English Grammar

When we construct a sentence its Verb and Subject must agree in Number and Person. Thus, if the subject is of the singular number, first-person, the verb must be of the singular number. If subject has plural number, third person, the verb must be of the plural number.

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English will help you to write better answers in your Class 10 exams. Because the Solutions are solved by subject matter experts.

Subject Verb Agreement Exercises for Class 10 CBSE With Answers Pdf

The basic rule of subject-verb concord is that a singular subject (the doer of an action who is being talked of in the sentence) always takes a singular verb (the action being done in the sentence) whereas a plural subject always takes a plural verb.
For example:

• The girl goes out. The girls go out.

Remember:

• Doesn’t is a contraction of does not and should be used only with a singular subject.
• Two singular subjects connected by or, either/or, or neither/nor require a singular verb.
• Nouns like scissors and trousers always take plural verbs.

The subject and the verb must agree. If the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural. The verb agrees with the subject in number and person.

• The given words look like plurals (i.e. they end in ‘s”). But they are, in fact, singular nouns.
  For these nouns, we use a singular verb.

• Words such as audience, congregation, crowd, group, family take a singular or plural verb, depending upon the sentence. But it is always safe to use plural verbs with these nouns.
• Nouns plural in form but singular in meaning take a plural form,
  For example. compasses, scissors, tongs, goggles, jeans.
• Everybody, somebody, nobody, anybody, anyone and each takes a singular verb.
• When two subjects (nouns) are joined by ‘and’, they require a plural verb.
  For example. The cow and the goat are grazing.
• We use a singular verb if two subjects (nouns) are separated by ‘and’ refer to the same person or thing.
  For example. Dal and rice is my grandfather’s favourite.
  Mr Madan, my friend and philosopher, sits next to me.
• If subjects are joined by or, nor, either, neither the verb agrees with the subject.
  For example. Neither he nor his friend was there.
  Either the boy or his sisters have broken the tray.
  He or his friends are to be blamed.
• The title of a book, play, story or a musical composition, takes a singular verb even though they are in the plural.
• Words or phrases expressing periods of time, fractions, weights, measurements and amount of money are considered as singular and take a singular verb.
• When a plural noun comes between a singular subject and its verb, the verb agrees with the subject and not with the nearest plural.
  For example.
  • Each of the watermelons is sweet.
  • Each one of our group is enthusiastic.
  • Neither of the men was busy.

Semi–modal Verbs – Uses
The semi–modal verbs are: need, dare, ought, used. They are verbs that have some of the characteristics of lexical–verbs and some of the characters of modal verbs. Examples:

• Dare and need
  They are sometimes used with a to-infinitive and sometimes with a base form alone:
  • Dare and need
  • I daren’t tell her.
  • I need to look at a file on this computer.
  • You need not wait for me
• Ought and used
  Ought and used do not change the form, but they are always used with a to-infinitive:
  • I ought to learn more grammar.
  • I used to enjoy grammar.

Subject Verb Agreement Exercises Solved Examples for Class 10 CBSE

Complete the passage given below:

Question 1.
Climatic change (a) ……………………. one of the hotly contested debates. India and Antarctica (b) ……………………. once the part of the same landmass. To visit Antarctica now (c) ……………………. to be a part of history. 90 percent of the Earth’s total ice volumes (d) ……………………. stored there, Antarctica (e) ……………………. her simple ecosystem. Therefore to study the earth, Antarctica ………………….. the place to go. Antarctica (8) …………………. devoid of any human markets. It (h) ……………………. no trees, buildings or billboards.
Answer:
(a) is
(b) were
(c) is
(d) was
(e) has is
(g) is
(h) has

Question 2.
Keeping a pet (a) ……………………. the best way to fight loneliness. But clean and comfortable ……………………. housing for them (b) ……………………. essential. If they (c) ……………………. carnivores a high protein diet (d) ……………………. required. Veterinary appointments (e) ……………………. a must. They (f) ……………………. wonderful pets and (g) ……………………. quite affectionate. They (h) ……………………. you entertained for hours.
Answer:
(a) is
(b) is
(c) are
(d) is
(e) are
(f) make
(g) are
(h) keep

Question 3.
Today road accidents (a) ……………………. earned India a dubious distinction. She (b) ……………………. the worst road traffic accident rate. The various factors to be blamed (c) ……………………. drunk–driving and carelessness in the use of helmets. The total number of deaths (d) ……………………. now passed the 135,000 marks. Trucks and two-wheelers (e) ……………………. responsible earlier. Evening rush hours ) ……………………. the most dangerous time to be on the road. Today drunken–driving (8) ……………………. become a major cause for road accidents. Think today. The time for action (h) ……………………. now.
Answer:
(a) have
(b) has
(c) are
(d) has
(e) were
(f) are
(f) has
(h) is

Question 4.
In November 2009 sales of cars (a) ……………………. up. This (b) ……………………. the largest car boom the country (c) ……………………. seen in years. Today the largest growth (d) ……………………. seen for small cars. The entire market (e) ……………………. seeing steady growth. There ……………………. currently 1.7 million new cars (8) ……………………. every year but Maruti Suzuki (h) ……………………. not profiting from this development.
Answer:
(a) went
(b) is
(c) has
(d) is
(e) is are
(f) bought
(h) is

