Are you preparing for competitive exams like PSSSB, PCS, Patwari, Excise Inspector, Senior Assistant, Labour Inspector , or other related exams? If yes, then mastering English grammar rules is crucial for cracking the language section. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most important grammar rules that are frequently asked in these exams. By understanding and applying these rules, you can improve your accuracy and boost your scores.
Table of Contents
Rule 32: Usage of None with Singular and Plural Verbs
Key Points:
- When “None” is used as a subject with singular uncountable nouns , it takes a singular verb .
- Example:
- None of this money is yours.
- None has gone yet.
- Example:
- When “None” is used with plural nouns or pronouns , it can take either a singular or plural verb , but using a singular verb is considered better.
- Example:
- None of these boys is/are naughty.
- None of us is/are guilty.
- Example:
- Important Notes :
- “None” means “not one” or “no one” and is generally used for two or more people or things.
- Avoid using double negatives (e.g., “none” + “no”) as it makes the sentence affirmative.
- Example:
- None of them knows anything. (Affirmative sense)
- Usage of “Any” and “Anyone” :
- “Any” is used for “one among many” and takes a singular verb .
- Example:
- Does any of them know? (Correct)
- Do any of them know? (Incorrect)
Rule 33: Usage of “All”
Key Points:
- When “All” refers to everything (everything/something abstract) , it is treated as singular and takes a singular verb .
- Example:
- All is ready. (Correct)
- All are ready. (Incorrect)
- Example:
- When “All” refers to people or countable things , it is treated as plural and takes a plural verb .
- Example:
- All are good. (Correct)
- All is good. (Incorrect)
- Example:
- Special Cases :
- With singular uncountable nouns : Use a singular verb .
- Example:
- All the money has been spent. (Correct)
- All the money have been spent. (Incorrect)
- Example:
- With plural countable nouns : Use a plural verb .
- Example:
- All of the students were late. (Correct)
- All of the students was late. (Incorrect)
- Example:
- With singular uncountable nouns : Use a singular verb .
Rule 34: Verb Agreement with Specific Words
Here’s a quick reference table summarizing the verb agreement rules for commonly tested words:
| Word | Noun/Pronoun | Verb |
|---|---|---|
| No | Singular Uncountable Noun | Singular Verb |
| No | Singular Countable Noun | Singular Verb |
| No | Plural Countable Noun | Plural Verb |
| Little/A little/The little | Singular Uncountable Noun | Singular Verb |
| Much/Not Much | Singular Uncountable Noun | Singular Verb |
| One third of/Two thirds of… | Singular Uncountable Noun | Singular Verb |
| One third of/Two thirds of… | Plural Countable Noun | Plural Verb |
| Most/Most of/Some/Some of/Half… | Singular Uncountable Noun | Singular Verb |
| Most/Most of/Some/Some of/Half… | Plural Countable Noun | Plural Verb |
| The percentage of | Singular/Plural Noun | Singular Verb |
| More than one | Singular Countable Noun | Singular Verb |
| More than two/three… | Plural Countable Noun | Plural Verb |
| One or two | Plural Countable Noun | Plural Verb |
| The majority/A majority | Plural Countable Noun | Plural Verb |
| Nothing but/Everything but | Singular/Plural Noun | Singular Verb |
Below are some examples based on the table provided:
1. No
- Singular Uncountable Noun :
- No water is left in the bottle.
(Verb: “is” – singular)
- No water is left in the bottle.
- Singular Countable Noun :
- No book is available on this topic.
(Verb: “is” – singular)
- No book is available on this topic.
- Plural Countable Noun :
- No students are present in the classroom.
(Verb: “are” – plural)
- No students are present in the classroom.
2. Little/A little/The little
- Singular Uncountable Noun :
- A little sugar is enough for the recipe.
(Verb: “is” – singular)
- A little sugar is enough for the recipe.
3. Much/Not Much
- Singular Uncountable Noun :
- Not much time is wasted on unnecessary tasks.
(Verb: “is” – singular)
- Not much time is wasted on unnecessary tasks.
4. One third of/Two thirds of…
- Singular Uncountable Noun :
- One third of the milk is spilled on the floor.
(Verb: “is” – singular)
- One third of the milk is spilled on the floor.
- Plural Countable Noun :
- Two thirds of the apples are rotten.
(Verb: “are” – plural)
- Two thirds of the apples are rotten.
5. Most/Most of/Some/Some of/Half…
- Singular Uncountable Noun :
- Most of the furniture is made of wood.
(Verb: “is” – singular)
- Most of the furniture is made of wood.
- Plural Countable Noun :
- Some of the books are missing from the library.
(Verb: “are” – plural)
- Some of the books are missing from the library.
6. The percentage of
- Singular/Plural Noun :
- The percentage of people who voted is surprisingly low.
(Verb: “is” – singular)
- The percentage of people who voted is surprisingly low.
7. More than one
- Singular Countable Noun :
- More than one student is absent today.
(Verb: “is” – singular)
- More than one student is absent today.
8. More than two/three…
- Plural Countable Noun :
- More than three students are waiting outside.
(Verb: “are” – plural)
- More than three students are waiting outside.
9. One or two
- Plural Countable Noun :
- One or two friends are coming over tonight.
(Verb: “are” – plural)
- One or two friends are coming over tonight.
10. The majority/A majority
- Plural Countable Noun :
- The majority of the students are in favor of the new policy.
(Verb: “are” – plural)
- The majority of the students are in favor of the new policy.
11. Nothing but/Everything but
- Singular/Plural Noun :
- Nothing but trouble is expected from this decision.
