4.5 Grammar – Question Types and Subject–Verb Agreement

 

Grammar – Question Types and Subject–Verb Agreement

Paper: PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH

Introduction

Grammar plays a vital role in effective communication. Question forms help us gather information, while subject–verb agreement ensures clarity and correctness in sentences. Mastery of these concepts is essential for academic, professional, and everyday communication.

I. Question Types in English

Questions are sentences used to ask for information. In English, questions are broadly classified into Wh-questions, Yes/No questions, and Tag questions.

1. Wh-Questions

Wh-questions begin with question words like What, When, Where, Who, Whom, Which, Why, and How. These questions demand detailed answers.

Structure:
Wh-word + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb

Examples:

  • What is your profession?

  • Where do you work?

  • Why did you choose engineering?

  • How does this machine function?

Uses:

  • To collect specific information

  • Commonly used in interviews, discussions, and examinations

2. Yes/No Questions

Yes/No questions can be answered with “Yes” or “No.” They usually begin with an auxiliary verb.

Structure:
Auxiliary verb + subject + main verb

Examples:

  • Are you ready for the presentation?

  • Do you understand the instructions?

  • Is the project completed?

  • Have you submitted the report?

Uses:

  • Used in confirmations and quick responses

  • Common in formal and informal conversations

3. Tag Questions

Tag questions are short questions added at the end of statements to confirm or seek agreement.

Structure:
Statement + comma + auxiliary verb (opposite form) + pronoun

Examples:

  • You are a student, aren’t you?

  • She completed the task, didn’t she?

  • They are coming today, aren’t they?

  • He hasn’t finished yet, has he?

Uses:

  • To confirm information

  • To make conversations polite and interactive

II. Subject–Verb Agreement

Meaning

Subject–verb agreement means that the verb must agree with the subject in number and person. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Rules of Subject–Verb Agreement

1. Singular Subject → Singular Verb

  • He works in a company.

  • The boy plays football.

2. Plural Subject → Plural Verb

  • They work in a company.

  • The students are attending the seminar.

3. Collective Nouns

Collective nouns take a singular verb when referring to a group as a unit.

  • The team is winning the match.

  • The committee has made a decision.

4. Indefinite Pronouns

Words like everyone, someone, each, anybody take singular verbs.

  • Everyone is present today.

  • Each student has an ID card.

5. Compound Subjects

  • Joined by and → plural verb

    • Ravi and Rani are classmates.

  • Joined by or / nor → verb agrees with the nearest subject

    • Either the teacher or the students are responsible.

6. Subjects with “Each” and “Every”

  • Each of the players is talented.

  • Every student has completed the assignment.

Importance in Professional Communication

  • Ensures grammatical accuracy

  • Improves clarity and confidence

  • Essential for reports, emails, presentations, and interviews

Conclusion

Understanding question types helps in effective interaction, while subject–verb agreement ensures grammatical correctness. Together, they form the foundation of clear and professional English communication. Mastery of these grammar components enhances both written and spoken proficiency.

References

  1. Veena Selvam et al. (2021). English for Science & Technology. Cambridge University Press.

  2. Dr. J. Anbazhagan Vijay (2017). Communicative English. Global Publishers, Chennai.

  3. Raman, Meenakshi & Sharma, Sangeeta (2019). Professional English. Oxford University Press.

  4. Dr. V. Chellammal (2003). Learning to Communicate. Allied Publishing House.

  5. Using English (2017). Orient Blackswan, Chennai.

  6. OER – Authentic Open Educational Resources

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