Question 5.
Mohan and Shyam (a) ……………………. my best friends. They always (b) ……………………. me in my work. None of them (c) ……………………. football. I (d) ……………………. never (e) ……………………. them wasting their time. Neither Mohan nor Shyam (f) ……………………. lazy. Each one of them (g) ……………………. very active. All the students of my class (h) ……………………. them.
Answer:
(a) are
(b) help
(c) plays
(d) have
(e) seen is
(f) is
(h) like

Question 6.
Fill in the blanks with the correct verb given in the bracket:
(a) Mathematics ……………………. (is/are) my favourite subject.
(b) Politics ……………………. (is/are) not my cup of tea.
(c) The poet and philosopher, Rahim ……………………. (has/have) died.
(d) Mohan no less than you ……………………. (is/are) guilty.
(e) This news ……………………. (is/are) false. Bread and butter ………………….. (is/are) my favourite breakfast.
Answer:
(a) is
(b) is
(c) has
(d) are
(e) is
(f) is

Question 7.
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verb:
(a) It is Ram who ……………………. to blame.
(b) The whole class ……………………. absent.
(c) The jury ……………………. different opinion.
(d) Neither you nor I ……………………. invited.
(e) All the boys of the class ……………………. absent today.
(f) Two and two ……………………. four.
Answer:
(a) is
(b) is
(c) has
(d) am
(e) are
(f) make

Question 8.
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verb:
(a) The majority of the applicants ……………………. girls.
(b) Neither of these two boys ……………………. scored well.
(c) A pair of shoes ……………………. been stolen.
(d) The quality of these apples ……………………. not good.
(e) A black and white cow ……………………. grazing outside.
(f) A black and a white cow ……………………. grazing outside.
Answer:
(a) are
(b) has
(c) has
(d) is
(e) is
(f) are

Question 9.
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verb:
(a) One thousand rupees ……………………. a big amount for me.
(b) If I ……………………. a bird, I would fly.
(c) Each of the girls ……………………. received an award.
(d) Four weeks ……………………. a good holiday.
(e) My father ……………………. not like reading comics.
(f) He walks as if he ……………………. lame.
Answer:
(a) is
(b) were
(c) has
(d) is
(e) does
(f) were

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. In this article, we have Created Gap Filling for Class 9 CBSE With Answers. You can also visit the most accurate and elaborate NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English. Every question of the textbook has been answered here.

Gap Filling Exercises for Class 9 CBSE With Answers Pdf

Gap Filling Exercises Solved Question for Class 9 CBSE

Fill in the blanks choosing the most appropriate option given below.

Question 1.
Thousands of species of plants (a) ………………………. animals are fast disappearing from the face (b) ………………………. our earth and no one else (c) ………………………. human being is responsible for this. (d) ………………………. of trees in the hilly regions has destroyed (e) ………………………. lives of people living there.
Answer:
(a) and
(b) of
(c) but
(d) Felling
(e) the

Question 2.
Last month (a) ………………………. excursion was organised by our school and we (b) ………………………. taken to Botanical Gardens. Three buses were hired (c) ………………………. all students (d) ………………………. the gardens and its natural beauty.
Answer:
(a) an
(b) were
(c) and
(d) enjoyed

Question 3.
The driver (a) ………………………. with an accident as it was a case (b) ………………………. rash driving. His statement could not (c) ………………………. recorded (d) ………………………. he was badly injured.
Answer:
(a) met
(b) of
(c) be
(d) (I) because

Question 4.
Our life today (a) ………………………. surrounded by all kinds of gadgets (b) ………………………. has made our life very (c) ………………………. The information (d) ………………………. the Internet is just (e) ………………………. click away.
Answer:
(a) Is
(b) which
(c) comfortable
(d) on
(e) a

Question 5.
People all over (a) ………………………. world have different eating habits. The kind (b) ………………………. food that they consume depends (c) ………………………. the area in which they live and also what the form (d) ………………………. In Europe people eat more crop (e) ………………………. less grain.
Answer:
(a) the
(b) of
(e) on
(d) produces
(e) and

Question 6.
I like (a) ………………………. celebrate my birthday with my family. The kind of love (b) ………………………. support a family provides, no one can take their (c) ………………………. Ours is (d) ………………………. joint family and we have grandparents who keep (e) ………………………. us whenever we face (f) ………………………. problem.
Answer:
(a) to
(b) and
(c) place
(d) a
(e) guiding
(f) any

Question 7.
In the passage given below, some words are missing. Choose the correct word from the given options to complete the passage meaningfully.

Governments are starting programs (a) ………………………. teach adults how to read and write, how to do (b) ………………………. jobs better, how to farm, and how to (c) ………………………. healthier and take better care of the health (d) ………………………. their families. Programs (e) ………………………. also started to help adults finish high school. Adult education programs are (f) ………………………. way in Europe Asia, Africa, and in South and North America.

