English grammar · Class 9
Subject-verb concord (agreement)
The verb must agree with its subject in number. Most mistakes happen when the real subject is hidden by other words, or when a word looks plural but is not.
In the CBSE Class 9 and 10 English Language and Literature grammar list for 2026-27.
The rules
1. Find the real subject; ignore phrases such as 'of the boys', 'along with', 'as well as' between it and the verb.
- The box of pencils is on the table.
- The teacher, along with her students, was at the fair.
2. Each, every, either, neither, everyone, somebody, nobody take a singular verb.
- Each of the girls has a book.
- Everyone is ready.
- Neither answer is correct.
3. Either … or / neither … nor: the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
- Neither the teacher nor the students were late.
- Either the boys or Rani is going to speak.
4. Two subjects joined by 'and' are usually plural.
- Rahul and his sister play chess.
5. Some nouns look plural but take a singular verb: news, mathematics, physics.
- The news is good.
- Mathematics is my favourite subject.
Common mistakes
One of my friends live in Pune.
One of my friends lives in Pune.
The subject is 'one', which is singular.
Every student have a locker.
Every student has a locker.
Every + singular noun takes a singular verb.
The news are shocking.
The news is shocking.
News takes a singular verb.
Practice
1. The list of items ___ on the board.
2. Each of the players ___ a medal.
3. Neither the principal nor the teachers ___ present.
4. Physics ___ my best subject.
5. My brother, as well as my parents, ___ coming to the function.
Made by Shishya (AI-assisted); every answer checked by hand when written. Topic list for Class 9 and 10 from the CBSE 2026-27 English syllabus.