NCERT Class 10 English: An In-depth Guide to Subject-Verb Concord

Subject-Verb Concord, often referred to as subject-verb agreement, is a cornerstone of English grammar, ensuring that the subject of a sentence and its verb agree in number (singular or plural). Mastery of this grammatical rule is essential for students of Class 10, as it significantly affects clarity, coherence, and correctness in both writing and speaking. Let’s delve into the complexities of Subject-Verb Concord to help Class 10 students grasp this fundamental concept thoroughly.

Understanding Subject-Verb Concord

Subject-Verb Concord is the principle that the subject of a sentence and its verb must be in agreement in number and person. This means if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. Likewise, if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

Why Is Subject-Verb Concord Important?

1. Clarity and Accuracy: Proper subject-verb agreement is essential for clear communication. Incorrect agreement can lead to confusion about the subject or the action being described.
2. Grammatical Correctness: It is a basic rule of syntax in English grammar, and adhering to it is crucial for grammatical correctness in written and spoken English.
3. Exam Performance: Questions testing your knowledge of subject-verb agreement are common in Class 10 exams, including writing tasks and multiple-choice questions.

Key Rules of Subject-Verb Concord

Rule 1: Singular subjects need singular verbs; plural subjects need plural verbs

• Singular: The cat runs across the street.
• Plural: The cats run across the street.

Rule 2: Do not be misled by phrases that come between the subject and the verb

• The teacher, along with the students, is planning a field trip.

Rule 3: With collective nouns, the verb might be singular or plural, depending on the context

• The team is winning. (viewed as a single unit)
• The team are wearing their new uniforms. (emphasizing individual members)

Rule 4: Indefinite pronouns as subjects require specific attention

• Everyone likes the new teacher. (singular)
• Many are called, but few are chosen. (plural)

Rule 5: Titles of books, movies, and other titles are treated as singular and take a singular verb

• The Lord of the Rings is a popular book series.

Rule 6: In sentences beginning with ‘there is’ or ‘there are’, the subject follows the verb

• There is a problem with the solution.
• There are many problems with the solution.

Strategies to Master Subject-Verb Concord

Practice Regularly

The more you practice, the more natural subject-verb agreement will become. Work through exercises in your NCERT textbook and additional worksheets.

Read Extensively

Reading books, newspapers, and magazines exposes you to correct language usage, reinforcing your understanding of subject-verb concord.

Write and Revise

When writing, pay close attention to ensuring that your subjects and verbs agree. Revising your work helps you identify and correct mistakes.

Seek Feedback

Have your teachers, peers, or tutors review your work specifically for subject-verb agreement errors. Feedback is invaluable for improvement.

Use Memory Aids

Create mnemonics or phrases to help remember specific rules, especially for irregular verbs or exceptions.

Conclusion

Mastering Subject-Verb Concord is crucial for excelling in Class 10 English. By understanding the fundamental rules, practicing regularly, and applying these principles in your writing and speech, you can ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity. Remember, consistency is key to mastering any aspect of language learning, and subject-verb agreement is no exception. Keep practicing, and you’ll find that correct subject-verb concord will become second nature in no time.