(a) (i) that
(ii) to
(iii) what
(iv) where

(b) (i) there
(ii) their
(iii) its
(iv) it’s

(c) (i) became
(ii) becoming
(iii) becomes
(iv) become

(d) (i) in
(ii) of
(iii) off
(iv) 1P

(e) (i) are
(ii) is
(iii) been
(iv) is being

(f) (i) in
(ii) on
(iii) under
(iv) by

Question 8.
Fill in the blanks with appropriate superlative degree ‘most’/’est’. [NCERT Workbook]
(a) With so many vehicles, the roads of Delhi have become ____________ (crowded) ones in India.
(b) Yesterday was ____________ (cold) day of the month.
(c) The book is interesting. It is ____________ (interesting) book I have ever read.
(d) This hotel is cheaper. But that one is ____________ (cheap) in the town.
(e) ____________ (old) member of my family is my grandfather.
(f) Lata Mangcshkar has ____________ (melodious) voice in the country.
Answer:
(a) the most crowded
(b) the coldest
(c) the most interesting
(d) the cheapest
(e) the oldest
(f) the most melodious

Determiners are words placed before nouns or pronouns to decide or fix their meaning. They tell us ‘how many’ or ‘how much’. Determiners are words which come before nouns. They contain several classes of words, including pronouns and adjectives. They determine or limit the noun by giving some additional information about it. Determiners show whether a noun refers to is a general or a specific object, person or place. They indicate which or how many things the noun refers to. Determiners define or limit a noun to the singular or plural. They indicate the amount or quantity. Determiners and nouns together make noun phrases. They make noun phrases with adjectives too. Determiners may precede numerals too.

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. You can also visit the most accurate and elaborate NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English. Every question of the textbook has been answered here.

Determiners Exercises With Answers for Class 9 CBSE

Types of Determiners

A. Articles
We already know that there are three articles in English—A, An, and The. Of these, ‘a’ and ‘an’ are indefinite articles while ‘the’ is the definite article. An article is placed before a noun but if there is an adjective before a noun, the article is placed before the adjective.

• a carpenter – a skilled carpenter
• the ball – the heavy ball

Difference between W and ‘An’
‘A’ is used before a word beginning with a consonant sound. An’ is used before a word beginning with a vowel sound.

• a cow, a man, a girl, a Canadian, a dreamy boy, etc.
• an MLA, an egg, an hour, an honest man, an apple, etc.

Use of ‘A’ and ‘An’

• To convey the numerical sense of ‘one’.
  An honest man is an asset to the nation.
• To change a Proper Noun into a Common Noun.
  There should be a Krishan in every family.
• To point out an unfamiliar person, animal or a thing.
  I met a girl in the street.
• To- talk about any one member of a class.
  A dog is a very faithful animal.

Use of ‘The’
‘The’ is used in the following cases:

1. Before the superlative degree.
   • Neena is the shortest girl in her class.
2. When we talk of a particular person or a thing.
   • Did you meet the girl?
   • Have you seen the movie?
3. We use ‘the’ with something or someone already referred to.
   • The man who is standing at the door is my uncle.
   • This is the ring you gave me.
4. With a common noun when that noun represents the whole class.
   • The donkey is a beast of burden.
5. When we refer to holy books, newspapers, geographical places, rivers, seas and oceans, well-known buildings, mountain ranges, races, some countries, whole families, etc.
   • The Gita, The Arabian Sea.
   • The United Kingdom. The Gandhis.
   • The Aravalis.
   • The Times of India.
   • The Brahmaputra.
   • The Red Fort.
6. We use ‘the’ when there is only one of something which is unique.
   • The Sun, The EJarth, The Equator,
   • The North Pole.
7. With adjectives when those adjectives area used as nouns.
   • The rich always exploit the poor.
8. Note the use of ‘the’ in the following phrases and expressions.
   • Sold by the dozen, on the other hand”
   • The more, the merrier, speak the truth.

Determiners Solved Exercise With Answers for Class 9 CBSE

Questions.

1. ………………….. stray animals have become ………………….. big nuisance on city roads.
2. I have neither seen ………………….. elephant nor ………………….. camel.
3. The other day, Paresh met ………………….. European ………………….. Canadian American and ………………….. Japanese.
4. ………………….. accident occurred at ………………….. crossing.
5. ………………….. inter-school drama competition will be held in ………………….. auditorium.
6. I had ………………….. eggs for breakfast.
7. Have you been listening to ………………….. news lately.
8. I have ………………….. something to share.
9. Ramesh is ………………….. tallest boy in the class.
10. ………………….. good breakfast will give you all ………………….. energy you need.
11. Hamida knows how to play ………………….. guitar.
12. He was holding ………………….. Gita in his hands.
13. My sister invited all her friends to ………………….. lunch.
14. ………………….. Mother has not been well since yesterday.
15. We were not in ………………….. hurry to go to school.
16. My friend’s painting was ………………….. best.
17. He has got ………………….. job.
18. ………………….. cat jumped over ………………….. wall.
19. Why weren’t you carrying ………………….. umbrella?
20. Prem was born in ………………….. cultured family.
21. What is ………………….. time by your watch?
22. He is neither ………………….. good husband nor ………………….. good father.
23. Come for ………………….. interview tomorrow.
24. ………………….. English is ………………….. sweet language.
25. I have not seen ………………….. water bottle you were carrying. It was a very expensive one.
26. Both teams played wonderfully well. But one with a green flag was ………………….. exception.
27. She cooked up ………………….. story but it was not ………………….. the first time she had done it.
28. They missed ………………….. 8 o’clock bus, now they had to wait for an hour for ………………….. next bus, so to kill ………………….. time, they bought a few magazines.
29. ………………….. policeman who caught ………………….. thief is ………………….. sincere and hardworking person. He was awarded medal ………………….. for the act of bravery last year.
30. …………………. entire political system needs to be changed from ………………….. top to bottom.
31. Sachin Tendulkar is ………………….. Bradman of India. He used to play ………………….. game of cricket with ease, nobody could match up to.
32. I bought ………………….. watch ………………….. and wallet as birthday gifts, though the watch is working fine,………………….. wallet’s leather doesn’t seem to be of good quality.
33. She was reading ………………….. book on ………………….. life of Mother Teresa who was ………………….. inspiration to all.
34. While going to ………………….. office, yesterday, my sister met ………………….. old lady with ………………….. begging bowl in ………………….. her hand and shðwas in bad shape too.
35. ………………….. Police are on ………………….. lookout for ………………….. thief who had not only looted jewellery but had also taken ………………….. motorbike of the owner. He shared ………………….. booty wìth his friends and left ………………….. city. While making good his escape on ………………….. motorcycle, he met with ………………….. accident and landed in ………………….. hospital. Later he was caught by ………………….. police.
36. I desperately needed ………………….. break from work as I used to feel exhausted at ………………….. end of ………………….. day. My parents took me to ………………….. specialist who after examining me, prescribed ………………….. few supplements. After about ………………….. week, I felt batter and thanked ………………….. doctor.

