SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT/CONCORD, CHAPTER 3, BSE, ODISHA

 

Subject–Verb Agreement

Observe the following sentences:

ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ୟ କର।

1.    Grandmother was praying and telling her beads.

2.    The sparrows were not chirping.

In sentence 1, the verb phrase is ‘was praying’. But in sentence 2, the verb phrase is ‘were chirping’. Why is it so?

In an English sentence, the verb must agree with its subject in number and person. Its form depends on whether the subject is singular or plural in number. It also depends on whether the subject is in the first, second, or third person. Keeping the subject–verb agreement in view, we choose the correct verb form after the subject.

Note the agreement between the subjects and verbs in the following sentences:

ବାକ୍ୟ ୧ରେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଗୁଚ୍ଛ (verb phrase) ‘was praying’ ଅଛି। କିନ୍ତୁ ବାକ୍ୟ ୨ରେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଗୁଚ୍ଛ ‘were chirping’ ଅଛି। ଏପରି କାହିଁକି?

ଇଂରାଜୀ ବାକ୍ୟରେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ତାହାର କର୍ତ୍ତା (subject) ସହ ବଚନ (number) ଏବଂ ପୁରୁଷ (person) ଅନୁସାରେ ସମ୍ମତି (agreement) ରଖିବା ଆବଶ୍ୟକ। କ୍ରିୟାପଦର ରୂପ କର୍ତ୍ତା ଏକବଚନ (singular) କିମ୍ବା ବହୁବଚନ (plural) ହେବା ଉପରେ ନିର୍ଭର କରେ। ସେହିପରି, କର୍ତ୍ତା ପ୍ରଥମ ପୁରୁଷ (first person), ଦ୍ୱିତୀୟ ପୁରୁଷ (second person) କିମ୍ବା ତୃତୀୟ ପୁରୁଷ (third person) ହେବା ଉପରେ ମଧ୍ୟ କ୍ରିୟାପଦର ରୂପ ନିର୍ଭର କରେ। ତେଣୁ, କର୍ତ୍ତା–କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ସମ୍ମତି (Subject–Verb Agreement) କୁ ଧ୍ୟାନରେ ରଖି ଆମେ କର୍ତ୍ତା ପରେ ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରୁ।

ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକରେ କର୍ତ୍ତା ଓ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଥିବା ସମ୍ମତିକୁ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ୟ କର।

 

Subject	Verb	Parts of the Predicate Other Than the Verb
I	am	a student.
We / You / They / The students	are	in the school hall.
He / She / It / Gopal / Rani / The teacher	is	in the school hall.
The teacher and the students	are	in the school hall.
The cow	eats	grass.
Cows, goats and sheep	eat	grass.

If we change the sentences into the past tense, the verbs will be was (in place of am and is), were (in place of are), and ate (in place of eats and eat).

1. Introductory There and Subject It

(a) Introductory There

Verbs used after an introductory there have to agree with the noun (the real subject) coming after them.

• There is/was a book on the desk.
• There are/were four books on the desk.

·       ୧. ପ୍ରାରମ୍ଭିକ There ଏବଂ Subject It

·       (କ) ପ୍ରାରମ୍ଭିକ There (Introductory There)

·       ପ୍ରାରମ୍ଭିକ there ପରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ, there ପରେ ଆସୁଥିବା ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ (ପ୍ରକୃତ କର୍ତ୍ତା) ସହ ବଚନ ଅନୁଯାୟୀ ସମ୍ମତି ରଖେ।

·       • ଡେସ୍କ ଉପରେ ଗୋଟିଏ ବହି ଅଛି / ଥିଲା।
(There is/was a book on the desk.)

·       • ଡେସ୍କ ଉପରେ ଚାରୋଟି ବହି ଅଛି / ଥିଲା।
(There are/were four books on the desk.)

*The key point is that “introductory” does not necessarily mean “dummy subject.” We need to distinguish the grammatical functions carefully.

Compare the two constructions

1. There is a book on the desk.

Here, there is an existential/anticipatory (dummy) element. It has no lexical meaning such as “at that place.”

·       There = dummy/introductory element

·       is = verb

·       a book = displaced/notional subject

·       on the desk = adverbial

The sentence is essentially presenting the existence of a book.

2. Here is a book on the desk.

Here, here retains its deictic meaning: “in this place.” It is therefore naturally analysed as an adverb of place, even though it occurs in the same initial position.

So the fact that both occur before the verb does not make them grammatically identical.

But there is an important complication

Consider:

Here comes the bus.

The analysis is more interesting. Traditional grammars generally treat here as an adverb, with the bus as the subject placed after the verb because of the inversion.

Compare:

The bus comes here.

The meaning of here is clearly locative in both sentences. The word has simply been moved to the front, producing inversion.

But:

There comes the bus.

Here there can also be interpreted as a locative adverb meaning “at that place.”

Therefore, not every initial there is introductory dummy there.

This gives us the crucial distinction

Sentence	there/here	Subject
There is a book.	dummy/introductory there	a book
There are books.	dummy/introductory there	books
The book is there.	adverb of place	the book
There comes the bus.	adverb of place	the bus
Here comes the bus.	adverb of place	the bus
The bus comes here.	adverb of place	the bus

So “Here is a book” should not automatically be classified as parallel to “There is a book.” In Here is a book, here can retain its locative meaning: “Here, in this place, is a book.”

One more important point for your SVA material

If you are preparing a section on Subject–Verb Agreement, I would write it like this:

Introductory There
When there is used as an introductory/dummy element, the verb agrees with the noun phrase that follows it:

·       There is a book on the desk.

·       There are four books on the desk.

Initial Here
When here is placed before the verb, it is normally an adverb of place, and the subject follows the verb:

·       Here is your book.

·       Here are your books.

·       Here comes the bus.

·       Here come the buses.

Thus, the agreement pattern looks similar, but the grammatical function of there and here is not necessarily the same.

And this is why your instinct was right: we should not call both “dummy subjects” merely because both can occur before the verb.

 

(b) Subject It

When it is used in the normal subject position to make a statement about time, distance, or weather, the verb is always singular, i.e., is or was.

• It is/was ten past twelve.
• It is/was two miles to the beach.
• It is/was raining heavily.

·       (ଖ) କର୍ତ୍ତା (Subject) ଭାବରେ It

·       ଯେତେବେଳେ it ସାଧାରଣ କର୍ତ୍ତା (subject) ଭାବରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୋଇ ସମୟ (time), ଦୂରତା (distance) କିମ୍ବା ପାଣିପାଗ (weather) ବିଷୟରେ କିଛି କୁହେ, ସେତେବେଳେ ତାହା ସହ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ସର୍ବଦା ଏକବଚନ (singular) ହୁଏ; ଅର୍ଥାତ୍ is କିମ୍ବା was ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

·       • ବାରଟା ବାଜି ଦଶ ମିନିଟ୍ ହୋଇଛି / ହୋଇଥିଲା।
(It is/was ten past twelve.)

·       • ସମୁଦ୍ର କୂଳକୁ ଦୁଇ ମାଇଲ୍ ଦୂର। / ସମୁଦ୍ର କୂଳକୁ ଦୁଇ ମାଇଲ୍ ଦୂର ଥିଲା।
(It is/was two miles to the beach.)

·       • ପ୍ରବଳ ବର୍ଷା ହେଉଛି / ହେଉଥିଲା।
(It is/was raining heavily.)

2. Distance, Time, Weight, and Money

When a plural number applies to distance, time, weight, or amounts of money, and represents a single figure or quantity, it is treated as singular and takes a singular verb.

• Fifty kilometres is not a long distance in these days of rapid travel.
• Sixty years is a long time.
• "Two kilos of tea is a sufficient quantity." or "Two kilos of tea is a month's supply."
• Five rupees is not a big sum.

·       ୨. ଦୂରତା (Distance), ସମୟ (Time), ଓଜନ (Weight) ଏବଂ ଟଙ୍କାର ପରିମାଣ (Money)

·       ଯେତେବେଳେ ଦୂରତା, ସମୟ, ଓଜନ କିମ୍ବା ଟଙ୍କାର ପରିମାଣ ବହୁବଚନ ସଂଖ୍ୟାରେ ପ୍ରକାଶିତ ହେଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ଏକ ଏକକ ପରିମାଣ (single figure or quantity) କୁ ବୁଝାଏ, ସେତେବେଳେ ତାହାକୁ ଏକବଚନ (singular) ଭାବେ ଗଣନା କରାଯାଏ ଏବଂ ତାହା ସହ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

·       • ଦ୍ରୁତ ଯାତାୟାତର ଏହି ଯୁଗରେ ପଚାଶ କିଲୋମିଟର ଦୂରତା ବେଶି ନୁହେଁ।
(Fifty kilometres is not a long distance in these days of rapid travel.)

·       • ଷାଠିଏ ବର୍ଷ ଏକ ଦୀର୍ଘ ସମୟ।
(Sixty years is a long time.)

·       • ଦୁଇ କିଲୋଗ୍ରାମ ଚା ପର୍ଯ୍ୟାପ୍ତ ପରିମାଣ।
ଅଥବା
ଦୁଇ କିଲୋଗ୍ରାମ ଚା ଗୋଟିଏ ମାସ ପାଇଁ ପର୍ଯ୍ୟାପ୍ତ।
(Two kilos of tea is a sufficient quantity. / Two kilos of tea is a month's supply.)

·       • ପାଞ୍ଚ ଟଙ୍କା ବଡ଼ ଅର୍ଥରାଶି ନୁହେଁ।
(Five rupees is not a big sum.)

3. Subjects Joined by And

(a) Single Object or Notion

If two nouns joined by and are regarded as a single object or notion, the verb is singular.

• Bread and butter is my favourite breakfast.
• Truth and honesty is the best policy.
• Curry and rice was his favourite food.

·       ୩. And ଦ୍ୱାରା ସଂଯୁକ୍ତ କର୍ତ୍ତା (Subjects Joined by And)

·       (କ) ଏକ ବସ୍ତୁ କିମ୍ବା ଏକ ଧାରଣା (Single Object or Notion)

·       ଯଦି and ଦ୍ୱାରା ସଂଯୁକ୍ତ ଦୁଇଟି ବିଶେଷ୍ୟକୁ ଏକ ବସ୍ତୁ କିମ୍ବା ଏକ ଧାରଣା ଭାବରେ ବୁଝାଯାଏ, ତେବେ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

·       • ବ୍ରେଡ୍ ଏବଂ ବଟର ମୋର ପ୍ରିୟ ଜଳଖିଆ।
(Bread and butter is my favourite breakfast.)

