Page 23 - DENG201_ENGLISH_II

Unit 1: Functional English Grammar—Types of Sentences, Sentence Structure

2. A Plural Noun which is the name of a country or province or the title of a book, is followed by a Notes
Singular Verb ; as—
The United States has a fine navy.
The Arabian Nights, contains interesting stories.
Great Expectations, is an interesting novel.
A Collective Noun generally takes a Singular Verb when the subject stands for the collection as a
whole and a Plural Verb when the subject stands for the individuals of which it is composed ; as—
1. The whole class is absent.
The mob has dispersed.
The gentry is sitting on the chairs.
2. The jury has four members.
The jury have different opinions.
The crew were arrested.
A Relative Pronoun must agree with its antecedent in Gender, Number and Person ; as—
It is he who is to blame.
It is they who are to blame.
It is you who are to blame.
It is I who am to blame.
He has sold the cow which gives milk.
Study the following sentences:
Two thirds of this book is easy.
Many people live in slums.
A pair of shoes is lying under the table.
A large number is expected at the match.
This news spreads fast.
One of my friends has not come.
The quality of the mangoes was not good.
Not only he but all his companions were arrested.
Not only you but also I am to blame.
Common Errors in the Use of Verbs
Incorrect Correct
1. Two thousand rupees are a good sum. Two thousand rupees is a good sum.
2. The king and poet are here. The king and poet is here.
3. The father with his sons were present there. The father with his sons was present there.
4. He as well as his parents are illiterate. He as well as his parents is illiterate.
5. Bread and butter are my only food. Bread and Butter is my only food.
6. Either you or your brother have done this. Either you or your brother has done this.
7. Either of these two boys are guilty. Either of these two boys is guilty.
8. The jury were of one mind. The jury was of one mind.
9. ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ are an interesting book. ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ is an interesting book.
10. Neither you came here nor your brother did. Neither you came here nor did your brother.
11. A large number of people was present there. A large number of people were present there.
12. The majority of the applicants is girls. The majority of the applicants are girls.

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