Answer:

1. the, a, the
2. an, a
3. a, a, an, a
4. an, the
5. an, the
6. X
7. the
8. X
9. the
10. A, the
11. the
12. the
13. X
14. x,
15. a
16. the
17. a
18. A, the
19. an
20. a
21. the
22. a, a
23. an
24. X, a
25. the, a
26. the, the , the an
27. a, the
28. the, an, the, the, a
29. The, the, a, a, an
30. The, X, X
31. the, the, an
32. a, a, the, the
33. a, the, an
34. the, an, a, a
35. The, the, a, the, the, the, the, an, a, the
36. a, the, the, a, a, a, the

Demonstratives
1. This and these refer to persons or objects close by. This is used before a singular noun and these before plural nouns.
This dress has been stitched by my mother.
These gifts are for you.

2. That and Those refer to persons or things at a distance. That is used before a singular noun and those before plural nouns.
That building was constructed long time back.
Those birds are flying quite high.

3. This and That can be used before the uncountable nouns also.
This crop has got spoilt.
That food was for beggars.

Possessives
‘They are called possessives because they possess the nouns that follow them.
His mother. Her book. My bag.
Their house. Our work. Your car.

(a) Possessives can be used before both singular and plural nouns.
My chair His wallet Your wallet
My chairs Her bags Her bed.

(b) They can also be used before the countable noun^ and uncountable nouns.
His office Our office Their ministers

Distributives
Each, Every
(a) Each is used in speaking of two or more persons or things. It signifies the individuals in a limited group.

• Each child was dressed beautifully.
• Each individual from the group shall be given the ration.

(b) Every is used in speaking of more than two persons or things. It signifies a large or indefinite number.

• Every child should obey rules.
• Every Indian should be proud of his/her country. ‘

(c) Either
It has two meanings.
(i) Any of the two different things or persons.

• You can take either road, (anyone road)
• Beautiful landscape is there on either side of the museum, (on both the sides)

(d) Neither
It is the opposite of either. It means not one nor the other.
(i) She is on neither side.

• I liked neither of the designs.

Quantifiers
These tell us about number or quantity. Some quantifiers can be used only with countable, some with only uncountables and there are some which go with both.
(a) Many: It is used before the countable noun and suggests a large number.

• I carry many books and notebooks to school.

(b) Several: Suggests number and is used before countables.

• There were several instruments in the shop.

(c) Much: Denotes large quantity and is used before uncountables.

• Much water has flown since then.

(d) Some: Suggests quantity, number or degree. It is used in Affirmative or Interrogative sentences
when a positive response is desired or expected.

• There were some confidential papers kept on the table.
• Can you please pass me some sugar?

(e) Any: Also suggests quantity, degree or number. It is used in Negative sentences or where
a negative response is expected.

• Have you done any work so far?
• Is there any female in the office?
• I don’t have any money.

(f) Little, A Little, the Little – denote quantity

• Little – means not much, almost nil in quantity. It has negative meaning.
  She has little hope of recovery.
• A little – means some in quantity, though not much. It has a positive meaning.
  There is hope of a little water for villagers.
• The little – means the whole quantity though very small.
  The little money that he offered, proved useful.

(g) Few, A few, The few, – denote number

• Few – means almost nil in number. It has a negative meaning.
  Few students try to improve themselves.
• A few – means some at least though not many. It has a positive meaning. *
  Only a few were able to complete.
• The few – means all of what is left, though small in number.
  The few children who participated scored very well.

Interrogatives
These determine help to ask questions. What, which, whose, how much, and how many are interrogatives. These can be used before any kind of noun.

• Which train goes to Patna?
• How many bottles of cold drinks will be served at the party?
• Whose books are these?

