109. A
Verb must agree with its Subject in Number and Person.
Often, by
what is called the “Error of Proximity”, the verb is made to agree in number
with a
noun near it instead of with its proper subject. This should be avoided as
shown in
the
following examples:-
The
quality of the mangoes was not good.
The
introduction of tea and coffee and such other beverages has not been without
some
effect.
His
knowledge of Indian vernaculars is far beyond the common.
The state
of his affairs was such as to cause anxiety to his creditors.
If it were
possible to get near when one of the volcanic eruptions takes place, we should
see a
grand sight.
The
results of the recognition of this fact are seen in the gradual improvement of
the diet
of
the poor.
110. Two
or more singular nouns or pronouns joined by and require a plural verb; as,
Gold and
silver are precious metals.
Fire and
water do not agree.
Knowledge
and wisdom have oft-times no connection.
Are your
father and mother at home?
In him
were centred their love and their ambition.
He
and I were playing.
But if the
nouns suggest one idea to the mind, or refer to the same person or thing, the
verb
is singular; as,
Time and
tide waits for no man.
The horse
and carriage is at the door.
Bread and
butter is his only food.
Honour and
glory is his reward.
The rise
and fall of the tide is, due to lunar influence.
My friend
and benefactor has come.
The
novelist and poet is dead.
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