Nouns That Always Need Plural Verbs
Some nouns are always followed by a plural verb. Examples are: tongs, scissors, shears, trousers, pajamas, tweezers, jeans, pants, scales, glasses and binoculars.
- The trousers are hanging in the cupboard. (NOT The trouser is hanging in the cupboard.) (NOT A trouser is hanging in the cupboard.)
- Your jeans are too tight. (NOT Your jeans is too tight.) (NOT Your jean is too tight.)
- The garden shears are in the drawer. (NOT The garden shear is in the drawer.) (NOT The garden shears is in the drawer.)
If we want to indicate the singular aspect of the word we use the expression 'a pair of'. In this case, it is followed by a singular verb.
- A pair of trousers is hanging in the cupboard.
Other common words which are normally followed by plural verbs include: clothes, congratulations, contents, goods, manners, oats, outskirts, regards, remains, savings, steps, surroundings and thanks.
Funds is followed by a plural verb when it means money.
Odds is followed by a plural verb when it means chances.
Premises is followed by a plural verb when it means building.
You can find English Grammar And Writing lessons here
For English Grammar Worksheets visit this page
See also
Common mistakes in the use of nouns
Common mistakes in the use of nouns | Exercise 1
Common mistakes in the use of nouns | Exercise 2
Common mistakes in the use of nouns | Exercise 3
More CBSE English Grammar worksheets
Passive voice worksheet | Simple past tensePassive voice worksheet | Past continuous tense
Passive voice worksheet | Simple future tense
Passive voice worksheet | Future perfect tense