Determiners Solved Exercise With Answers for Class 7 CBSE

Question 1.
In the following sentences, fill in the blanks with one of the following determiners.

much – many – few – little – most

1. Our garden looks awful this summer. There are too …………………………… weeds.
2. We still have a …………………………… more months before the rain. Let’s hope the rain comes on time this year.
3. Also, I’ve paid …………………………… attention to how …………………………… rain we’ve had.
4. I’m afraid it rained very …………………………… this summer, and the grass is turning brown and it’s dying.
5. ………………………….. experts say you should fertilize your lawn in the summer.
6. It didn’t seem to do my lawn …………………………… good.
7. …………………………… of the advice you get from experts doesn’t seem to help.
8. ………………………….. of my neighbors ignored their grass, and they have better lawns this year.

Question 2.
Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners. More than one answer is possible in certain cases.

1. ………………… workers are on strike.
2. There are ………………….. colours in the rainbow.
3. The subject of ………………….. speech was very interesting.
4. …………………. candidate deserves to win the elections.
5. ………………….. member of the group was wearing a black badge.
6. I could not finish my work as I had ………………….. time on my hands.
7. We have a get-together at our place ………………….. Sunday.
8. ………………….. child needs love and care.
9. Has ………………….. one of you been to Shirdi?
10. …………………. books that he had, he sold them also.
11. Can you please speak ………………….. louder?
12. Ramesh had seen that movie ………………….. times.
13. The children who are playing outside are always cheerful, look at ………………….. faces.
14. She bought ………………….. books at the book fair yesterday.
15. ………………….. people write English correctly.
16. ………………….. people have benefitted from meditation.
17. Not ………………….. is known about that temple.
18. Do you need ………………….. help?
19. ………………… roses look so lovely.
20. She admitted that she had ………………….. information.

Answer:

1. (a) Many/Several
2. (b) many
3. (c) his
4. (d) Every/Each
5. (e) Each
6. (f) little
7. (g) this
8. (h) Every
9. (i) any
10. (j) The few
11. (k) a little
12. (l) many
13. (m) their
14. (n) many/a few
15. (o) Few / Many
16. (p) Many / Several
17. (q) much
18. (r) any / some
19. (s) All
20. (t) no / little

Reporting the words of the speaker in your own words is called reported speech.

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. You can also visit the most accurate and elaborate NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English. Every question of the textbook has been answered here.

Reported Speech Exercises for Class 9 CBSE With Answers Pdf

Type 1. Statements
Steps to be kept in mind for changing direct speech into indirect (statements).

Step 1. The reporting verb is changed as under.
(a) We ‘say’ something but we ‘tell’ somebody. Says to …………………………… tells.
(b) Says …………………………… says.
(c) Said to …………………………… told/asserted/stated/informed.
(d) Said …………………………… said.

Step 2. Inverted commas are dropped and the conjunction ‘that’ is used.

Step 3. Change of personal pronouns and possessives.
Changing I, my, me, mine; we, our, us, ours (First-person).

Note. These words refer to the speaker. So they change according to who the speaker is.

Step 4. If the reporting verb is in the present or future tense, the tense of the reported speech does not change.
Meera says to Mini, “Your teacher has praised you.” Meera tells mini that her teacher has praised her.

If the reporting verb is in the past tense, the tense of the reported speech gets changed into the corresponding past tense as under.

Step 5. Words denoting nearness of time and place are generally changed into words denoting distance.

Note. There are two situations where even if the reporting verb is in the past tense, the verb of the reported speech remains unchanged.

1. If the reported speech expresses a universal truth or a habitual fact.

• The teacher said, “Two and two make four.”
  The teacher said that two and two make four.
• Ramesh said to the tourist, “Summers in India are usually very hot.”
  Ramesh informed the tourist that summers in India are usually very hot.

2. The reported speech describes a situation which still exists when the speech is reported.

• The stationmaster said, “Due to heavy rains, the trains are running late”.
• The stationmaster said that due to heavy rains, the trains are running late.

Type 2. Questions

A. If the reported speech is a question, the following changes are made.
The reporting verb is changed into ‘asked/required’.

B. The inverted commas are removed and If/whether is used. The question mark is removed and a full stop is placed. No conjunction is used while reporting wh-questions. The direct form is changed to indirect question form. Place the subject before verb in the reported question.

• I said to Meera, “When are your parents coming?”
  I asked Meera when her parents were coming.
• Ramesh said to me, “Are you reading this book?”
  Ramesh asked me if/whether I was reading that book.
• He said, “Will you come with me?”
  He asked if/whether I would go with him.

Type 3. Commands and Requests

If reporting commands and requests, the indirect speech is introduced by some verbs expressing commands or requests and the imperative mood is changed into the infinitive.

Step 1. The reporting say (said) is changed to order(ed)/request(ed)/advise(d)/command(ed)/ encourage(ed) /shout(ed)/forbid (forbade), proposed, etc.

Step 2. The verb of the reported speech is changed into an infinitive and inverted commas are removed.

Step 3. Do not is changed to ‘not to’.

• He said to his sister, “Please speak slowly.”
  He requested his sister to speak slowly.
• The teacher said, “Keep quiet.”
  The teacher ordered to keep quiet.
• He said to me, “Don’t tease the animal.”
  He advised me not to tease the animal.
• She said to me, “Let us go for a picnic”.
  She proposed (or suggested) to me that we should go for a picnic.

