Subject-Verb Concord: Connectors & Traps

An advanced practice quiz on the trickiest Subject-Verb Concord rules frequently tested in Kerala PSC examinations. It targets correlative conjunctions where the verb agrees with the nearest subject (neither...nor, either...or, not only...but also), parenthetical connectors where the verb agrees with the first subject (as well as, along with, together with, in addition to, accompanied by), 'A number of' vs 'The number of', 'More than one', 'Many a', and singular nouns referring to pairs (a pair of shoes/trousers).

Study Scope

• Correlative Conjunctions: Neither the teacher nor the students were; Neither the students nor the teacher was
• Parenthetical Connectors: The captain as well as the crew was saved; Silver as well as gold has fallen
• 'A number of' (plural) vs 'The number of' (singular)
• 'More than one + singular noun' (takes singular verb)
• 'Many a + singular noun' (takes singular verb)
• Unit of Pairs: 'A pair of trousers is' vs 'His trousers are'
• Distances, Periods of Time, Amounts: Five miles is; Two hours is

Tested Competencies

• Instantly distinguish between rules governing nearest subject vs first subject
• Avoid the common trap of pluralizing verbs after 'as well as' or 'along with'
• Handle 'A number of' vs 'The number of' with complete accuracy