Key Concepts and Examples of Verb Concord for CBSE Class 10 Students
FAQs on Class 10 English Grammar: Verb Concord Made Easy for 2025-26
1. What types of questions on Subject-Verb Concord are important for the CBSE Class 10 English exam 2025-26?
For the CBSE Class 10 English exam, questions on Subject-Verb Concord are typically integrated into the Grammar section. You can expect them in formats like gap-filling (cloze tests), error correction (identifying and correcting the verb in a sentence), and multiple-choice questions (MCQs) where you have to choose the correct verb form to agree with the subject.
2. Which are the most frequently tested rules of Subject-Verb Concord in the Class 10 board exams?
Based on board exam trends, some of the most important and frequently tested rules include:
Subjects joined by 'and' taking a plural verb.
The use of singular verbs with indefinite pronouns like 'each', 'every', 'anyone', 'nobody'.
Verbs used with collective nouns (e.g., 'team', 'jury', 'family'), which can be singular or plural based on context.
The 'either/or' and 'neither/nor' rule, where the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it.
Subjects that are separated from the verb by long phrases or clauses.
3. What is a common trap in Verb Concord questions involving phrases like 'along with' or 'as well as'?
A very common trap is when a singular subject is followed by a phrase like 'along with', 'as well as', 'in addition to', or 'together with' containing a plural noun. Students often mistakenly make the verb agree with the plural noun in the phrase. The rule is that the verb must always agree with the main subject of the sentence. For example, in the sentence, “The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly,” the subject is 'politician' (singular), so the verb is 'is', not 'are'.
4. How does the 'rule of proximity' cause common errors, and how can students avoid this mistake in exams?
The 'rule of proximity' is a common error where students make the verb agree with the noun that is physically closest to it, instead of the actual subject. For example, in “The quality of the mangoes was not good,” the subject is 'quality' (singular), not 'mangoes' (plural). Students might incorrectly write 'were' because 'mangoes' is closer to the verb. To avoid this, always identify the true subject of the sentence first by asking 'what' or 'who' is performing the action, and ignore any intervening prepositional phrases.
5. How is knowledge of Verb Concord important for scoring well in the Class 10 English writing section?
Mastering Subject-Verb Concord is crucial beyond just the grammar section. In the writing section, which includes tasks like Letter Writing and Analytical Paragraphs, grammatical accuracy is a key marking parameter. Correct concord ensures your sentences are clear, logical, and well-structured. Examiners deduct marks for grammatical errors, and mistakes in subject-verb agreement can make your writing seem weak and unclear, impacting your overall score.
6. From an exam perspective, how should one handle Verb Concord with collective nouns like 'committee' or 'team'?
This is an important area for board exams. When a collective noun acts as a single, unified unit, you must use a singular verb. For example, “The team is playing well this season.” However, if the members of the group are acting as individuals, you must use a plural verb. For example, “The committee are divided in their opinions.” For the exam, carefully read the context to determine if the collective noun refers to a single entity or to its individual members.