Type 4. Exclamations and wishes
Step 1. The reporting verb said is changed to exclaimed, wished, prayed, etc.
Step 2. The exclamatory form is changed into the statement form and the mark of exclamation is replaced by a full stop.
Step 3. The reporting verb is joined with reported speech with ‘that’.
Step 4. All interjections are omitted and suitable adverbs or other expressive words are used.

• They said, “Hurrah! We have won the match.”
  They exclaimed with joy that they had won the match.
• She said, “Alas! He is no more.” A
  She exclaimed with sorrow that he was no more.
• He said, “Good-bye friends.”
  He bade good-bye to his friends.

Reported Speech Solved Examples Exercises for Class 9 CBSE

Change the following from direct to indirect speech.

Type 1

Question 1.
The doctor said to me, “The climate of this city won’t suit you.”
Answer:
The doctor told me that the climate of that city wouldn’t suit me.

Question 2.
Priya says, “The Earth is round.”
Answer:
Priya says that the Earth is round.

Question 3.
My brother said to his friend, “I am very sleepy.”
Answer:
My brother told his friend that he was very sleepy.

Question 4.
She said, “I have passed the exams.” ‘
Answer:
She said that she had passed the exams.

Type 2

Question 5.
My friend said, “Have you ever been to London?”
Answer:
My friend asked me if I had ever been to London.

Question 6.
The policeman said to us, “Where are you going?”
Answer:
The policeman enquired where we were going.

Question 7.
My friend said to me, “Can you solve the problem?”
Answer:
My friend asked me if/whether I could solve the problem.

Question 8.
My mother said to the stranger, “What is the purpose of your coming?”
Answer:
My mother asked the stranger what was the purpose of his coming.

Type 3

Question 9.
The teacher said to the students, “Complete your work.” [
Answer:
The teacher ordered the students to complete their work. ,

Question 10.
The Principal said to the parents, “Please sit inside the hall.” |
Answer:
The Principal requested the parents to sit inside the hall. j

Question 11.
Sunil said to his friend, “Don’t forget to recharge your mobile.” i
Answer:
Sunil reminded his friend not to forget to recharge his mobile.

Question 12.
My sister said to me, “Consult a doctor regarding your eyesight.”
Answer:
My sister advised me to consult a doctor regarding my eyesight. |

Type 4

Question 13.
She said, “May God bless her with a child!”
Answer:
She said that God might bless her with a child!

Question 14.
He said, “What a terrible night it is!”
Answer:
He exclaimed that it was a terrible night.

Question 15.
He said, “Alas! I perish by the people I made.
Answer:
He confessed with regret that he was perished by the people he had made.

Question 16.
He said, “Alas! what a fool I am.
Answer:
He exclaimed with grief/regret that he was a great fool.

Change the narration of the following sentences from direct to indirect.

Question 17.
The saint said, “Go to the Himalayas for meditation.”
Answer:
The saint ordered to go to the Himalayas for meditation.

Question 18.
Sita said to Praveen, “I will return your money tomorrow.”
Answer:
Sita told Praveen that she would return his money the next day.

Question 19.
The news said, “A strong earthquake has hit Japan.”
Answer:
The news said that a strong earthquake has hit Japan. . ”

Question 20.
My uncle said to Sheela, “I have a surprise for you.”
Answer:
My uncle told Sheela that he had a surprise for her.

Question 21.
She said, “Do you want to stay abroad?”
Answer:
She asked if he wanted to stay abroad.

Question 22.
The Met Department announced, “It may rain tomorrow.”
Answer:
The Met. Department announced that it might rain the next day.

Question 23.
I/He said, “How I wish they would come”.
Answer:
He exclaimed that he wished they would come.

Question 24.
Ashu said to his friend, “Are you willing to share your books with me?”
Answer:
Ashu asked his friend if he was willing to share his books with him.

Question 25.
The Major said to the jawans, “Start marching left.”
Answer:
The major ordered the Jawans to start marching left.

Question 26.
Sheetal said to her mother, “Have you ever thought about yourself in life?”
Answer:
Sheetal asked her mother if she had ever thought about herself in life.

Read the following dialogues and report in indirect narration.

Question 27.
Mother : Where were you?
Daughter ‘ : I was on the terrace playing.
Mother : Please do not go without prior permission.
Daughter : This was the first time ever that I went on the terrace.
Mother : Remember, do not go there alone.
Answer:
Mother asked her daughter where she had been. The daughter replied that she had been on the terrace playing. The mother then requested her not to go without prior permission. The daughter apologised saying that that had been the first time ever that she had gone on the terrace. The mother warned her saying not to go there alone.

Question 28.
Master : How are you feeling now?
Worker : I am feeling batter but I am not completely fine.
Master : Do you need more rest?
Worker : It is okey. I will report tomorrow.
Answer:
Master asked his worker how was he feeling then. The worker replied that he was feeling better but was not completely fine. The master further asked him if he needed more rest. The worker replied that that was okey and that he would report the next day.