·       • ସତ୍ୟ ଏବଂ ସଚ୍ଚୋଟତା ହିଁ ସର୍ବୋତ୍ତମ ନୀତି।
(Truth and honesty is the best policy.)

·       • କରି ଏବଂ ଭାତ ତାଙ୍କର ପ୍ରିୟ ଖାଦ୍ୟ ଥିଲା।
(Curry and rice was his favourite food.)

·       · • ଆଇନ ଏବଂ ଶୃଙ୍ଖଳା ଦେଶର ମୂଳ ଆବଶ୍ୟକତା।
(Law and order is the basic requirement of a country.)

·       · • ଧାନ ଏବଂ ଡାଲି ତାଙ୍କର ମୁଖ୍ୟ ଖାଦ୍ୟ।
(Rice and dal is their staple food.)

·       · • ଜ୍ଞାନ ଏବଂ ଅନୁଭବ ଏହି କାମ ପାଇଁ ଆବଶ୍ୟକ।
(Knowledge and experience is essential for this work.)

·       · • ଧାରା ଏବଂ ରୀତିନୀତି ଏହି ପରମ୍ପରାର ଆଧାର।
(Custom and tradition is the basis of this practice.)

·       · • ସମୟ ଏବଂ ଜୁଆର କାହାକୁ ଅପେକ୍ଷା କରେ ନାହିଁ।
(Time and tide waits for no one.)

·       · • ଉଠିବା ଏବଂ ଶୋଇବା ତାଙ୍କର ଦୈନିକ ଅଭ୍ୟାସ।
(Getting up and going to bed is his daily routine.)

·       · • ଆସିବା ଏବଂ ଯିବା ତାଙ୍କର ଦୈନିକ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟର ଅଂଶ।
(Coming and going is part of his daily routine.)

·       · • ଧାରଣା ଏବଂ ବାସ୍ତବତା ମଧ୍ୟରେ ବହୁତ ତଫାତ ଅଛି।
(Theory and practice is a subject of great importance.)

·       · • ସତ୍ୟ ଏବଂ ସଚ୍ଚୋଟତା ହିଁ ସର୍ବୋତ୍ତମ ନୀତି।
(Truth and honesty is the best policy.)

·       · • ଧୀରଜ ଏବଂ ପରିଶ୍ରମ ହିଁ ସଫଳତାର ଚାବି।
(Patience and hard work is the key to success.)

(b) Separate Persons or Things

In other cases, two singular or plural subjects joined by and make the total subject plural and take a plural verb.

• Gopal and his sister have come.
• Two boys and three girls have written their essays.

·       (ଖ) ପୃଥକ୍ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି ବା ବସ୍ତୁ (Separate Persons or Things)

·       ଅନ୍ୟ ସମସ୍ତ କ୍ଷେତ୍ରରେ, and ଦ୍ୱାରା ସଂଯୁକ୍ତ ଦୁଇଟି ଏକବଚନ କିମ୍ବା ବହୁବଚନ କର୍ତ୍ତା ମିଶି ବହୁବଚନ କର୍ତ୍ତା ଗଠନ କରନ୍ତି। ତେଣୁ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

·       · • ଗୋପାଳ ଏବଂ ତାଙ୍କ ଭଉଣୀ ଆସିଛନ୍ତି।
(Gopal and his sister have come.)

·       · • ଦୁଇଜଣ ପୁଅ ଏବଂ ତିନିଜଣ ଝିଅ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ପ୍ରବନ୍ଧ ଲେଖିଛନ୍ତି।
(Two boys and three girls have written their essays.)

·       · • ରାମ ଏବଂ ଶ୍ୟାମ ଭଲ ବନ୍ଧୁ।
(Ram and Shyam are good friends.)

·       · • ଶିକ୍ଷକ ଏବଂ ଛାତ୍ରମାନେ ସଭାରେ ଉପସ୍ଥିତ ଥିଲେ।
(The teacher and the students were present at the meeting.)

·       · • ମୋ ବାପା ଏବଂ ମୋ ମାଆ ଦୁହେଁ ଶିକ୍ଷକ।
(My father and my mother are both teachers.)

·       · • ଗୋଟିଏ କୁକୁର ଏବଂ ଦୁଇଟି ବିଲେଇ ବଗିଚାରେ ଖେଳୁଛନ୍ତି।
(A dog and two cats are playing in the garden.)

·       · • ପୁସ୍ତକ ଏବଂ ଖାତାଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଟେବୁଲ ଉପରେ ଅଛି।
(The books and notebooks are on the table.)

·       · • ଏକ କଲମ ଏବଂ ଏକ ପେନ୍ସିଲ ମୋ ବ୍ୟାଗରେ ଅଛି।
(A pen and a pencil are in my bag.)

·       · • ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟ ଏବଂ ଚନ୍ଦ୍ର ଆକାଶରେ ଦେଖାଯାଉଛନ୍ତି।
(The sun and the moon are visible in the sky.)

·       · • ରାଜା ଏବଂ ତାଙ୍କର ମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ରାଜପ୍ରାସାଦରେ ପ୍ରବେଶ କଲେ।
(The king and his minister entered the palace.)

·       · • ମୋ ଭାଇ ଏବଂ ମୋ ଭଉଣୀ ପ୍ରତିଦିନ ସ୍କୁଲକୁ ଯାଆନ୍ତି।
(My brother and my sister go to school every day.)

·       · • ସମସ୍ତ ଶିକ୍ଷକ ଏବଂ ଛାତ୍ରମାନେ ଅନୁଷ୍ଠାନରେ ଯୋଗ ଦେଇଥିଲେ।
(All the teachers and students took part in the programme.)

·       · • ତାଙ୍କର ଭାଇ ଏବଂ ଭଉଣୀ ଉଭୟ ଡାକ୍ତର।
(His brother and sister are both doctors.)

·       · • ଏହି ପୁସ୍ତକ ଏବଂ ସେହି ପତ୍ରିକା ମୋର।
(This book and that magazine are mine.)

4. Collective Nouns

(a) Collective Nouns

A collective noun in the singular may take a singular verb if the speaker thinks of the thing as a single whole. If the individual members of the collective noun are considered, the collective noun can take a plural verb.

• The jury (i.e., the members of the jury) were divided in their opinions.
• The jury (i.e., as one body) has selected its chairman.
• The committee was unanimous on this issue. (Single unit)
• The committee were divided on this issue. (Individual members)

·       ୪. ସମୂହବାଚକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ (Collective Nouns)

·       (କ) ସମୂହବାଚକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ (Collective Nouns)

·       ଏକବଚନ ସମୂହବାଚକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ସହ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୋଇପାରେ, ଯଦି ବକ୍ତା ସମଗ୍ର ସମୂହକୁ ଏକକ (single whole) ଭାବରେ ବିବେଚନା କରନ୍ତି। କିନ୍ତୁ ସମୂହର ପୃଥକ୍ ପୃଥକ୍ ସଦସ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କୁ ବୁଝାଇଲେ, ସେହି ସମୂହବାଚକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ସହ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୋଇପାରେ।

·       • ଜୁରିର ସଦସ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କ ମତ ଏକ ନ ଥିଲା।
(The jury (i.e., the members of the jury) were divided in their opinions.)

·       · • ଜୁରି (ଏକ ସମଗ୍ର ସଂସ୍ଥା ଭାବରେ) ତାହାର ସଭାପତିଙ୍କୁ ଚୟନ କରିଛି।
(The jury (i.e., as one body) has selected its chairman.)

·       · • ଏହି ବିଷୟରେ କମିଟି ସର୍ବସମ୍ମତ ଥିଲା। (ଏକକ ଭାବରେ)
(The committee was unanimous on this issue.)

·       · • ଏହି ବିଷୟରେ କମିଟିର ସଦସ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ମତଭେଦ ଥିଲା। (ପୃଥକ୍ ସଦସ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କୁ ବୁଝାଏ)
(The committee were divided on this issue.)

·       · • ଦଳ ଏକ ଭଲ ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶନ କରିଛି।
(The team has put up a good performance.)

·       · • ଦଳର ସଦସ୍ୟମାନେ ପରସ୍ପର ସହିତ ଝଗଡ଼ା କରୁଥିଲେ।
(The team were quarrelling among themselves.)

·       · • ପରିବାରଟି ଏକାଠି ରହେ।
(The family lives together.)

·       · • ପରିବାରର ସଦସ୍ୟମାନେ ନିଜ ନିଜ କୋଠରୀକୁ ଚାଲିଗଲେ।
(The family have gone to their respective rooms.)

·       · • ସରକାର ଏହି ନିଷ୍ପତ୍ତି ନେଇଛି।
(The government has taken this decision.)

·       · • ସରକାରର ସଦସ୍ୟମାନେ ଏହି ପ୍ରସ୍ତାବ ଉପରେ ମତଭେଦ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରିଛନ୍ତି।
(The government have expressed different opinions on this proposal.)

·       · • ଦଳ ନିର୍ବାଚନରେ ବିଜୟୀ ହୋଇଛି।
(The party has won the election.)

·       · • ଦଳର ସଦସ୍ୟମାନେ ପରସ୍ପରକୁ ଦୋଷାରୋପ କରୁଛନ୍ତି।
(The party are blaming one another.)

·       · • ପରିବାରଟି ଏକ ଏକକ ଭାବରେ ଏହି ଘରର ମାଲିକ।
(The family owns this house as a unit.)

·       · • ପରିବାରର ସଦସ୍ୟମାନେ ନିଜ ନିଜ ମତ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରିଛନ୍ତି।
(The family have expressed their individual opinions.)

(b) Certain Plural Nouns

Some nouns like police, people, poultry, and cattle usually take plural verbs.

• The police have not made any arrests.
• The people of India are concerned about their spiritual welfare.
• The poultry have been fed.
• The cattle are grazing in the field.

