Subject-verb agreement is one of the most fundamental concepts in English grammar. Proper subject-verb agreement is essential for clear and effective communication, as it ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number. If there is any disagreement between the subject and verb, the sentence can become confusing and difficult to understand.

Class 8 CBSE students require a strong foundation in subject-verb agreement to excel in their English language studies. In this article, we will explore some useful exercises that can help students improve their understanding of subject-verb agreement.

Exercise 1: Identifying Subjects and Verbs

The first step to mastering subject-verb agreement is to identify the subject and verb in a sentence. This exercise involves identifying the subject and verb in each of the following sentences:

1. The dogs barked loudly.

2. The music sounds great.

3. The children play in the park.

4. The teacher teaches the class.

5. The birds chirp in the morning.

Exercise 2: Singular and Plural Subjects

The second exercise focuses on singular and plural subjects. Students must understand that singular subjects require singular verbs, while plural subjects require plural verbs. This exercise involves selecting the correct verb form based on the subject:

1. The cat (play/plays) with a ball of yarn.

2. The birds (chirp/chirps) in the morning.

3. The children (go/goes) to school every day.

4. The dog (bark/barks) at the mailman.

5. The book (is/are) on the shelf.

Exercise 3: Subject-Verb Agreement in Complex Sentences

The third exercise focuses on subject-verb agreement in complex sentences. Students must understand how to match the verb to the subject, even when the subject is not in the simple subject-verb order. This exercise involves identifying the subject and verb in more complex sentences:

1. The boy who sits next to me (talk/talks) a lot.

2. The group of students who study together (is/are) very smart.

3. The cat, along with her kittens, (live/lives) in the barn.

4. The player, as well as the coach, (is/are) excited about the game.

5. The book that I borrowed from the library (is/are) very interesting.

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement may seem simple, but it is an essential concept that requires practice and understanding. These exercises will help Class 8 CBSE students improve their subject-verb agreement skills. With continued practice, students will gain the confidence and understanding needed to communicate effectively in English.