Question 29.
Rajesh : Where are you going, Rohan?
Rohan : I am going to the temple to offer flowers.
Rajesh : Do you worship everyday and go to the temple?
Rohan : Yes, I go to the temple everyday to worship Lord Shiva.
Answer:
Rajesh asked Rohan where was he going. Rohan replied that he was going to the temple to offer flowers. Rajesh then asked him if he worshipped every day and went to the temple. Rohan replied in the affirmative and said that he went to the temple every day to worship Lord Shivai

Question 30.
Teacher : I want all students to quietly do the work.
Students : Will you allow us to go for games after this?
Teacher : First, all of you have to finish your work.
Students : We promise that we will finish our work first.
Answer:
Teacher instructed the students that she wanted them to quietly do the work. The students asked if she would allow them to go for games after that. The teacher insisted that first, all of them had to finish their work. The students then promised her that they would finish their work first.

Question 31.
Father : Why did you go to the market today?
Son : I had to buy some material to do my project.
Father : Who gave you the project?
Son : My science teacher gave the project.
Father : Do you need any money for it?
Ans.
Father asked his son why had he gone to the market that day. Son replied that he had to buy some material to do his project. Father then asked him who had given the project. Son replied that his science teacher had given the project. Father then asked his son if he needed any money for that.

Question 32.
Customer : You have a variety of frozen stuff.
Shopkeeper : You can buy as much as you like.
Customer : Why don’t you keep fresh vegetables?
Shopkeeper : Things have become very expensive these days.
Customer : You should start keeping good stuff otherwise I shall stop buying from you.
Answer:
Customer told the shopkeeper that he had a variety of frozen stuff. Shopkeeper replied that he could buy as much as he liked. The customer then asked the shopkeeper why he didn’t keep fresh vegetables. The shopkeeper replied that things had become very expensive those days. The customer warned him that he should start keeping good stuff otherwise, he (customer) would stop buying from him.

Question 33.
Doctor : What did you eat yesterday?
Patient : I could hardly eat anything as I was having stomachache.
Doctor : Are you still having it?
Patient : At this moment, I am having fever and feeling weak.
Doctor : You most take rest.
Answer:
Doctor asked the patient what had he eaten the previous day. The patient repled that he could hardly eat anything as he had been having stomachache. Doctor then asked him if he was still having that. The patient replied that at that moment, he was having fever and was feeling weak. The doctor advised him to take rest.

Question 34.
Employee : Please grant me two weeks’ leave.
Boss : Why do you need it for such a long time?
Employee : I have to visit my ailing mother.
Boss : Okey, I shall grant you leave but do not overstay your leave.
Answer:
The employee requested his boss to grant him two weeks’ leave. The boss asked him why he needed leave for such a long time. The employee replied that he had to visit his ailing mother. The boss agreed to grant him leave but instructed him not to overstay his leave.

Question 35.
Kanika : Have you seen the animation film released recently?
Keshav : I am not allowed to watch films.
Kanika : How is this possible in present times?
Keshav : My parents are very strict.
Answer:
Kanika asked Keshav if he had seen the animation film released recently. Keshav replied that he was not allowed to watch films. Kanika further asked how that was possible in present times. Keshav informed that his parents were/are very strict.

Question 36.
Hameed : Did you visit the national museum?
Shano : How can I as there is nobody to accompany me?
Hameed : Do not worry.
Shano : I am not worrying but I am the only one who has not seen it.
Answer:
Hameed asked Shano if she had visited the national museum. Shano replied how she could as there was nobody to accompany her. Hameed told her not to worry. Shano replied taht she was not worrying but she was the only one who had not seen that.

Read the following dialogues and complete the report appropriately.

Question 37.
Preeti : Where did you spend your holidays?
Naman : I went to many hills stations. ‘
Preeti : Which one did you like the most?
Naman : Honestly speaking. I liked all as I am very fond of hills.
Preeti asked Naman (a) ………………………….. his holidays. Naman replied, (b) ………………………….. to many hill stations. Preeti then asked him (c) the most. Naman said that honestly speaking (d) ………………………….. of hills.
Answer:
(a) where he had spent his holidays.
(b) that he had gone to many hill stations.
(c) which one he had liked. „
(d) he liked all as he was very fond.

Question 38.
Archna : Do you know swimming?
Rudra : Yes, I do.
Archna : Can you teacher me how to swim?
Rudra : Yes, I will. Come to my swimming club tomorrow.
Archna asked Rudra (a) ………………………….. swimming. Rudra replied in the affirmative. Then, Archna further asked him (b) ………………………….. how to swim. Rudra replied that he (c) ………………………….. he also asked Archna (d) ………………………….. club (e) …………………………. .
Answer:
(a) if he knew
(b) if he could teach her
(c) would
(d) to go to his swimming
(e) the next day.

Question 39.
Father : How was the paper?
Son : It was easy. I could solve all the problems.
Father : Start preparing for the economics paper. You do not have much time left
Son : Yes father, I shall immediately start.
The father asked his son (a) ………………………….. Son replied that (b) ………………………….. He (c) ………………………….. all the problems. Father further advised him (d) ………………………….. economics paper. He (e) ………………………….. much time left. Son agreed with his father and said that he (f) ………………………….. start.
Answer:
(a) how the paper had been
(b) that had been easy
(c) could solve
(d) to start preparing for the
(e) did not have
(f) would immediately

Question 40.
Inspector : Were you sleeping when the robbers entered the bank?
Guard : No, Sir. The bank had closed and I had just gone to relieve myself.
Inspector : What did you see when you came back?
Guard : The iron grill lock was broken and the bank looked ransacked but the robbers could not take away anything as I had returned quickly.
Inspector : Yes, I can see that not much damage has been done but you have to be more careful in future.
Inspector asked the guard (a) ………………………….. entered the bank. Guard replied in the negative and said that the bank had been closed and (b) ………………………….. Inspector further asked him (c) ………………………….. The guard replied that (d) ………………………….. and the bank had looked ransacked, but the robbers (e) ………………………….. as he (f) ………………………….. Inspector said that he (g) ………………………….. but also warned him (h) …………………………. .
Answer:
(a) if he had been sleeping when the robbers had
(b) he had just gone to relieve himself
(c) what he had seen when he had come back
(d) the iron grill lock had been broken
(e) could not take away anything
(f) had returned quickly
(g) could see that not much damage had been done
(h) that he had to be more careful in future.