·       (ଖ) କେତେକ ବହୁବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ (Certain Plural Nouns)

·       police, people, poultry ଏବଂ cattle ପରି କେତେକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଗ୍ରହଣ କରନ୍ତି।

·       • ପୋଲିସ ଏପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ କାହାକୁ ଗିରଫ କରିନାହାନ୍ତି।
(The police have not made any arrests.)

·       • ଭାରତର ଲୋକମାନେ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ଆଧ୍ୟାତ୍ମିକ କଲ୍ୟାଣ ପ୍ରତି ସଚେତନ।
(The people of India are concerned about their spiritual welfare.)

·       • କୁକୁଡ଼ାମାନଙ୍କୁ ଖାଦ୍ୟ ଦିଆଯାଇଛି।
(The poultry have been fed.)

·       • ଗୋରୁମାନେ ପଡ଼ିଆରେ ଚରୁଛନ୍ତି।
(The cattle are grazing in the field.)

5. Nouns Taking Singular Verbs

The nouns clothing, food, furniture, stationery, cutlery, crockery, jewellery, and scenery usually take singular verbs.

• His clothing is very attractive.
• Food is necessary for living.
• The furniture needs to be repaired.
• Stationery is sold in this shop.

·       ୫. ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଗ୍ରହଣ କରୁଥିବା ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ (Nouns Taking Singular Verbs)

·       clothing, food, furniture, stationery, cutlery, crockery, jewellery ଏବଂ scenery ପରି ବିଶେଷ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଗ୍ରହଣ କରନ୍ତି।

·       • ତାଙ୍କର ପୋଷାକ ବହୁତ ଆକର୍ଷଣୀୟ।
(His clothing is very attractive.)

·       • ବଞ୍ଚି ରହିବା ପାଇଁ ଖାଦ୍ୟ ଆବଶ୍ୟକ।
(Food is necessary for living.)

·       • ଆସବାବପତ୍ରର ମରାମତି କରିବା ଆବଶ୍ୟକ।
(The furniture needs to be repaired.)

·       • ଏହି ଦୋକାନରେ ଷ୍ଟେସନେରୀ ସାମଗ୍ରୀ ବିକ୍ରି କରାଯାଏ।
(Stationery is sold in this shop.)

·       · • ଏହି ଉପକରଣଟି ଆମ ପାଇଁ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଉପଯୋଗୀ।
(This equipment is very useful to us.)

·       · • ଆମକୁ ଅଧିକ ତଥ୍ୟ ଆବଶ୍ୟକ।
(More information is needed.)

·       · • ଏହି ସୂଚନା ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ସଠିକ୍।
(This information is completely accurate.)

·       · • ଏହି ଉପଦେଶ ମୋ ପାଇଁ ବହୁତ ଉପଯୋଗୀ ହୋଇଛି।
(This advice has been very useful to me.)

·       · • ତାଙ୍କର ଗୃହକାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ କଠିନ।
(His homework is very difficult.)

·       · • ତାଙ୍କର ଗବେଷଣା ଏପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଚାଲିଛି।
(His research is still in progress.)

·       · • ଏହି ପ୍ରମାଣ ତାଙ୍କର ଦୋଷ ପ୍ରମାଣ କରେ।
(This evidence proves his guilt.)

·       · • ଏହି ଯାତାୟାତ ଆମ ପାଇଁ ଏକ ବଡ଼ ସମସ୍ୟା।
(The traffic is a major problem for us.)

·       · • ଆଜି ରାସ୍ତାରେ ଯାତାୟାତ ବହୁତ ଅଧିକ।
(The traffic is very heavy today.)

·       · • ଆଜିର ପାଣିପାଗ ବହୁତ ଭଲ।
(The weather is very pleasant today.)

·       · • ଏହି ଯନ୍ତ୍ରପାତିର ମରାମତି ଆବଶ୍ୟକ।
(The machinery needs repair.)

·       · • ଆମର ଯନ୍ତ୍ରପାତି ଠିକ୍ ଭାବରେ କାମ କରୁଛି।
(Our machinery is working properly.)

·       · • ଏହି ଟଙ୍କା ମୋ ପାଇଁ ଯଥେଷ୍ଟ।
(This money is sufficient for me.)

·       · • ତାଙ୍କର କେଶ ବହୁତ ଲମ୍ବା।
(His hair is very long.)

·       · • ଏହି ଜ୍ଞାନ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଜୀବନରେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିବ।
(This knowledge will help him in life.)

·       · • ତାଙ୍କର ପ୍ରଗତି ସନ୍ତୋଷଜନକ।
(His progress is satisfactory.)

·       · • ଏହି ଅଗ୍ରଗତି ଆମକୁ ଆଶା ଦେଇଛି।
(This progress has given us hope.)

·       · • ଏହି କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ କଷ୍ଟକର।
(This work is very difficult.)

·       · • ଏହି କାମ ପାଇଁ ଅଧିକ ପ୍ରୟାସ ଆବଶ୍ୟକ।
(More effort is required for this work.)

·       · • ତାଙ୍କର ଅଭିଜ୍ଞତା ତାଙ୍କୁ ଜଣେ ଭଲ ଶିକ୍ଷକ କରିଛି।
(His experience has made him a good teacher.)

·       · • ଏହି ଅନୁଭବ ମୋତେ ଅନେକ କିଛି ଶିଖାଇଛି।
(This experience has taught me a lot.)

·       · • ଏହି ଅଭ୍ୟାସ ତାଙ୍କ ସ୍ୱାସ୍ଥ୍ୟ ପାଇଁ ଭଲ।
(This exercise is good for his health.)

·       · • ତାଙ୍କର ଜ୍ଞାନ ଓ ଅଭିଜ୍ଞତା ଏହି କାମ ପାଇଁ ଯଥେଷ୍ଟ।
(His knowledge and experience are sufficient for this work.)

·       ଟିପ୍ପଣୀ: information, advice, equipment, furniture, machinery, luggage, baggage, traffic, weather, homework, research, evidence, progress, knowledge, money, work, news ଆଦିକୁ ସାଧାରଣତଃ uncountable nouns ଭାବରେ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରାଯାଏ। ତେଣୁ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସହ singular verb ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

·       · • ତାଙ୍କର କବିତା ତାଙ୍କର ପ୍ରକୃତିପ୍ରେମକୁ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରେ।
(His poetry reflects his love of nature.)

Activity – 1

1. Choose the correct verb given in brackets and rewrite each sentence.
(a) There (is/are) plenty of job opportunities for the people of this region.
(b) There (was/were) plenty of room for improvement in her work.
(c) Two plus two (is/are) four.
(d) Two twos (is/are) four.
(e) Seventy kilometres (is/are) a long distance.
(f) Fish and chips (is/are) not so expensive as chicken curry and rice.
(g) A crowd (has/have) gathered in the street.
(h) The assembly (was/were) divided on this issue.
(i) The police (is/are) chasing the burglar.
(j) Her clothing (is/are) waterproof.

Answers:

(a) There are plenty of job opportunities for the people of this region.
(b) There was plenty of room for improvement in her work.
(c) Two plus two is four.
(d) Two twos are four.
(e) Seventy kilometres is a long distance.
(f) Fish and chips is not so expensive as chicken curry and rice.
(g) A crowd has gathered in the street.
(h) The assembly was divided on this issue. i
(i) The police are chasing the burglar.
(j) Her clothing is waterproof.
10 Additional Questions
(k) There (is/are) several reasons for his absence.
(l) There (is/are) a great deal of work to be completed.
(m) Five hundred rupees (is/are) enough for the journey.
(n) Five hundred rupees (is/are) lying in the drawer.
(o) Bread and butter (is/are) my usual breakfast.
(p) The committee (has/have) reached a unanimous decision.
(q) The committee (has/have) disagreed among themselves.
(r) The furniture in this room (is/are) very expensive.
(s) The cattle (is/are) grazing in the meadow.
(t) A flock of birds (was/were) flying over the lake.

Answers:

(k) There are several reasons for his absence.
(l) There is a great deal of work to be completed.
(m) Five hundred rupees is enough for the journey.
(n) Five hundred rupees are lying in the drawer.
(o) Bread and butter is my usual breakfast.
(p) The committee has reached a unanimous decision.
(q) The committee have disagreed among themselves.
(r) The furniture in this room is very expensive.
(s) The cattle are grazing in the meadow.
(t) A flock of birds was flying over the lake.

୬. କର୍ତ୍ତା ଓ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଉପବାକ୍ୟ (Clause) ଥିଲେ

ଯଦି କର୍ତ୍ତା (subject) ଓ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ (verb) ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଏକ ଉପବାକ୍ୟ (clause) ଆସେ, ତେବେ ପ୍ରକୃତ କର୍ତ୍ତାକୁ ଚିହ୍ନଟ କରି ସେହି କର୍ତ୍ତା ସହ ସମ୍ମତି ରଖି କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିବା ଉଚିତ।

• ସେହି ଟେବୁଲ୍ ଉପରେ ରଖାଯାଇଥିବା ସମସ୍ତ ବହି ମୋର।
(All the books which have been placed on that table are mine.)

• ତୁମେ ମୋ ପିଲାମାନଙ୍କୁ ଦେଇଥିବା ରେଡିଓଟି ସଠିକ୍ ଭାବରେ କାମ କରୁଛି।
(The radio which you gave my children works perfectly.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ଗଛ ଉପରେ ବସିଥିବା ପକ୍ଷୀଟି ସୁନ୍ଦର ଗୀତ ଗାଉଛି।
(The bird that is sitting on the tree sings beautifully.)

• ଆଲମାରୀରେ ଥିବା ଚାବିଗୁଡ଼ିକ ହଜିଯାଇଛି।
(The keys which are in the cupboard are missing.)

• ଗତକାଲି ମୋତେ ସାକ୍ଷାତ କରିଥିବା ଶିକ୍ଷକ ମୋର ମାମୁଁ ଅଟନ୍ତି।
(The teacher who met me yesterday is my uncle.)

୭. (କ) Either of, Neither of ଏବଂ None of

ଯଦି କର୍ତ୍ତା either of, neither of କିମ୍ବା none of ଦ୍ୱାରା ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୁଏ ଏବଂ ତାହା ପରେ ବହୁବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ କିମ୍ବା ସର୍ବନାମ ଥାଏ, ତେବେ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

• ଦୁଇଜଣ ପୁଅଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ଜଣେ ପୁରସ୍କାର ପାଇଛି।
(Either of the boys has got a prize.)

• ସେମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେହି ଆସିନାହାନ୍ତି।
(Neither of them has come.)

• ଛାତ୍ରମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ କେହି ଏପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଆସିନାହାନ୍ତି।
(None of the students has arrived yet.)
ଏଠାରେ none ର ଅର୍ଥ ସାଧାରଣତଃ "not any" (ଜଣେ ବି ନୁହେଁ / କେହି ନୁହେଁ) ବୋଲି ବୁଝାଯାଏ।

ଟିପ୍ପଣୀ : ଏହିପରି ବାକ୍ୟରେ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିବାକୁ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଅନୌପଚାରିକ (informal) ବୋଲି ଧରାଯାଏ। କଥିତ ଇଂରାଜୀ (conversational English)ରେ ଏପରି ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ କେବେ କେବେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ, କିନ୍ତୁ ବ୍ୟାକରଣ ଅନୁଯାୟୀ ଏବଂ ପରୀକ୍ଷାରେ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିବା ଅଧିକ ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ।

(b) Each of, one of etc. usually take singular verbs.

i. Each of the students was given a prize.

ii. One of the girls was able to answer the question correctly

(ଖ) Each of, One of ଇତ୍ୟାଦି

Each of, One of ଇତ୍ୟାଦି ଦ୍ୱାରା ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିବା କର୍ତ୍ତା ସହ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

• ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ଛାତ୍ରଙ୍କୁ ଏକ ପୁରସ୍କାର ଦିଆଯାଇଥିଲା।
(Each of the students was given a prize.)

• ଝିଅମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ଜଣେ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନର ସଠିକ୍ ଉତ୍ତର ଦେଇପାରିଥିଲା।
(One of the girls was able to answer the question correctly.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ପୁସ୍ତକ ବହୁତ ଉପଯୋଗୀ।
(Each of the books is very useful.)

• ଖେଳାଳିମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ଜଣେ ଆହତ ହୋଇଥିଲେ।
(One of the players was injured.)

(c) If no or some is followed by a singular noun, it takes a singular verb. If it is followed by a plural noun, it takes a plural verb.

i.  No child has done his homework.

ii No children have done their homework

iii. Some water is left in the pot.

iv. Some girls have gone on a picnic

(ଗ) No ଏବଂ Some

ଯଦି no କିମ୍ବା some ପରେ ଏକବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଆସେ, ତେବେ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ। କିନ୍ତୁ ବହୁବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଆସିଲେ, ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

• କୌଣସି ପିଲା ତା'ର ଘରକାମ କରିନାହିଁ।
(No child has done his homework.)

• କୌଣସି ପିଲା ନିଜ ନିଜର ଘରକାମ କରିନାହାନ୍ତି।
(No children have done their homework.)

• ହାଣ୍ଡିରେ କିଛି ପାଣି ବଳକା ଅଛି।
(Some water is left in the pot.)

• କେତେକ ଝିଅ ପିକନିକ୍‌କୁ ଯାଇଛନ୍ତି।
(Some girls have gone on a picnic.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• କୌଣସି ଛାତ୍ର ଅନୁପସ୍ଥିତ ନାହିଁ।
(No student is absent.)

• କେତେକ ଛାତ୍ର ପରୀକ୍ଷାରେ ସଫଳ ହୋଇଛନ୍ତି।
(Some students have passed the examination.)

(d) When and connects two titles or designations of the same person, the verb is singular. If the persons referred to are different, the verb is plural.

i. The Vice-President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha has given his consent to the bill.

ii. The Vice-President of India and the Chancellor of the University were invited to the convocation

[To indicate that the persons talked about are two separate individuals, we use the definite article ‘the’ or ‘a possessive adjective’ before each person as in the second example above.]

(ଘ) ଏକେ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଙ୍କର ଦୁଇଟି ପଦବୀ କିମ୍ବା ଉପାଧି (Titles or Designations of the Same Person)

ଯେତେବେଳେ and ଦ୍ୱାରା ଏକେ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଙ୍କର ଦୁଇଟି ପଦବୀ କିମ୍ବା ଉପାଧି ସଂଯୁକ୍ତ ହୁଏ, ସେତେବେଳେ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ। କିନ୍ତୁ ଯଦି ଦୁଇଜଣ ଭିନ୍ନ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଙ୍କୁ ବୁଝାଯାଏ, ତେବେ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

• ଭାରତର ଉପରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରପତି ଏବଂ ରାଜ୍ୟସଭାର ସଭାପତି ବିଲ୍‌ଟି ପାଇଁ ତାଙ୍କର ସମ୍ମତି ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି।
(The Vice-President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha has given his consent to the bill.)

• ଭାରତର ଉପରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରପତି ଏବଂ ବିଶ୍ୱବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟର କୁଳାଧିପତିଙ୍କୁ ସମାବର୍ତ୍ତନ ଉତ୍ସବକୁ ଆମନ୍ତ୍ରଣ କରାଯାଇଥିଲା।
(The Vice-President of India and the Chancellor of the University were invited to the convocation.)

ଟିପ୍ପଣୀ : ଯଦି ଦୁଇଜଣ ପୃଥକ୍ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଙ୍କୁ ବୁଝାଇବାକୁ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଙ୍କ ପୂର୍ବରୁ the କିମ୍ବା ଅଧିକାରବାଚକ ବିଶେଷଣ (possessive adjective) ଯଥା my, your, his, her, our, their ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ। ଉପରୋକ୍ତ ଦ୍ୱିତୀୟ ବାକ୍ୟରେ ଏହାର ଉଦାହରଣ ଦେଖାଯାଇଛି।

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟର ମୁଖ୍ୟଶିକ୍ଷକ ଏବଂ ସଚିବ ସଭାରେ ଭାଷଣ ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି। (ଏକେ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି)
(The Headmaster and Secretary has addressed the meeting.)

• ବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟର ମୁଖ୍ୟଶିକ୍ଷକ ଏବଂ ସଚିବ ସଭାରେ ଉପସ୍ଥିତ ଥିଲେ। (ଦୁଇଜଣ ଭିନ୍ନ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି)
(The Headmaster and the Secretary were present at the meeting.)

8. If the subject begins with a fraction, the verb agrees with the noun that follows the fraction.

i. Two-thirds of the acid has evaporated

ii. Two-thirds of the apples are rotten

୮. ଭଗ୍ନାଂଶ (Fraction) ସହ କ୍ରିୟାପଦର ସମ୍ମତି

ଯଦି କର୍ତ୍ତା ଭଗ୍ନାଂଶ (fraction) ଦ୍ୱାରା ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଭଗ୍ନାଂଶ ପରେ ଆସୁଥିବା ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ସହ ସମ୍ମତି ରଖେ। ଯଦି ସେହି ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଏକବଚନ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ; ଯଦି ବହୁବଚନ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

• ଏସିଡ୍‌ର ତିନିଭାଗରୁ ଦୁଇଭାଗ ବାଷ୍ପୀଭୂତ ହୋଇଯାଇଛି।
(Two-thirds of the acid has evaporated.)

• ସେଓଗୁଡ଼ିକର ତିନିଭାଗରୁ ଦୁଇଭାଗ ପଚିଯାଇଛି।
(Two-thirds of the apples are rotten.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• କ୍ଷୀରର ଅଧା ଅଂଶ ଶେଷ ହୋଇଯାଇଛି।
(Half of the milk has been finished.)

• ଛାତ୍ରମାନଙ୍କ ଅଧା ଅଂଶ ଉପସ୍ଥିତ ଅଛନ୍ତି।
(Half of the students are present.)

• ପାଣିର ଏକ-ଚତୁର୍ଥାଂଶ ବଳକା ଅଛି।
(One-fourth of the water is left.)

9. (a) If the subject begins with a good deal of, a great deal of, a lot of, plenty of, most of, some of etc. the verb agrees with the noun that follows such phrases.

i. A lot of people were present at the meeting.

ii. A lot of money was spent on buying clothes for the marriage ceremony.

iii. Some of the students were intelligent

iv. Some of the music was excellent.

୯. (କ) A good deal of, A great deal of, A lot of, Plenty of, Most of, Some of ଇତ୍ୟାଦି

ଯଦି କର୍ତ୍ତା a good deal of, a great deal of, a lot of, plenty of, most of, some of ଇତ୍ୟାଦି ଦ୍ୱାରା ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଏହି ପଦଗୁଚ୍ଛ ପରେ ଆସୁଥିବା ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ସହ ସମ୍ମତି ରଖେ। ଯଦି ସେହି ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଏକବଚନ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ; ଯଦି ବହୁବଚନ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

• ସଭାରେ ବହୁତ ଲୋକ ଉପସ୍ଥିତ ଥିଲେ।
(A lot of people were present at the meeting.)

• ବିବାହ ଉତ୍ସବ ପାଇଁ ପୋଷାକ କିଣିବାରେ ବହୁତ ଟଙ୍କା ଖର୍ଚ୍ଚ ହୋଇଥିଲା।
(A lot of money was spent on buying clothes for the marriage ceremony.)

• କେତେକ ଛାତ୍ର ବୁଦ୍ଧିମାନ ଥିଲେ।
(Some of the students were intelligent.)

• କେତେକ ସଙ୍ଗୀତ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଉତ୍କୃଷ୍ଟ ଥିଲା।
(Some of the music was excellent.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ଅଧିକାଂଶ ଛାତ୍ର ପରୀକ୍ଷାରେ ସଫଳ ହୋଇଥିଲେ।
(Most of the students passed the examination.)

• ପ୍ରଚୁର ପାଣି ବଳକା ଅଛି।
(Plenty of water is available.)

• ବହୁତ ପୁସ୍ତକ ପୁସ୍ତକାଳୟରେ ଅଛି।
(Plenty of books are available in the library.)

(b) Phrases beginning with 'a congregation of, a crowd of a flock of, a group of 'a herd of, and 'a regiment of, usually take a singular verb in spite of the fact that the noun after of is plural.

i. A crowd of people was shouting slogans.

ii. A herd of elephants was seen in the jungle

iii. A group of smugglers was arrested yesterday

(ଖ) A congregation of, A crowd of, A flock of, A group of, A herd of, A regiment of ଇତ୍ୟାଦି

ଯଦି କର୍ତ୍ତା a congregation of, a crowd of, a flock of, a group of, a herd of କିମ୍ବା a regiment of ଦ୍ୱାରା ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ of ପରେ ବହୁବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ। କାରଣ ଏହି ପଦଗୁଚ୍ଛଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଏକ ସମୂହ (single unit) କୁ ବୁଝାଏ।

• ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କର ଏକ ଭିଡ଼ ସ୍ଲୋଗାନ୍ ଦେଉଥିଲା।
(A crowd of people was shouting slogans.)

• ଜଙ୍ଗଲରେ ହାତୀମାନଙ୍କର ଏକ ପଲ ଦେଖାଯାଇଥିଲା।
(A herd of elephants was seen in the jungle.)

• ଚୋରା ଚାଲାଣକାରୀମାନଙ୍କର ଏକ ଦଳକୁ ଗତକାଲି ଗିରଫ କରାଯାଇଥିଲା।
(A group of smugglers was arrested yesterday.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ପକ୍ଷୀମାନଙ୍କର ଏକ ଝୁଣ୍ଡ ଆକାଶରେ ଉଡ଼ୁଥିଲା।
(A flock of birds was flying in the sky.)

• ସୈନିକମାନଙ୍କର ଏକ ରେଜିମେଣ୍ଟ ସୀମାନ୍ତକୁ ପଠାଯାଇଥିଲା।
(A regiment of soldiers was sent to the border.)

• ଭକ୍ତମାନଙ୍କର ଏକ ସମୂହ ମନ୍ଦିରକୁ ପ୍ରବେଶ କରୁଥିଲେ।
(A congregation of devotees was entering the temple.)

(c) A number of followed by a plural noun takes a plural verb. But the number of in a similar situation takes a singular verb as the real subject is the number.

i. A number of children are suffering from cold.

ii. The number of the sick children is increasing

(ଗ) A Number of ଏବଂ The Number of

ଯଦି କର୍ତ୍ତା a number of ଦ୍ୱାରା ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇ ତାହା ପରେ ବହୁବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଆସେ, ତେବେ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ। କିନ୍ତୁ the number of ଦ୍ୱାରା ଆରମ୍ଭ ହେଲେ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ, କାରଣ ଏଠାରେ ପ୍ରକୃତ କର୍ତ୍ତା the number ଅଟେ।

• ଅନେକ ପିଲା ଥଣ୍ଡାରେ ପୀଡ଼ିତ ଅଛନ୍ତି।
(A number of children are suffering from cold.)

• ଅସୁସ୍ଥ ପିଲାମାନଙ୍କର ସଂଖ୍ୟା ବଢ଼ୁଛି।
(The number of the sick children is increasing.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ଅନେକ ଛାତ୍ର ପ୍ରତିଯୋଗିତାରେ ଅଂଶଗ୍ରହଣ କରିଛନ୍ତି।
(A number of students have participated in the competition.)

• ବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟରେ ଛାତ୍ରମାନଙ୍କର ସଂଖ୍ୟା ବଢ଼ୁଛି।
(The number of students in the school is increasing.)

ଟିପ୍ପଣୀ :

• A number of = ଅନେକ / ବହୁତ → ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ।
• The number of = ସଂଖ୍ୟା → ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ, କାରଣ ପ୍ରକୃତ କର୍ତ୍ତା the number ଅଟେ।

10. Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Economics, News, Measles, Mumps, Advice, Information, Jewellery, Scenery etc. are uncountable nouns. They take singular verbs.

i. Physics is my favourite subject

ii. Measles is an infectious disease

iii. The news was bad.

iv. No information is available now

୧୦. Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Economics, News, Measles, Mumps, Advice, Information, Jewellery, Scenery ଇତ୍ୟାଦି

Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Economics, News, Measles, Mumps, Advice, Information, Jewellery, Scenery ଇତ୍ୟାଦି ଅଗଣନୀୟ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ (uncountable nouns)। ତେଣୁ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

• ପଦାର୍ଥ ବିଜ୍ଞାନ ମୋର ପ୍ରିୟ ବିଷୟ।
(Physics is my favourite subject.)

• ମିଜିଲ୍ସ ଏକ ସଂକ୍ରାମକ ରୋଗ।
(Measles is an infectious disease.)

• ଖବରଟି ଖରାପ ଥିଲା।
(The news was bad.)

• ବର୍ତ୍ତମାନ କୌଣସି ସୂଚନା ଉପଲବ୍ଧ ନାହିଁ।
(No information is available now.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ଗଣିତ ଏକ ରୋଚକ ବିଷୟ।
(Mathematics is an interesting subject.)

• ତୁମର ପରାମର୍ଶ ବହୁତ ଉପଯୋଗୀ।
(Your advice is very useful.)

• ଏହି ସ୍ଥାନର ପ୍ରାକୃତିକ ଦୃଶ୍ୟ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ମନୋରମ।
(The scenery here is very beautiful.)

ଟିପ୍ପଣୀ : ଏହି ବିଶେଷ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଶେଷରେ –s ଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଏକବଚନ ଭାବେ ଗଣନା କରାଯାଏ। ସେଥିପାଇଁ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ସର୍ବଦା ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

Activity – 2

2. Fill in the blanks with appropriate auxiliary verbs.
(a) Either of the boys ___ won a medal.
(b) Neither of those officers ___ efficient.
(c) One of his friends ___ able to speak English fluently.
(d) Some honey ___ left in the pot.
(e) The governor and chancellor of the university ___ been invited to this function.
(f) Three-fourths of the crop ___ damaged by the flood.
(g) A great deal of money ___ spent on his mother's treatment.
(h) A whole regiment of volunteers ___ working here.
(i) The number of scholarships ___ increased this year.
(j) These days, mumps ___ not at all difficult to cure.

Answers:

(a) Either of the boys has won a medal.
(b) Neither of those officers is efficient.
(c) One of his friends is able to speak English fluently.
(d) Some honey is left in the pot.
(e) The governor and chancellor of the university have been invited to this function.
(f) Three-fourths of the crop was damaged by the flood.
(g) A great deal of money was spent on his mother's treatment.
(h) A whole regiment of volunteers is working here.
(i) The number of scholarships has increased this year.
(j) These days, mumps is not at all difficult to cure.
10 Additional Questions
(k) Each of the players ___ given a certificate.
(l) Neither of the answers ___ correct.
(m) A number of students ___ absent today.
(n) The number of students in this class ___ increased considerably.
(o) Half of the milk ___ already been used.
(p) Half of the students ___ already left the classroom.
(q) Much of the information ___ inaccurate.
(r) Many of the applicants ___ qualified for the post.
(s) The quality of these products ___ improved considerably.
(t) Each of the rooms ___ been thoroughly cleaned.

Answers:

(k) Each of the players has been given a certificate.
(l) Neither of the answers is correct.
(m) A number of students are absent today.
(n) The number of students in this class has increased considerably.
(o) Half of the milk has already been used.
(p) Half of the students have already left the classroom.
(q) Much of the information is inaccurate.
(r) Many of the applicants are qualified for the post.
(s) The quality of these products has improved considerably.
(t) Each of the rooms has been thoroughly cleaned.

11. If the subject of a sentence is a clause, the verb is singular.

i. That she is alive is good news.

ii. What he does these days does not concern me.

୧୧. କର୍ତ୍ତା ଯଦି ଏକ ଉପବାକ୍ୟ (Clause) ହୁଏ

ଯଦି କୌଣସି ବାକ୍ୟର କର୍ତ୍ତା (subject) ଏକ ଉପବାକ୍ୟ (clause) ହୁଏ, ତେବେ ସେହି ବାକ୍ୟରେ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

• ସେ ବଞ୍ଚିଛନ୍ତି ବୋଲି ଜାଣିବା ଏକ ଭଲ ଖବର।
(That she is alive is good news.)

• ଆଜିକାଲି ସେ ଯାହା କରୁଛନ୍ତି, ତାହା ମୋର କୌଣସି ଚିନ୍ତାର ବିଷୟ ନୁହେଁ।
(What he does these days does not concern me.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ତୁମେ ଯାହା କହିଲ, ତାହା ସତ୍ୟ।
(What you said is true.)

• ସେ ପରୀକ୍ଷାରେ ଉତ୍ତୀର୍ଣ୍ଣ ହେବେ ବୋଲି ଆମର ବିଶ୍ୱାସ।
(That he will pass the examination is our belief.)

• ସେମାନେ କେବେ ଆସିବେ, ତାହା ଏପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଜଣାପଡ଼ିନାହିଁ।
(When they will come is not yet known.)

ଟିପ୍ପଣୀ : That..., What..., When..., Whether..., Who... ଇତ୍ୟାଦି ଦ୍ୱାରା ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିବା ଉପବାକ୍ୟ ଯଦି ବାକ୍ୟର କର୍ତ୍ତା ଭାବରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ ସେଥି ସହ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

12. (a) If two words are linked in the subject with the help of connectives such as: with, along with, together with, as well as, in addition to, besides, and no etc., the verb agrees with the first word.

i. The teacher with all her students has come love

ii. Rabi as well as his friends is responsible for the loss.

iii. Population growth in addition to many other problems has badly affected India's growth

iv. This new fact together with the other pieces of evidence, proves the prisoner's innocence.

୧୨. (କ) With, Along with, Together with, As well as, In addition to, Besides ଇତ୍ୟାଦି ସହ କର୍ତ୍ତା

ଯଦି କର୍ତ୍ତାରେ ଦୁଇଟି ଶବ୍ଦ with, along with, together with, as well as, in addition to, besides ଇତ୍ୟାଦି ଦ୍ୱାରା ସଂଯୁକ୍ତ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ପ୍ରଥମ କର୍ତ୍ତା (first word) ସହ ସମ୍ମତି ରଖେ; ପରବର୍ତ୍ତୀ ଶବ୍ଦ ସହ ନୁହେଁ।

• ଶିକ୍ଷୟିତ୍ରୀ ତାଙ୍କର ସମସ୍ତ ଛାତ୍ରଛାତ୍ରୀଙ୍କ ସହ ଆସିଛନ୍ତି।
(The teacher with all her students has come.)

