Page 75 - English Expedition Class 6
P. 75
4. When we use two singular subjects joined by and but preceded by the words each or every,
we use a singular verb.
Every nook and corner was searched for the missing child.
Each chair and table was moved to a diff erent corner of the room.
5. The words each, every, many a . . ., everyone, everybody, anybody, anyone, nobody, somebody,
someone and no one are singular and take a singular verb.
Everybody knows that story.
Someone has worn my shoes.
6. When two singular subjects are joined by or, nor, either . . . or or neither . . . nor, we use a
singular verb.
No food or drink was wasted.
Neither Khushi nor Ally knows the way.
Either the goat or its child has to leave.
7. When the nouns or pronouns connected by or, nor, either . . . or or neither . . . nor are of
diff erent numbers, the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it.
Neither the general nor his soldiers were ready to admit defeat.
Neither his soldiers nor the general was ready to admit defeat.
Either he or I am wrong. (However, it is better to say, Either he is wrong or I am.)
8. When the subject is a collective noun thought of as one whole, we use a singular verb.
The jury is meeting on Wednesday.
The Indian Army is a large force.
However, if we speak of the individuals that make up the collective noun, a plural verb is
used.
When debating the case, the jury were in disagreement.
A. Circle the correct verb in each of the following sentences.
1. Gold and silver is/are precious metals.
2. No nook or corner was/were left untouched.
3. The news is/are true.
4. Many a scholar has/have studied at this university.
5. Either the cat or the dog has/have been in the room.
6. The Student Council selects/select its leader every year.
7. You is/are mistaken, or else he is/are.
8. None of my friends reads/read science fi ction.
B. Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the verbs given in brackets.
1. Every boy and every girl ________________ given a book. (be)
2. Time and tide ________________ for no man. (wait)
65