Question 41.
You have learnt how to report questions from direct to indirect speech. Here is a paragraph with direct speech questions. Read them carefully and report into indirect speech. Rewrite the paragraph in the space given below. [NCERT Workbook]

Once an old man asked a young boy, “Who do you think are the most intelligent people?” The young man said in return, “Who do you think so?” The old man said, “How can sons and daughters be intelligent without learning from their parents?” The young man said, “How did you as a parent learn?”

The old man said, “Why are you hijacking my question by asking me back?” The young man said, “Didn’t you know that you as a parent, now have learnt all the things an your own?” The old man said, “How do you say that we all learnt from others?” The young man said, “Why do you ask me about how to operate electronic gadget all the time?” The old man said, “Why can’t I ask you because I have paid for the gadget you use?”
Answer:
Once an old man asked a young boy who he thought were the most intelligent people. The young man asked why he thought so. The old man further asked how sons and daughters could be intelligent without learning from their parents. The young man asked how he had learnt as a parent. The old man asked why he was hijacking his questions by asking him back.

The young man said if he hadn’t known that he as a parent, then had learnt all the things on his own. The old man said how he learnt that they all learnt from others. The young man said why he asked him how to operate electronic gadget all the time. The old man replied why he couldn’t ask him because he had paid for the gadgets he used.

When we construct a sentence its Verb and Subject must agree in Number and Person. Thus, if the subject is of the singular number, first-person, the verb must be of the singular number. If subject has plural number, third person, the verb must be of the plural number.

This grammar section explains English Grammar in a clear and simple way. There are example sentences to show how the language is used. You can also visit the most accurate and elaborate NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English. Every question of the textbook has been answered here.

Subject Verb Agreement Exercises for Class 9 CBSE With Answers Pdf

The subject and verb must agree in number and person.

• A singular subject takes a singular verb, (verb + s/es)
• A plural subject takes a plural verb, (bare infinitive)
• Collective nouns such as crowd, congregation, family, group, etc. may take a singular or plural verb depending upon the sense.
• If the collective noun refers to a single unit, the verb used is singular but if the noun refers to a collection of individuals, the verb used is plural.
• Nouns plural in form and plural in meaning, for example, physics, athletics, mumps, and so on, take a singular verb.
• Nouns plural in form but singular in meaning, for example, trousers, scissors, and so on, take a plural verb.
• Nouns joined by and take a plural verb.
• Nouns joined by ‘and’ but referring to the same person take a singular verb.
• In subjects joined by or, nor, either, neither, the verb agrees with the subject nearest to the verb.
• The title of a book/play takes a singular verb irrespective of form.
• Words/phrases expressing periods of time, fractions, weights, measurements and amounts of money are regarded as singular and take a singular verbs.

Subject Verb Agreement Exercises Solved Examples for Class 9 CBSE

Question 1.
I sit by Kemmerich’s side. He ………………………. (sink) rapidly. Around us ………………………. (be) great commotion. A hospital train ………………………. (arrive) and the wounded who ………………………. (be) fit to be moved are being selected. The doctor ………………………., (pass) by Kemmerich’s bed without once looking at him. Kemmerich ………………………. (raise) himself on the pillows with his elbows.
Answer:

• is sinking
• is
• has arrived
• are
• passes
• raises

Question 2.
In each of the following sentences, there is an error. Find out the error and provide the correction. First one has been done as an example.

Answer:
(a) is – are
(b) are – is
(c) does – do

Answer:
(a) warm warms
(b) have has
(c) increases – increase

Question 3.
Supply a verb in the blanks in agreement with its subject.
(a) No news ……………………. good news.
(b) The girl and the boy ……………………. disappeared.
(c) One-third of the town ……………………. flooded.
(d) “The Three Idiots” ……………………. directed by Raju Hirani.
(e) Bhagwan Das, the writer, and the poet, ……………………. passed away.
(f) Saffron, white and green ……………………. the colours of the Indian flag.
(g) Chicken and cheese ……………………. my favourite breakfast.
(h) The crew ……………………. forced to get off the plane.
(i) The ship, with its crew, ……………………. not traceable.
(j) Nobody agreed. There ……………………. many objections to the proposal.
Answer:
(a) is
(b) have/had
(c) was
(d) is
(e) has
(f) are
(g) is
(h) was/were
(i) was
(j) were

Question 4.
In each of the following sentences, there is an error. Find out the error and provide the correction. First one has been done as an example.

Answer:
(a) were – was
(b) is – was
(c) were – was

Answer:
(a) has – have
(b) life – lives
(c) has – have