• ରବି, ତାଙ୍କ ସାଙ୍ଗମାନଙ୍କ ସହ, ଏହି କ୍ଷତି ପାଇଁ ଦାୟୀ।
(Rabi as well as his friends is responsible for the loss.)

• ଅନ୍ୟାନ୍ୟ ଅନେକ ସମସ୍ୟା ସହ ଜନସଂଖ୍ୟା ବୃଦ୍ଧି ଭାରତର ଉନ୍ନତିକୁ ଗୁରୁତର ଭାବରେ ପ୍ରଭାବିତ କରିଛି।
(Population growth in addition to many other problems has badly affected India's growth.)

• ଏହି ନୂତନ ତଥ୍ୟ, ଅନ୍ୟାନ୍ୟ ପ୍ରମାଣ ସହ, ବନ୍ଦୀଙ୍କ ନିର୍ଦ୍ଦୋଷତାକୁ ପ୍ରମାଣ କରେ।
(This new fact together with the other pieces of evidence, proves the prisoner's innocence.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ମୁଖ୍ୟଶିକ୍ଷକ ତାଙ୍କ ସହକର୍ମୀମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ସଭାରେ ଯୋଗ ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି।
(The Headmaster along with his colleagues has attended the meeting.)

• ମୋ ଭାଇ ତାଙ୍କ ସାଙ୍ଗମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ପିକନିକ୍‌କୁ ଯାଇଛନ୍ତି।
(My brother along with his friends has gone on a picnic.)

• ସୁନୀତା, ତାଙ୍କ ଭଉଣୀଙ୍କ ସହ, ପ୍ରତିଯୋଗିତାରେ ଅଂଶଗ୍ରହଣ କରିଛନ୍ତି।
(Sunita together with her sister has participated in the competition.)

ଟିପ୍ପଣୀ : with, along with, together with, as well as, in addition to, besides ଇତ୍ୟାଦି and ପରି ଦୁଇଟି କର୍ତ୍ତାକୁ ସମାନ ଭାବରେ ଯୋଡ଼ନ୍ତି ନାହିଁ। ତେଣୁ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ସର୍ବଦା ପ୍ରଥମ କର୍ତ୍ତା ସହ ସମ୍ମତି ରଖେ।

(b) When the words in the subject are connected by "not only but also", or, "neither nor" or "either or and they differ in number and person, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.

i. Not only the boy but also his friends are equally guilty.

ii. The boy or his friends have to repair the broken window

iii. Neither the old man nor his sons are prepared to sell their old house.

iv. Either you or he has created this problem.

(ଖ) Not only...but also, Either...or, Neither...nor

ଯଦି କର୍ତ୍ତାର ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକ not only...but also, either...or, କିମ୍ବା neither...nor ଦ୍ୱାରା ସଂଯୁକ୍ତ ହୁଅନ୍ତି ଏବଂ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ବଚନ (number) କିମ୍ବା ପୁରୁଷ (person) ଭିନ୍ନ ଥାଏ, ତେବେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ନିକଟତମ କର୍ତ୍ତା (nearer subject) ସହ ସମ୍ମତି ରଖେ।

• କେବଳ ପୁଅଟି ନୁହେଁ, ତା'ର ସାଙ୍ଗମାନେ ମଧ୍ୟ ସମାନ ଭାବରେ ଦୋଷୀ।
(Not only the boy but also his friends are equally guilty.)

• ପୁଅଟି କିମ୍ବା ତା'ର ସାଙ୍ଗମାନଙ୍କୁ ଭଙ୍ଗା ଝରକାର ମରାମତି କରିବାକୁ ପଡ଼ିବ।
(The boy or his friends have to repair the broken window.)

• ବୃଦ୍ଧ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି କିମ୍ବା ତାଙ୍କ ପୁଅମାନେ ପୁରୁଣା ଘରଟି ବିକ୍ରି କରିବାକୁ ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତ ନୁହନ୍ତି।
(Neither the old man nor his sons are prepared to sell their old house.)

• ତୁମେ କିମ୍ବା ସେ ଏହି ସମସ୍ୟା ସୃଷ୍ଟି କରିଛ।
(Either you or he has created this problem.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ଶିକ୍ଷକ କିମ୍ବା ଛାତ୍ରମାନେ ଏହି କାମ କରିବେ।
(Either the teacher or the students are going to do this work.)

• ଛାତ୍ରମାନେ କିମ୍ବା ଶିକ୍ଷକ ଏହି କାମ କରିବେ।
(Either the students or the teacher is going to do this work.)

• କେବଳ ରୀନା ନୁହେଁ, ତା'ର ଭଉଣୀ ମଧ୍ୟ ପ୍ରତିଯୋଗିତାରେ ଜିତିଛି।
(Not only Reena but also her sister has won the competition.)

ଟିପ୍ପଣୀ : Not only...but also, Either...or, Neither...nor ସହ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଶେଷରେ ଥିବା (ନିକଟତମ) କର୍ତ୍ତା ସହ ସମ୍ମତି ରଖେ। ଏହାକୁ Rule of Proximity (ନିକଟତାର ନିୟମ) କୁହାଯାଏ।

13. Some nouns are made up of two similar parts in a pair like scissors, trousers, spectacles (glasses), etc. These words are treated as plural subjects and they require plural verbs, but a pair of scissors, a pair of shoes, a pair of trousers etc, take a singular verb.

i. The scissors are old.

ii. My trousers have been cleaned.

iii. A pair of shoes was lying in the corner.

୧୩. ଯୁଗ୍ମ ବସ୍ତୁକୁ ବୁଝାଉଥିବା ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ (Pair Nouns)

scissors, trousers, spectacles (glasses) ଇତ୍ୟାଦି କେତେକ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଦୁଇଟି ସମାନ ଅଂଶକୁ ନେଇ ଗଠିତ ବସ୍ତୁକୁ ବୁଝାଏ। ଏହି ବିଶେଷ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ବହୁବଚନ କର୍ତ୍ତା ଭାବରେ ଗଣନା କରାଯାଏ। ତେଣୁ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ। କିନ୍ତୁ a pair of scissors, a pair of shoes, a pair of trousers ଇତ୍ୟାଦିରେ ପ୍ରକୃତ କର୍ତ୍ତା a pair ହୋଇଥିବାରୁ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

• କଞ୍ଚିଟି ପୁରୁଣା।
(The scissors are old.)

• ମୋର ପ୍ୟାଣ୍ଟ ସଫା କରାଯାଇଛି।
(My trousers have been cleaned.)

• ଗୋଟିଏ ଯୋଡ଼ା ଜୋତା କୋଣରେ ପଡ଼ିଥିଲା।
(A pair of shoes was lying in the corner.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ମୋର ଚଷମା ଟେବୁଲ୍ ଉପରେ ଅଛି।
(My spectacles are on the table.)

• ଏହି ଜୋତାଗୁଡ଼ିକ ବହୁତ ଦାମୀ।
(These shoes are very expensive.)

• ଗୋଟିଏ ଯୋଡ଼ା କଞ୍ଚି ଆଲମାରୀରେ ରଖାଯାଇଛି।
(A pair of scissors is kept in the cupboard.)

ଟିପ୍ପଣୀ :

• Scissors, trousers, spectacles, glasses, shorts, jeans ଇତ୍ୟାଦି ସହ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।
• କିନ୍ତୁ a pair of scissors, a pair of trousers, a pair of shoes, a pair of spectacles ଇତ୍ୟାଦିରେ ପ୍ରକୃତ କର୍ତ୍ତା a pair ହୋଇଥିବାରୁ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

14. When an adjective is used as a noun representing a class, it takes a plural verb.

i. The rich [The rich people] have a lot of responsibility towards the poor.

ii. The blind [The rich people] need escorts to cross a road.

୧୪. ବିଶେଷଣ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଭାବରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହେଲେ (Adjective Used as a Noun)

ଯେତେବେଳେ କୌଣସି ବିଶେଷଣ (adjective) ଏକ ଶ୍ରେଣୀ ବା ସମୁଦାୟର ଲୋକଙ୍କୁ ବୁଝାଇବା ପାଇଁ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ (noun) ଭାବରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ, ସେତେବେଳେ ତାହା ସହ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

• ଧନୀମାନଙ୍କର ଗରିବମାନଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତି ଅନେକ ଦାୟିତ୍ୱ ଅଛି।
(The rich [The rich people] have a lot of responsibility towards the poor.)

• ଅନ୍ଧମାନଙ୍କୁ ରାସ୍ତା ପାର ହେବା ପାଇଁ ସହାୟକଙ୍କ ଆବଶ୍ୟକତା ହୁଏ।
(The blind [The blind people] need escorts to cross a road.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ବୃଦ୍ଧମାନେ ସମ୍ମାନର ଯୋଗ୍ୟ।
(The old deserve respect.)

• ବେରୋଜଗାରମାନେ ଚାକିରିର ସୁଯୋଗ ଚାହୁଁଛନ୍ତି।
(The unemployed are looking for jobs.)

• ଯୁବମାନେ ଦେଶର ଭବିଷ୍ୟତ।
(The young are the future of the nation.)

ଟିପ୍ପଣୀ : The rich, the poor, the blind, the old, the young, the sick, the injured, the unemployed ଇତ୍ୟାଦି ଏକ ସମଗ୍ର ଶ୍ରେଣୀର ଲୋକଙ୍କୁ ବୁଝାଏ। ସେଥିପାଇଁ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ସର୍ବଦା ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

15. When the plural noun is a proper name for some single object or for some collective unit, it requires a singular verb, as,

i. Gulliver's Travels was written by Jonathan Swift.

ii. The United States is a powerful country.

୧୫. ବହୁବଚନ ରୂପରେ ଥିବା ବିଶେଷ ନାମ (Proper Name) ଯଦି ଗୋଟିଏ ବସ୍ତୁ କିମ୍ବା ଏକକକୁ ବୁଝାଏ

ଯଦି କୌଣସି ବହୁବଚନ ରୂପର ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଗୋଟିଏ ବିଶେଷ ନାମ (proper name) ଭାବରେ କୌଣସି ଏକକ ବସ୍ତୁ, ଗ୍ରନ୍ଥ, ଦେଶ କିମ୍ବା ସଂଗଠନ କୁ ବୁଝାଏ, ତେବେ ତାହା ସହ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

• Gulliver's Travels ଜୋନାଥନ୍ ସ୍ୱିଫ୍ଟଙ୍କ ଦ୍ୱାରା ଲେଖାଯାଇଥିଲା।
(Gulliver's Travels was written by Jonathan Swift.)

