Rule 1

 In English language the Uncountable Nouns are used in the singular structure.

 Indefinite article is not used before them.
 Singular verb is used with them.
Examples

Advice, information, hair, luggage, business, mischief, bread, scenery, abuse, vacation, evidence, employment,
alphabet, poetry, food, furniture, baggage, fuel, paper, equipment, machinery, material etc.

Examples
 He gave me an information. (use ‘a piece of instead of ‘an’)
 He was punished for committing many mischiefs. (Use ‘much mischief in place of “many
mischiefs”)
 The furniture of my office is new.

Rule 2

There are some of the collective nouns which cannot be used with singular verbs, used only with plural verbs.
Examples

cattle, majority, peasantry, gentry, poultry, clergy, people, folk, etc.

Examples
 Cattles are grazing in the field. (Use ‘cattle’ in place of cattles”)

Rule 3

There are some collective nouns which are used with singular verbs when they are used as an individual body or
group.
Examples

crowd, committee, jury, house, board, ministry, family, mob, audience, police, team, etc.

Examples
  The committee is unanimous on this issue of new education policy.
 The committee are divided and there is no consensus on the Mullaperiyer Dam dispute.
Rule 4

Some nouns always take a plural verb.

Examples

Spectacles, trousers, scissors, premises, stockings, shorts, scales, goods, thanks, tidings, etc.

Examples

 Where is my spectacles? (use ‘are’ instead of ‘is’)

Rule 5

Some nouns (in plural form and ends with ‘s’ or ‘es) are used with singular verb

Examples:

Innings, Series, News, Summons, subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Mechanics, Politics, Economics.

Diseases like Mumps, Measles, Rickets, etc.

Sports and Games like Billiards, Aquatics, Gymnastics, Athletics, etc.

The names of countries like United States, United Arab Emirates etc.

Sentence Examples
 Politics are very complex and nasty platform. (Use ‘is’ in place of ‘are’)
 These news are disappointing. (Use ‘is’ in place of ‘are’)

Rule 6
Some nouns like Sheep, offspring, deer, fish are used as singular or plural only by the use of verb.

Example:

 Sheeps are economically useful. (Use ‘Sheep’ in place of “Sheeps’)

 A sheep is grazing in the field. (Correct)

Rule 7

Use of Apostrophe with ‘s’

 The apostrophe with ‘s’ cannot be used in case of non-living things. It can only be used in case
of living things and personified nouns.

Example: The table’s wood. (Incorrect)

Boy’s hand. (Correct)

 Apostrophe with ‘s’ should be used only with the last word in case of compound nouns.
Example: Mother-in-law’s.

 Pronouns are written without using apostrophe but ‘s’ is added. Example: Yours truly
 In case of possessive case, apostrophe without ‘s’ after Plural nouns or words ending with ‘s’.
Example : John Keats’ poems, Boys’ Hostel.

Double apostrophe with ