Agreement of the Verb with Its Subject — Important Questions

is

Step 1: Identify the subject - 'Each student' (indefinite pronoun 'each'). Step 2: Apply the rule - 'Each' always takes a singular verb. Step 3: Despite referring to multiple students individually, 'each' emphasizes the singular nature. Step 4: Use singular present tense 'is' with 'each'. Step 5: 'Are', 'were' (plural) and 'have' (wrong structure) are incorrect options.

are

Step 1: Identify the subject - 'scissors' (always plural noun). Step 2: Apply the rule - Some nouns are always plural and take plural verbs. Step 3: 'Scissors' cannot be singular; we don't say 'a scissor'. Step 4: Use plural verb 'are' with always-plural nouns. Step 5: 'Is', 'was' (singular) and 'has' (wrong meaning) are incorrect for plural subjects.

is

Step 1: Identify the subject - 'Ten kilometers' (plural number referring to distance). Step 2: Apply the rule - Plural numbers referring to distances, weights, money are treated as singular. Step 3: The focus is on the total distance as one unit, not individual kilometers. Step 4: Use singular verb 'is' for distance measurements. Step 5: 'Are', 'were' (plural) and 'have' (wrong structure) don't apply to distance measurements.

are

Step 1: Identify the phrase - 'A number of students' (indefinite quantity phrase). Step 2: Apply the rule - 'A number of' is followed by plural verbs. Step 3: The emphasis is on the students (plural), not the number itself. Step 4: Use plural verb 'are' with 'a number of' constructions. Step 5: 'Is', 'was' (singular) and 'has' (wrong meaning) are incorrect with 'a number of'.