• The United States ଏକ ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ ଦେଶ।
(The United States is a powerful country.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• The Arabian Nights ଏକ ପ୍ରସିଦ୍ଧ କାହାଣୀ ସଂଗ୍ରହ।
(The Arabian Nights is a famous collection of stories.)

• Great Expectations ଚାର୍ଲ୍ସ ଡିକେନ୍ସଙ୍କ ଏକ ପ୍ରସିଦ୍ଧ ଉପନ୍ୟାସ।
(Great Expectations is a famous novel by Charles Dickens.)

• The United Nations ବିଶ୍ୱ ଶାନ୍ତି ପାଇଁ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ କରୁଥିବା ଏକ ଆନ୍ତର୍ଜାତିକ ସଂଗଠନ।
(The United Nations is an international organization working for world peace.)

ଟିପ୍ପଣୀ : ଏହିପରି ବିଶେଷ ନାମଗୁଡ଼ିକର ରୂପ ବହୁବଚନ ହୋଇଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ, ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଗୋଟିଏ ଗ୍ରନ୍ଥ, ଦେଶ କିମ୍ବା ସଂଗଠନକୁ ବୁଝାଏ। ସେଥିପାଇଁ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

16. The verb in a relative clause is singular or plural depending on the number and person of the antecedent of the relative pronoun.

i. It is you who have wronged me.

ii. It is he who has torn my book.

୧୬. Relative Clause ରେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦର ସମ୍ମତି

Relative clause ରେ ଥିବା କ୍ରିୟାପଦ relative pronoun ର antecedent (ଯେଉଁ ଶବ୍ଦକୁ relative pronoun ସୂଚିତ କରେ) ର ବଚନ (number) ଏବଂ ପୁରୁଷ (person) ଅନୁଯାୟୀ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।

• ତୁମେ ହିଁ ମୋ ପ୍ରତି ଅନ୍ୟାୟ କରିଛ।
(It is you who have wronged me.)

• ସେ ହିଁ ମୋର ବହିଟିକୁ ଚିରିଛନ୍ତି।
(It is he who has torn my book.)

ଆହୁରି କିଛି ଉଦାହରଣ :

• ମୁଁ ହିଁ ତୁମକୁ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ କରିଛି।
(It is I who have helped you.)

• ସେମାନେ ହିଁ ଏହି କାମଟି ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କରିଛନ୍ତି।
(It is they who have completed this work.)

• ରୀନା ହିଁ ପ୍ରଥମ ପୁରସ୍କାର ଜିତିଛି।
(It is Reena who has won the first prize.)

ଟିପ୍ପଣୀ : who, which, that ଇତ୍ୟାଦି relative pronoun ପରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ, ସେହି relative pronoun ଯେଉଁ antecedent କୁ ସୂଚିତ କରେ, ତାହାର ବଚନ ଏବଂ ପୁରୁଷ ଅନୁଯାୟୀ ହୁଏ।

Activity – 3

3. Rewrite the sentences by choosing the correct alternative given in brackets.
(a) What he says about me (do/does) not affect me.
(b) Ram, as well as his friends, (like/likes) to play football.
(c) Neither rose nor jasmine (was/were) available in the market.
(d) A pair of spectacles (were/was) lying on the bed.
(e) The rich (lives/live) in affluence.
(f) The Canterbury Tales (was/were) written by Chaucer.
(g) Six weeks (are/is) a long vacation for students.
(h) Your trousers (is/are) torn.
(i) I am young and strong. (amn't/aren't) I?
(j) It is you who (has/have) insulted me.

Answers:

(a) What he says about me does not affect me.
(b) Ram, as well as his friends, likes to play football.
(c) Neither rose nor jasmine was available in the market.
(d) A pair of spectacles was lying on the bed.
(e) The rich live in affluence.
(f) The Canterbury Tales was written by Chaucer.
(g) Six weeks is a long vacation for students.
(h) Your trousers are torn.
(i) I am young and strong. aren't I?
(j) It is you who have insulted me.
10 Additional Questions
(k) Neither the teacher nor the students (was/were) ready to leave.
(l) The captain, along with his players, (was/were) present at the ceremony.
(m) Mathematics (is/are) an interesting subject.
(n) The Arabian Nights (is/are) a famous collection of stories.
(o) Ten kilometres (is/are) not a very long distance for a trained runner.
(p) The scissors (is/are) lying on the table.
(q) My brother, as well as my cousins, (has/have) been invited.
(r) What she needs (is/are) some rest.
(s) The poor (needs/need) our help.
(t) It is they who (is/are) responsible for the mistake.

Answers:

(k) Neither the teacher nor the students were ready to leave.
(l) The captain, along with his players, was present at the ceremony.
(m) Mathematics is an interesting subject.
(n) The Arabian Nights is a famous collection of stories.
(o) Ten kilometres is not a very long distance for a trained runner.
(p) The scissors are lying on the table.
(q) My brother, as well as my cousins, has been invited.
(r) What she needs is some rest.
(s) The poor need our help.
(t) It is they who are responsible for the mistake.

Activity – 4

4. Choose the correct expression from the brackets and rewrite each sentence.
(a) There (is/are) people waiting to see you.
(b) Ours (is/are) a great nation, (isn't it/aren't they)?
(c) The police (has/have) a difficult job.
(d) A lot of cattle (was/were) grazing in the field.
(e) The youth (is/are) not so sincere.
(f) The youth (was/were) more serious than his uncle.
(g) Ill news (travel/travels) fast.
(h) Mumps (is/are) very unpleasant.
(i) Bacteria of the harmful kind (cause/causes) diseases.
(j) There (is/are) a pair of spectacles on that shelf.

Answers:

(a) There are people waiting to see you.
(b) Ours is a great nation, isn't it?
(c) The police have a difficult job.
(d) A lot of cattle were grazing in the field.
(e) The youth are not so sincere.
(f) The youth was more serious than his uncle.
(g) Ill news travels fast.
(h) Mumps is very unpleasant.
(i) Bacteria of the harmful kind cause diseases.
(j) There is a pair of spectacles on that shelf.
10 Additional Questions
(k) The news (is/are) too good to be true.
(l) The measles (is/are) a contagious disease.
(m) The police (has/have) arrested the suspect.
(n) The people of this village (is/are) very friendly.
(o) The elderly (needs/need) special care and attention.
(p) The United States (is/are) a powerful country.
(q) A pair of shoes (was/were) found under the bed.
(r) The shoes (was/were) covered with mud.
(s) There (is/are) a number of mistakes in this paragraph.
(t) There (is/are) a large amount of water in the tank.

Answers:

(k) The news is too good to be true.
(l) The measles is a contagious disease.
(m) The police have arrested the suspect.
(n) The people of this village are very friendly.
(o) The elderly need special care and attention.
(p) The United States is a powerful country.
(q) A pair of shoes was found under the bed.
(r) The shoes were covered with mud.
(s) There are a number of mistakes in this paragraph.
(t) There is a large amount of water in the tank.

