Subject-Verb Agreement Rule 11

A singular verb is used for nouns plural in form but singular in meaning.

Examples:

A. Mathematics is difficult.

B. The news does not interest me.

Note: In this rule the subjects above are "Mathemathics" and "news" which are in plural form but they mean singular so, we use the singular form of the verbs.In fact there are many words ending in ics that may be either singular or plural such as economics, athletics, civics, and politics. These words are singular when they refer to a school subjet, a science, or a general practice. The, his, some, all and singular modifiers do not precede them when they are singular in meaning.

Examples:

A. Politics has become a way of life to them. (singular)

B. His politics are well-known. (plural)

C. Ethics is an easy subject. (singular)

D. His ethics were very low. (plural)

Exercise 11

1. Ethics (was taught, were taught) by Mr. Smith last academic year.

2. Athletics (is, are) overemphasized in their school.

3. Physics (was, were) my favorite subject before.

4. Measles (is, are) prevalent in their place nowadays.

5. Social Studies (is, are) the major of my sister.

Refs

Intensive English Book

grammar, 14-05-07 18:05, 14-05-07 19:54, Marz

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yes
17-09-14 08:09,

what is the example of rule11
17-07-05 22:39,