to the subject Verb Agreement.
1. Air and water ________ (are/is) necessary for survival.
2. Manu and I ________ (were/was) the hosts of the party.
3. Author and publisher, Mr Sahni, ________ (is/are) in town to inaugurate the Book Fair.
4. The author and the publisher ________ (were/was) called for a meeting.
5. Simple living and high thinking ________ (were/was) Gandhiji’s philosophy.
6. It is said that beauty and brains ________ (do/does) not go together.
7. Dev and Anuj ________ (is/are) going to Goa this weekend.
8. The singer and actor, Sonu, ________ (were/was) awarded the trophy.
9. The singer and the actor ________ (were/was) wearing similar jackets.
10. The logic and reasoning of the theory ________ (is/are) given below.
Question 5
1. Neither of the two brothers __________ (was/were) selected for the team.
2. I’ve seen all your paintings. Each one __________ (is/are) fantastic.
3. Everyone, whom we invited, __________(has/have) turned up.
4. Only one of the five contestants __________(is/are) going to win the prize.
5. Much of my homework__________ (is/are) already done.
6. Thanks to metro rail, less of my time __________(is/are) wasted in commuting now.
7. None of the work __________(was/were) completed.
8. None of the strategies __________(have/has) worked.
9. A lot of energy __________(was/were) wasted on finding the treasure.
10. A lot of books __________(have/has) been written on home remedies.
Question 6
F. Complete the sentences with correct subject verb agreement.
1. A variety of music __________(is/are) available here.
2. A variety of music albums __________(are/is) available here.
3. Neither of the two teams __________(was/were) able to score a goal.
4. Much of the hard work of the farmers __________(has/have) wasted because of the drought.
5. A great deal of literature on the art of cooking__________ (are/is) available in the market.
6. Have you seen the sculptures made by him?
7. Each one __________(are/is) a masterpiece.
8. A lot of appreciation __________(was/were) showered on the singer.
9. A lot of people __________(is/are) allergic to dairy products.
10. Very little is __________(is/are) known of the Harappan Civilisation.
11. None of the residents __________(was/were) in the house when the roof collapsed.
Question 7
G. Tick (✓) the correct option in the following sentences.
1. The engineer as well as his two subordinates _________ (was/were) present at the site.
2. Anshu as well as the other members of her family _________ (is/are) shifting to Mumbai.
3. I as well as Swati _________ (am/is) going for a picnic.
4. The doctor with his interns _________ (has/have) reached the operation theatre.
5. The child with his parents _________ (is/are) waiting outside the Principal’s office.
6. The teacher as well as her students _________ (is/are) sitting in the class.
7. Richa with her friends _________ (wants/want) to participate in the quiz.
8. Not only Ravi but his friends also _________ (are/is) coming to the party.
9. Not only the Arora family but I also _________ (am/is) coming to the party.
10. Either you or Seema _________ (is/are) going to clean the room.
Question 8
H. Put proper word from the bracket.
1. Neither Seema nor you _________ (are/is) going out tonight.
2. Not only your certificate but your marks also _________ (are/is) important.
3. Either my friend or I_________ (am/is) going to buy this book.
4. Neither Ritu nor her friends _________ (are/is) willing to participate.
5. Mr Chopra as well as his subordinates _________ (have/has) been working for more than ten hours a day.
6. Not only his parents but his aunt also _________ (support/supports) his decision.
7. Either the professor or his students _________ (is/are) going to present the thesis.
8. Madhu as well as I _________ (am/is) anchoring the show.
9. Neither Indu nor her parents _________ (has/have) met Tisha.
10. The contestants as well as the host _________ (were/was) nervous before the final result.
People also read
Question 9
I. Choose the correct option from the brackets.
1. Physics ___________ (is/are) considered to be a tough subject.
2. Billiards ___________ (is/are) fast becoming popular amongst youngsters.
3. The people of the locality ___________(are/is) protesting against frequent power-cuts.
4. The cattle ___________(were/was) driven to the farm.
5. My new pair of socks ___________(is/are) very tight.
6. My socks ___________(are/is) very tight.
7. The team ___________(has/have) chalked out a strategy to defeat the opponent.
8. The team ___________(were/was) divided on the playing strategy.
9. The stationery ___________(was/were) available at a cheap price at the store.
10. The new furniture ___________(is/are) pretty expensive.
Question 10
J. Choose the right verb from the brackets
1. Be careful. This pair of scissors ___________(is/are) very sharp.
2. Five years ___________(is/are) a pretty long time.
3. Ten kilos of milk ___________(was/were) consumed in just one day.
4. A hundred rupees ___________(is/are) not a big amount for him.
5. Only one-fourth of the total police force ___________(was/were) deployed in the area.
6. The crowd ___________(looks/look) quite pleased with the magician’s performance.
7. The cattle (was/were) driven to the farm.
8. The team (was/were) divided on the playing strategy.
9. A great deal of fuss (has/have) been created over the issue.
10. Her furniture (show/shows) her elegant taste.
Question 11
K. Fill in the blanks with the proper forms of verbs.
1. People in the carnival ___________ (was/were) wearing all kinds of fancy dresses.
2. Statistics ___________(is/are) Mohit’s favourite subject.
3. This cutlery set give ___________(give/gives) a very antique look.
4. Her furniture ___________(shows/show) her elegant taste.
5. This pair of trousers ___________(don’t/doesn’t) fit me anymore.
6. These trousers ___________(is/are) old now.
7. 250 gm of flour ___________(are/is) needed for this recipe.