17. Many a, More than one
(a) Many a followed by a singular noun takes a singular verb.
i. Many a student has failed because of carelessness.
ii. Many a flower has withered in the heat.
(କ) Many a
ଯଦି Many a ପରେ ଏକବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଆସେ, ତେବେ ତାହା ସହ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।
i. Many a student has failed because of carelessness.
ଅସାବଧାନତା ଯୋଗୁଁ ଅନେକ ଛାତ୍ର ବିଫଳ ହୋଇଛନ୍ତି।
ii. Many a flower has withered in the heat.
ଅତ୍ୟଧିକ ଗରମରେ ଅନେକ ଫୁଲ ଶୁଖିଯାଇଛି।
(b) More than one followed by a singular noun also takes a singular verb.
(ଖ) More than one
ଯଦି More than one ପରେ ଏକବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଆସେ, ତେବେ ତାହା ସହ ମଧ୍ୟ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।
i. More than one student has won the scholarship.
ଏକରୁ ଅଧିକ ଛାତ୍ର ବୃତ୍ତି ପାଇଛନ୍ତି।
ii. More than one person has complained about the noise.
ଏକରୁ ଅଧିକ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି ଶବ୍ଦ ପ୍ରଦୂଷଣ ବିଷୟରେ ଅଭିଯୋଗ କରିଛନ୍ତି।
18. Every, Each
(a) Every or Each followed by a singular noun takes a singular verb.
(କ) Every ଏବଂ Each
ଯଦି Every କିମ୍ବା Each ପରେ ଏକବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଆସେ, ତେବେ ତାହା ସହ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।
i. Every student is present today.
ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ଛାତ୍ର ଆଜି ଉପସ୍ଥିତ ଅଛନ୍ତି।
ii. Each player has received a medal.
ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ଖେଳାଳି ଏକ ପଦକ ପାଇଛନ୍ତି।
(b) If two singular nouns are joined by and and each is preceded by every or each, the verb is singular.
(ଖ)
ଯଦି and ଦ୍ୱାରା ଯୋଡ଼ାଯାଇଥିବା ଦୁଇଟି ଏକବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ପୂର୍ବରୁ every କିମ୍ବା each ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।
i. Every boy and every girl was given a gift.
ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ପୁଅ ଏବଂ ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ଝିଅଙ୍କୁ ଏକ ଉପହାର ଦିଆଯାଇଥିଲା।
ii. Each teacher and each student was requested to attend the meeting.
ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ଶିକ୍ଷକ ଏବଂ ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ଛାତ୍ରଙ୍କୁ ସଭାରେ ଉପସ୍ଥିତ ରହିବାକୁ ଅନୁରୋଧ କରାଯାଇଥିଲା।
19. Percentage Expressions
If a subject begins with a percentage, the verb agrees with the noun following of.
ଶତକଡ଼ା (Percentage) ସହ କ୍ରିୟାପଦର ସମ୍ମତି
ଯଦି କର୍ତ୍ତା ଶତକଡ଼ା (percentage) ଦ୍ୱାରା ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ of ପରେ ଆସୁଥିବା ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ସହ ସମ୍ମତି ରଖେ।
i. Fifty percent of the work is complete.
କାମର ପଚାଶ ପ୍ରତିଶତ ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ହୋଇଛି।
ii. Fifty percent of the students are absent.
ପଚାଶ ପ୍ରତିଶତ ଛାତ୍ର ଅନୁପସ୍ଥିତ ଅଛନ୍ତି।
iii. Ninety percent of the water has evaporated.
ପାଣିର ନବେ ପ୍ରତିଶତ ବାଷ୍ପୀଭୂତ ହୋଇଯାଇଛି।
20. Data, Media, Criteria, Phenomena
In modern English, data, media, criteria, and phenomena may be treated either as singular or plural according to the meaning. In formal grammar, however, they are generally treated as plural.
Data, Media, Criteria, Phenomena
ଆଧୁନିକ ଇଂରାଜୀରେ data, media, criteria ଏବଂ phenomena ପ୍ରସଙ୍ଗ ଅନୁଯାୟୀ ଏକବଚନ କିମ୍ବା ବହୁବଚନ ଭାବରେ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୋଇପାରେ। କିନ୍ତୁ ଔପଚାରିକ ବ୍ୟାକରଣରେ ଏଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ସାଧାରଣତଃ ବହୁବଚନ ଭାବରେ ଧରାଯାଏ।
i. The data are accurate.
ତଥ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସଠିକ୍ ଅଟେ।
ii. The media have reported the incident.
ଗଣମାଧ୍ୟମଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଏହି ଘଟଣାର ସମ୍ବାଦ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରିଛନ୍ତି।
iii. The criterion is important.
ଏହି ମାନଦଣ୍ଡଟି ଗୁରୁତ୍ୱପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ।
iv. The criteria are clearly stated.
ମାନଦଣ୍ଡଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ ଭାବରେ ଉଲ୍ଲେଖ କରାଯାଇଛି।
21. Titles of Books, Newspapers, Films, Poems, etc.
The title of a book, newspaper, film, poem or any other work is treated as singular though it may appear to be plural.
ପୁସ୍ତକ, ସମ୍ବାଦପତ୍ର, ଚଳଚ୍ଚିତ୍ର, କବିତା ଇତ୍ୟାଦିର ଶୀର୍ଷକ
କୌଣସି ପୁସ୍ତକ, ସମ୍ବାଦପତ୍ର, ଚଳଚ୍ଚିତ୍ର, କବିତା କିମ୍ବା ଅନ୍ୟ କୃତିର ଶୀର୍ଷକ ବହୁବଚନ ପରି ଦେଖାଗଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ତାହାକୁ ଏକବଚନ ଭାବରେ ଧରାଯାଏ। ସେଥିପାଇଁ ତାହା ସହ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।
i. The Canterbury Tales is a famous literary work.
The Canterbury Tales ଏକ ପ୍ରସିଦ୍ଧ ସାହିତ୍ୟ କୃତି।
ii. The Times of India is widely read.
The Times of India ବହୁଳ ଭାବରେ ପଢ଼ାଯାଏ।
iii. Great Expectations is one of Dickens' greatest novels.
Great Expectations ଡିକେନ୍ସଙ୍କର ଏକ ଶ୍ରେଷ୍ଠ ଉପନ୍ୟାସ।
22. One of + Plural Noun
In a sentence beginning with one of + plural noun, the main verb is singular because the real subject is one.
One of + ବହୁବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ
ଯଦି କର୍ତ୍ତା one of + ବହୁବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ଦ୍ୱାରା ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୁଏ, ତେବେ ମୁଖ୍ୟ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ଏକବଚନ ହୁଏ, କାରଣ ପ୍ରକୃତ କର୍ତ୍ତା one ଅଟେ।
i. One of the boys has won the prize.
ପୁଅମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ଜଣେ ପୁରସ୍କାର ପାଇଛି।
ii. One of the students was absent yesterday.
ଛାତ୍ରମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ଜଣେ ଗତକାଲି ଅନୁପସ୍ଥିତ ଥିଲେ।
23. One of the...who / The only one of the...who
When who or that refers to the plural noun before one of, the verb in the relative clause is plural. But after the only one of, the verb is singular.
One of...who / The only one of...who
ଯଦି who କିମ୍ବା that one of ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଥିବା ବହୁବଚନ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟକୁ ସୂଚାଏ, ତେବେ relative clause ରେ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ। କିନ୍ତୁ the only one of ପରେ ଏକବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୁଏ।
i. He is one of the boys who have completed the work.
ସେ ସେହି ପୁଅମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ଜଣେ, ଯେଉଁମାନେ କାମଟି ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କରିଛନ୍ତି।
ii. He is the only one of the boys who has completed the work.
ସେ ସେହି ପୁଅମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ଏକମାତ୍ର ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି, ଯିଏ କାମଟି ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କରିଛନ୍ତି।

Additional Activities (Subject–Verb Agreement: Rules 17–23)

Activity–1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb.

1.    Many a student ________ (has/have) participated in the competition.

2.    Many a flower ________ (has/have) faded in the sun.

3.    More than one player ________ (has/have) been injured.

4.    More than one child ________ (was/were) absent yesterday.

5.    Every boy and every girl ________ (was/were) present.

6.    Each teacher and each student ________ (has/have) received a copy of the notice.

7.    Fifty percent of the work ________ (is/are) complete.

8.    Fifty percent of the students ________ (is/are) absent.

9.    Eighty percent of the water ________ (has/have) evaporated.

10. The data ________ (is/are) accurate.

11. The media ________ (has/have) reported the incident.

12. The criterion ________ (is/are) very important.

13. The criteria ________ (is/are) clearly mentioned.

14. The Canterbury Tales ________ (is/are) a famous literary work.

15. The Times of India ________ (is/are) widely read.

16. One of the boys ________ (has/have) solved the problem.

17. One of the girls ________ (was/were) absent yesterday.

18. He is one of the players who ________ (has/have) won the match.

19. She is the only one of the students who ________ (has/have) completed the project.

20. Many a worker ________ (was/were) rewarded for honesty.

Activity–2: Choose the correct answer.

1.    Many a soldier ________ awarded a medal.
(a) were (b) was (c) have (d) are

2.    More than one student ________ selected.
(a) were (b) have (c) has (d) are

3.    Every pen and every pencil ________ kept in the drawer.
(a) is (b) are (c) have (d) were

4.    Forty percent of the books ________ missing.
(a) is (b) are (c) has (d) was

5.    The media ________ covering the event.
(a) is (b) are (c) has (d) was

6.    One of the girls ________ first division.
(a) have secured (b) has secured (c) are securing (d) were securing

7.    He is the only one of the boys who ________ passed the examination.
(a) have (b) has (c) are (d) were

8.    Great Expectations ________ written by Charles Dickens.
(a) were (b) are (c) is (d) have

9.    The criterion for selection ________ clearly stated.
(a) are (b) were (c) is (d) have

10. Many a child ________ afraid of darkness.
(a) are (b) is (c) were (d) have

Activity–3: Correct the errors.

1.    Many a student have failed.

2.    More than one player were injured.

3.    Every boy and every girl were present.

4.    Fifty percent of the work are finished.

5.    The data is accurate. (Treat data as plural.)

6.    The criteria is difficult.

7.    The Times of India are widely read.

8.    One of the students have answered correctly.

9.    He is one of the boys who has completed the work.

10. She is the only one of the girls who have won the prize.

Activity–4: Rewrite using the correct verb.

1.    Many a teacher (have/has) appreciated the idea.

2.    More than one house (were/was) damaged.

3.    Every player and every coach (were/was) honoured.

4.    Thirty percent of the milk (has/have) spilled.

5.    Sixty percent of the students (is/are) successful.

6.    The media (has/have) announced the results.

7.    The criterion (are/is) acceptable.

8.    One of the boys (have/has) broken the window.

9.    He is one of the students who (has/have) secured full marks.

10. She is the only one of the teachers who (has/have) received the award.

Activity–5: State the Rule Number.

Write the rule number (17–23) that justifies the verb.

1.    Many a student has succeeded.

2.    More than one player has been selected.

3.    Every child and every teacher was invited.

4.    Seventy percent of the work is complete.

5.    The media have reported the accident.

6.    The United Nations is an international organisation.

7.    One of the girls has won the race.

8.    He is one of the boys who have passed.

9.    She is the only one of the players who has scored a century.

10. The criterion is very simple.

Activity–6: Mixed Practice

Choose the correct verb.

1.    Many a flower (has/have) bloomed.

2.    More than one child (has/have) fallen asleep.

3.    Every book and every notebook (was/were) checked.

4.    Forty percent of the water (is/are) polluted.

5.    Forty percent of the villages (has/have) electricity.

6.    The data (is/are) reliable.

7.    The criterion (is/are) practical.

8.    The Canterbury Tales (is/are) prescribed this year.

9.    One of the girls (has/have) represented the school.

10. He is the only one of the boys who (has/have) finished the work.

Answers

Activity–1:

1.    has, 2. has, 3. has, 4. was, 5. was, 6. has, 7. is, 8. are, 9. has, 10. are, 11. have, 12. is, 13. are, 14. is, 15. is, 16. has, 17. was, 18. have, 19. has, 20. was.

Activity–2:

1.    (b) was, 2. (c) has, 3. (a) is, 4. (b) are, 5. (b) are, 6. (b) has secured, 7. (b) has, 8. (c) is, 9. (c) is, 10. (b) is.

Activity–3:

1.    has, 2. was, 3. was, 4. is, 5. are, 6. are, 7. is, 8. has, 9. have, 10. has.

Activity–4:

1.    has, 2. was, 3. was, 4. has, 5. are, 6. have, 7. is, 8. has, 9. have, 10. has.

Activity–5:

1.    Rule 17(a), 2. Rule 17(b), 3. Rule 18(b), 4. Rule 19, 5. Rule 20, 6. Rule 21, 7. Rule 22, 8. Rule 23, 9. Rule 23, 10. Rule 20.

Activity–6:

1.    has, 2. has, 3. was, 4. is, 5. have, 6. are, 7. is, 8. is, 9. has, 10. has.