7.Mastering English Grammar Rules: Usage of None, All, Little, A Little, The Little for PSSSB, PCS, Patwari, Excise Inspector, Senior Assistant, Labour Inspector, and Other Competitive Exams

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.

Rule 32: Usage of None with Singular and Plural Verbs

Key Points:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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)
4. 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:

1. 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)
2. 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)
3. 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)
   • With plural countable nouns : Use a plural verb .
     • Example:
       • All of the students were late. (Correct)
       • All of the students was late. (Incorrect)

Rule 34: Verb Agreement with Specific Words

Here’s a quick reference table summarizing the verb agreement rules for commonly tested words:

Below are some examples based on the table provided:

1. No

• Singular Uncountable Noun :
  • No water is left in the bottle.
    (Verb: “is” – singular)
• Singular Countable Noun :
  • No book is available on this topic.
    (Verb: “is” – singular)
• Plural Countable Noun :
  • No students are present in the classroom.
    (Verb: “are” – plural)

2. Little/A little/The little

• Singular Uncountable Noun :
  • A little sugar is enough for the recipe.
    (Verb: “is” – singular)

3. Much/Not Much

• Singular Uncountable Noun :
  • Not much time is wasted on unnecessary tasks.
    (Verb: “is” – singular)

4. One third of/Two thirds of…

• Singular Uncountable Noun :
  • One third of the milk is spilled on the floor.
    (Verb: “is” – singular)
• Plural Countable Noun :
  • Two thirds of the apples are rotten.
    (Verb: “are” – plural)

5. Most/Most of/Some/Some of/Half…

• Singular Uncountable Noun :
  • Most of the furniture is made of wood.
    (Verb: “is” – singular)
• Plural Countable Noun :
  • Some of the books are missing from the library.
    (Verb: “are” – plural)

6. The percentage of

• Singular/Plural Noun :
  • The percentage of people who voted is surprisingly low.
    (Verb: “is” – singular)

7. More than one

• Singular Countable Noun :
  • More than one student is absent today.
    (Verb: “is” – singular)

8. More than two/three…

• Plural Countable Noun :
  • More than three students are waiting outside.
    (Verb: “are” – plural)

9. One or two

• Plural Countable Noun :
  • One or two friends are coming over tonight.
    (Verb: “are” – plural)

10. The majority/A majority

• Plural Countable Noun :
  • The majority of the students are in favor of the new policy.
    (Verb: “are” – plural)

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)

Rule 35: Usage of “Little,” “A Little,” “The Little,” and “Much”

Key Points:

1. 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.
2. Meanings and Usage :
   • Little : Used to indicate “hardly any” or “almost nothing.” It has a negative meaning .
     • Example:
       • I have little milk left. (Negative)
   • A Little : Used to indicate “some” or “a small amount.” It has a positive meaning .
     • Example:
       • I have a little milk left. (Positive)
   • 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)
   • Much : Used to indicate “a large amount” and is always followed by a singular uncountable noun .
     • Example:
       • Much water has been wasted.

Why These Grammar Rules Matter?

Understanding these grammar rules is essential because:

1. They form the foundation of the English language section in competitive exams.
2. Questions based on these rules are frequently asked in exams like PSSSB, PCS, Patwari, Excise Inspector, Senior Assistant, Labour Inspector , etc.
3. 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.

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