SSC Foundation English 2026: Subject and Verb Agreement for SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO & MTS

SSC Foundation English 2026: English grammar is an important part of the SSC exams. Understanding the rules of grammar can make a big difference in SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO, and MTS preparation. One of the most important topics in English is subject-verb agreement. Below, we will discuss SSC Foundation English 2026, focusing on subject and verb agreement.

Introduction to SSC Foundation English 2026

SSC Foundation English 2026 is designed to help aspirants build a strong base in English grammar. The course is useful for SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO, and MTS exams. This uses a simple and story-based approach to explain grammar concepts. The lessons are easy to follow and suitable for beginners and intermediate learners.

Importance of Subject-Verb Agreement

In English, the verb must agree with the subject in number. This rule is called subject-verb agreement. Learning subject-verb agreement is important because it improves sentence formation. It also helps in writing and speaking correctly.

For example:

• Singular subject → singular verb → “The list is ready.”

• Plural subject → plural verb → “The students are ready.”

Understanding this basic rule is the foundation of SSC Foundation English 2026.

Identifying the Subject and Verb

A subject is the doer of an action. It can be a noun or a pronoun. A verb shows the action performed by the subject.

Rules:

• Singular noun or pronoun → singular verb

• Plural noun or pronoun → plural verb

Examples:

• “He runs fast.” (singular)

• “They run fast.” (plural)

In SSC Foundation English 2026, it explains the different forms of verbs. The root form is used for plural subjects, and adding “s” or “es” makes it singular in the present tense.

Special Cases in Subject-Verb Agreement

In English, some sentences do not follow the basic subject-verb agreement rules directly. These special cases have specific patterns and exceptions that every SSC aspirant should know.

Subjects with Prepositions

When a sentence has a prepositional phrase, the verb agrees with the main subject, not the noun after the preposition.

Example:

• “The list of students is on the table.”
  Here, “list” is the main subject.

Using “And” with Singular Nouns

• Two nouns joined by “and” usually take a plural verb: “Ram and Shyam are friends.”

• If both nouns refer to the same person, the verb is singular: “Mr. Verma and player is present.”

Distributive Pronouns

Distributive pronouns like “each,” “either,” “neither,” and “none” always take a singular verb, even if followed by a plural noun.

Example: “Each of the students was present.”

Use of “There”

When “there” is used at the beginning of a sentence, the verb agrees with the real subject, not with “there.”

Example:

• “There is a book on the table.”

• “There are books on the table.”

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on the meaning:

• Group as one → singular verb → “The team is strong.”

• Individual actions → plural verb → “The team are arguing.”

Nearest Subject Rule

For compound subjects joined by “or,” “nor,” or similar words, the verb agrees with the closest subject.

Example:

• “Either the teacher or the students are late.”

• “Neither the students nor the teacher is late.”

Clausal Rule

Phrases like “along with,” “as well as,” or “together with” do not change the main subject. The verb agrees only with the main subject.

Example:

• “Rohan, along with his friends, is coming today.”

Fractions and Percentages

The verb depends on the noun after “of.”

Example:

• “Half of the cake is gone.”

• “Two-thirds of the players are selected.”
  
  

“The Number of” vs “A Number of”

• “The number of” → singular verb → “The number of students is high.”

• “A number of” → plural verb → “A number of students are present.”

Irregular Plurals

Some words like “children” are always plural. Do not add “s” to them.

Example: “Most children are playing.”

More than One + Singular Noun

• “More than one student is absent today.”

Common Errors and Tips

Many learners make mistakes with distributive pronouns, collective nouns, and complex sentences. Always identify the true subject. In SSC exams, accuracy in subject-verb agreement can help improve grammar marks.

Subject-Verb Agreement MCQs

Below are 15 MCQs based on SSC Foundation English 2026:

1. Each of the boys ___ going to school.
   a) are
   b) is
   Answer: b) is

2. The number of students ___ increasing.
   a) are
   b) is
   Answer: b) is

3. Either the manager or the employees ___ responsible.
   a) is
   b) are
   Answer: b) are

4. The list of books ___ on the table.
   a) is
   b) are
   Answer: a) is

5. Rohan, along with his friends, ___ playing cricket.
   a) is
   b) are
   Answer: a) is

6. There ___ many options available.
   a) is
   b) are
   Answer: b) are

7. Neither the teacher nor the student ___ late.
   a) is
   b) are
   Answer: a) is

8. Half of the cake ___ eaten.
   a) is
   b) are
   Answer: a) is

9. A number of players ___ selected for the match.
   a) is
   b) are
   Answer: b) are

10. More than one girl ___ present in the class.
    a) is
    b) are
    Answer: a) is

11. The police ___ investigating the case.
    a) is
    b) are
    Answer: b) are

12. Mr. Verma and the player ___ ready for the match.
    a) is
    b) are
    Answer: a) is

13. Two-thirds of the students ___ completed the assignment.
    a) has
    b) have
    Answer: b) have

14. Each of the flowers ___ beautiful.
    a) are
    b) is
    Answer: b) is

15. The musicians and performers ___ appreciated by the audience.
    a) is
    b) are
    Answer: b) are

SSC Foundation English 2026 provides a clear and simple explanation of subject and verb agreement. The lessons cover rules, exceptions, and common errors with practical examples. Aspirants preparing for SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO, or MTS can benefit from regular practice and understanding these rules.

Remember: Correct grammar comes with consistent practice. Focus on subject-verb agreement, and gradually other grammar topics will become easier.

By following SSC Foundation English 2026, students can strengthen their foundation in English and improve their performance in SSC exams.