(Verb: “is” – singular) - Everything but the chairs has been removed from the room.
(Verb: “has” – singular)
- Nothing but trouble is expected from this decision.
Rule 35: Usage of “Little,” “A Little,” “The Little,” and “Much”
Key Points:
- When “Little,” “A Little,” “The Little,” or “Much” is used as a subject , they take a singular verb .
- Example:
- Little is known about this man.
- Much has been done.
- Example:
- Meanings and Usage :
- Little : Used to indicate “hardly any” or “almost nothing.” It has a negative meaning .
- Example:
- I have little milk left. (Negative)
- Example:
- A Little : Used to indicate “some” or “a small amount.” It has a positive meaning .
- Example:
- I have a little milk left. (Positive)
- Example:
- The Little : Used to refer to “the entire small amount available.” It can have both positive or negative meanings .
- Example:
- I spent the little money I had. (Neutral/Negative)
- Example:
- Much : Used to indicate “a large amount” and is always followed by a singular uncountable noun .
- Example:
- Much water has been wasted.
- Example:
- Little : Used to indicate “hardly any” or “almost nothing.” It has a negative meaning .
Why These Grammar Rules Matter?
Understanding these grammar rules is essential because:
- They form the foundation of the English language section in competitive exams.
- Questions based on these rules are frequently asked in exams like PSSSB, PCS, Patwari, Excise Inspector, Senior Assistant, Labour Inspector , etc.
- Mastering these rules helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures higher accuracy in the exam.
For a comprehensive understanding of all the grammar rules discussed in this article, we recommend reviewing the previous article. Please click here to access it and enhance your knowledge of English grammar.
FAQs for the Article on Subject-Verb Agreement with “None,” “All,” and Other Specific Words
1. When to use singular or plural verbs with ‘None’?
Answer:
When “None” refers to a singular uncountable noun, it takes a singular verb.
Example: None of this money is yours.
When “None” refers to plural nouns or pronouns, it can take either a singular or plural verb, but using a singular verb is generally preferred.
Example: None of these boys is/are naughty.
2. What does ‘None’ mean in grammar?
Answer:
“None” means “not one” or “no one” and is typically used when referring to two or more people or things.
Example: None of them knows anything.
3. Why can’t I use ‘None’ with ‘no’?
Answer:
Using “None” with another negative word (like “no”) creates a double negative, which makes the sentence affirmative.
Example: None of them knows anything. (Affirmative sense)
4. Verb agreement with ‘Any’ and ‘Anyone’?
Answer:
“Any” is used for “one among many” and always takes a singular verb.
Correct: Does any of them know ?
Incorrect: Do any of them know ?
“Anyone” also takes a singular verb.
Example: Anyone is welcome to join.
5. When does ‘All’ take a singular or plural verb?
Answer:
When “All” refers to something abstract or uncountable, it takes a singular verb.
Example: All is ready.
When “All” refers to countable people or things, it takes a plural verb.
Example: All are good.
6. Verb agreement with ‘All’ and uncountable nouns?
Answer:
Use a singular verb when “All” refers to a singular uncountable noun.
Example: All the money has been spent.
7. Does ‘All’ take a plural verb with plural nouns?
Answer:
Yes, when “All” refers to plural countable nouns, it takes a plural verb.
Example: All of the students were late.
8. How to use ‘No’ with singular and plural nouns?
Answer:
With singular uncountable nouns: Singular verb.
Example: No water is left in the bottle.
With singular countable nouns: Singular verb.
Example: No book is available on this topic.
With plural countable nouns: Plural verb.
Example: No students are present in the classroom.
9. Verb agreement with ‘Little,’ ‘A Little,’ and ‘Much’?
Answer:
These words always take a singular verb because they refer to singular uncountable nouns.
Little: Hardly any; negative meaning.
Example: Little is known about this man.
A Little: Some; positive meaning.
Example: A little milk is left.
The Little: The entire small amount available.
Example: The little money I had was spent.
Much: A large amount.
Example: Much water has been wasted.
10. Verb agreement with fractions like ‘One third of’?
Answer:
With singular uncountable nouns: Singular verb.
Example: One third of the milk is spilled.
With plural countable nouns: Plural verb.
Example: Two thirds of the apples are rotten.
11. Verb agreement with ‘Most,’ ‘Some,’ and ‘Half’?
Answer:
With singular uncountable nouns: Singular verb.
Example: Most of the furniture is made of wood.
With plural countable nouns: Plural verb.
Example: Some of the books are missing.
12. Does ‘The percentage of’ take a singular or plural verb?
Answer:
“The percentage of” always takes a singular verb, regardless of whether the noun it refers to is singular or plural.
Example: The percentage of people who voted is surprisingly low.
13. Verb agreement with ‘More than one’ and ‘More than two’?
Answer:
“More than one” takes a singular verb because “one” is singular.
Example: More than one student is absent today.
“More than two/three” takes a plural verb because the subject is plural.
Example: More than three students are waiting outside.
14. Does ‘One or two’ take a singular or plural verb?
Answer:
“One or two” always takes a plural verb because it implies multiple items.
Example: One or two friends are coming over tonight.
15. Verb agreement with ‘The majority’ and ‘A majority’?
Answer:
These phrases take a plural verb when referring to countable nouns.
Example: The majority of the students are in favor of the new policy.
16. Verb agreement with ‘Nothing but’ and ‘Everything but’?
Answer:
These phrases take a singular verb, regardless of the noun that follows.
Example: Nothing but trouble is expected from this decision.
Example: Everything but the chairs has been removed.
