The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a rigorous evaluation designed to identify competent individuals who aspire to serve in the esteemed armed forces. Within the expansive scope of the English section, a robust understanding of verbs is not just beneficial but forms the backbone of effective communication. This article aims to underscore the significance of verbs and illuminate various subject-verb agreement errors that CDS aspirants should be wary of while preparing for the exam.
- Verbs as Pillars of Precision: Verbs are the dynamic elements of language that convey actions, states, or occurrences. In the context of military service, where precision and clarity in communication are paramount, mastering verbs is essential. Verbs contribute to the structured and disciplined communication standards expected of future military officers.
- Common Subject-Verb Agreement Errors to Beware Of:a. Mismatch in Number: CDS aspirants should be cautious about ensuring agreement in number between the subject and the verb. For instance, “The team are ready” should be corrected to “The team is ready” when referring to a singular entity.b. Collective Nouns: Collective nouns, such as “team,” “company,” or “squadron,” can pose challenges. Aspirants must remember that collective nouns may take a singular or plural verb form based on the context. For example, “The army is marching” vs. “The army are preparing.”c. Compound Subjects: Compound subjects, joined by “and,” require a plural verb. Aspirants should be careful with sentences like “The officer and the soldier is on duty,” which should be corrected to “The officer and the soldier are on duty.”d. Indefinite Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns, like “everyone,” “someone,” or “nobody,” often lead to errors. Aspirants must ensure correct agreement, such as “Everyone is responsible” instead of “Everyone are responsible.”e. Titles and Names as Subjects: Titles or names of singular entities function as singular subjects, requiring a singular verb. For instance, “The General and Commander is attending” should be corrected to “The General and Commander are attending.”
- Strategies to Avoid Subject-Verb Agreement Errors:a. Comprehensive Practice: Regular practice exercises focused on subject-verb agreement help internalize the rules and identify potential errors.b. Recognition of Collective Nouns: A clear understanding of collective nouns and their ability to take singular or plural verbs based on context is essential for accurate agreement.c. Compound Subject Awareness: Awareness of compound subjects and their requirement for a plural verb contributes to precision in communication.d. Indefinite Pronoun Agreement: Ensuring correct agreement with indefinite pronouns, especially in terms of gender and number, minimizes errors in usage.e. Titles and Names Rule Application: Applying the rule that titles and names function as singular entities, requiring singular verbs, helps avoid errors in subject-verb agreement.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of verbs and subject-verb agreement is crucial for CDS aspirants aiming to succeed in the English section of the examination. By being vigilant about common subject-verb agreement errors and implementing strategic study practices, aspirants can fortify their linguistic skills and align themselves with the disciplined communication standards expected in military service. A profound grasp of subject-verb agreement is not merely a test-taking necessity but a foundational skill that contributes to effective communication in the dynamic and challenging environments inherent to a career in the armed forces.