8. The jury ___________(was/were) divided in their verdict.
9. Only one-fourth of the total police ___________ (were/was) deployed in the area.
10. 200 kilometres ___________(is/are) a long distance to drive at a stretch.
Question 12
L. Fill in the blanks with ‘is’, ‘are’, ‘am’, ‘has’, or ‘have’.
1. Fried food___________(is/are) harmful for health.
2. This crockery. ___________(is/are) very delicate. Hold it carefully.
3. The police ___________(were/was) scattered in the whole city for security.
4. Statistics ___________(is/are) always important for a player.
5. My mother and I ___________ (am/are)delighted to see the pictures.
6. Neena, my classmate, and friend,___________(is/are) going abroad.
Question 13
M. Fill in the blanks with ‘is’, ‘are’, ‘am’, ‘has’, or ‘have’.
1. Physics as well as Maths ___________ an interesting subject.
2. A swarm of bees ___________ attacked the farmer.
3. One way to avoid your mistakes ___________ to re-read your work.
4. Law and order ___________important for a nation’s development.
5. Either the students or the teacher ___________made the project.
6. A committee ___________been set up to review the matter.
7. None of the boys ___________have secured 100% marks.
8. A majority of the team members ___________not willing to participate in this tournament.
9. People ___________pleased with the government’s new tax policy.
10. This pair of sunglasses ___________scratches on it.
Question 14
N. Fill in the blanks with proper forms of verbs.
11. These sunglasses ___________scratches on them.
12. This pack of cards ___________very old.
13. He and I ___________been made the class monitors.
14. Mita with her friends ___________playing football.
15. Chatting over phone and gossiping for long ___________something I do not like.
16. I with Mohit ___________responsible for checking the uniforms of our classmates.
17. A great deal of fuss ___________ been created over the issue.
18. A number of food courts ___________cropped up in the area.
9. None of the boys (has/have) secured 100% marks.
10. A hundred rupees (is/are) not a big amount for him.
Subject Verb Agreement Worksheets Answers Key
The Subject Verb Agreement Class 8 Worksheets Answers Key provides clarity and reinforcement for learners, facilitating a deeper understanding of grammatical principles through practical exercises and solutions.
Answer 1:
1. Ans: is
2. Ans: were
3. Ans: has
4. Ans: has
5. Ans: is
6. Ans: were
7. Ans: does
8. Ans: are
9. Ans: was
10. Ans: were
Answer 2:
1. Mr Chopra as well as his subordinates has been working for more than ten hours a day.
2. Not only his parents but his aunt also supports his decision.
3. Either Rohan or I am making the cake.
4. Neither Mudit nor his friends are going on the school trip.
5. The President with his ministers has reached the venue.
6. Not only the fruit but the leaves of the banana tree are also immensely useful.
7. Either the professor or his students are going to present the thesis.
8. Madhu as well as I is anchoring the show.
9. Neither Indu nor her parents have met Tisha.
10. The contestants as well as the host were nervous before the final result.
Answer 3:
1. John and his brother are going to the party together.
2. The cat and the dog are playing in the backyard.
3. Pizza and salad are on the menu for dinner tonight.
4. Sarah and her best friend are going shopping this weekend.
5. My phone and laptop are essential for my work.
6. The teacher and the principal are attending the conference.
7. Pasta and sauce are being served for dinner tonight.
8. Mary and her sister are planning a trip to Europe.
9. The cat and the mouse are hiding in the corner.
10. Bread and butter are essential for making a sandwich.
Answers 4:
1. Air and water are necessary for survival.
2. Manu and I were the hosts of the party.
3. Author and publisher, Mr. Sahni, are in town to inaugurate the Book Fair.
4. The author and the publisher were called for a meeting.
5. Simple living and high thinking was Gandhiji’s philosophy.
6. It is said that beauty and brains do not go together.
7. Dev and Anuj are going to Goa this weekend.
8. The singer and actor, Sonu, was awarded the trophy.
9. The singer and the actor were wearing similar jackets.
10. The logic and reasoning of the theory is given below.
Answer 5:
1. Neither of the two brothers was selected for the team.
2. I’ve seen all your paintings. Each one is fantastic.
3. Everyone, whom we invited, has turned up.
4. Only one of the five contestants is going to win the prize.
5. Much of my homework is already done.
6. Thanks to metro rail, less of my time is wasted in commuting now.
7. None of the work was completed.
8. None of the strategies have worked.
9. A lot of energy was wasted on finding the treasure.
10. A lot of books have been written on home remedies.
Answer 6:
1. A variety of music is available here.
2. A variety of music albums is available here.
3. Neither of the two teams was able to score a goal.
4. Much of the hard work of the farmers has been wasted because of the drought.
5. A great deal of literature on the art of cooking is available in the market.
6. Have you seen the sculptures made by him?
7. Each one is a masterpiece.
8. A lot of appreciation was showered on the singer.
9. A lot of people are allergic to dairy products.
10. Very little is known of the Harappan Civilisation.
11. None of the residents was in the house when the roof collapsed.
Answers 7:
1. The engineer as well as his two subordinates were present at the site.
2. Anshu as well as the other members of her family are shifting to Mumbai.
3. I as well as Swati am going for a picnic.
4. The doctor with his interns has reached the operation theatre.
5. The child with his parents is waiting outside the Principal’s office.
6. The teacher as well as her students are sitting in the class.
7. Richa with her friends wants to participate in the quiz.
8. Not only Ravi but his friends also are coming to the party.
9. Not only the Arora family but I also am coming to the party.
10. Either you or Seema is going to clean the room.
Answers 8:
1. Neither Seema nor you are going out tonight.
2. Not only your certificate but your marks also are important.
3. Either my friend or I am going to buy this book.
4. Neither Ritu nor her friends are willing to participate.
5. Mr. Chopra as well as his subordinates have been working for more than ten hours a day.
6. Not only his parents but his aunt also supports his decision.
7. Either the professor or his students are going to present the thesis.
8. Madhu as well as I am anchoring the show.
9. Neither Indu nor her parents have met Tisha.
10. The contestants as well as the host were nervous before the final result.
Answer 9:
1. Physics is considered to be a tough subject.
2. Billiards is fast becoming popular amongst youngsters.
3. The people of the locality are protesting against frequent power-cuts.
4. The cattle were driven to the farm.
5. My new pair of socks is very tight.
6. My socks are very tight.
7. The team has chalked out a strategy to defeat the opponent.
8. The team was divided on the playing strategy.
9. The stationery was available at a cheap price at the store.
10. The new furniture is pretty expensive.
Answer 10:
1. Be careful. This pair of scissors is very sharp.
2. Five years is a pretty long time.
3. Ten kilos of milk were consumed in just one day.
4. A hundred rupees is not a big amount for him.
5. Only one-fourth of the total police force was deployed in the area.
6. The crowd looks quite pleased with the magician’s performance.
7. The cattle were driven to the farm.
8. The team was divided on the playing strategy.
9. A great deal of fuss has been created over the issue.
10. Her furniture shows her elegant taste.
Answer 11
1. People in the carnival were wearing all kinds of fancy dresses.
2. Statistics is Mohit’s favorite subject.
3. This cutlery set gives a very antique look.
4. Her furniture shows her elegant taste.
5. This pair of trousers doesn’t fit me anymore.
6. These trousers are old now.
7. 250 gm of flour is needed for this recipe.
8. The jury was divided in their verdict.
9. Only one-fourth of the total police was deployed in the area.
10. 200 kilometers is a long distance to drive at a stretch.
Answers 12:
1. Fried food is harmful to health.
2. This crockery is very delicate. Hold it carefully.
3. The police were scattered in the whole city for security.
4. Statistics are always important for a player.
5. My mother and I are delighted to see the pictures.
6. Neena, my classmate, and friend, are going abroad.
Answers 13
1. Physics as well as Maths is an interesting subject.
2. A swarm of bees attacked the farmer.
3. One way to avoid your mistakes is to re-read your work.
4. Law and order is important for a nation’s development.
5. Either the students or the teacher made the project.
6. A committee has been set up to review the matter.
7. None of the boys has secured 100% marks.
8. A majority of the team members are not willing to participate in this tournament.
9. People are pleased with the government’s new tax policy.
10. This pair of sunglasses has scratches on it.
Answer 14:
1. These sunglasses have scratches on them.
2. This pack of cards is very old.
3. He and I have been made the class monitors.
4. Mita with her friends is playing football.
5. Chatting over the phone and gossiping for long is something I do not like.
6. I with Mohit are responsible for checking the uniforms of our classmates.
7. A great deal of fuss has been created over the issue.
8. A number of food courts have cropped up in the area.
9. None of the boys has secured 100% marks.
10. A hundred rupees is not a big amount for him.
Conclusion
In mastering Subject Verb Agreement Class 8 students learn to ensure grammatical harmony between subjects and verbs. Understanding these rules fosters clear and effective communication in written and spoken English.
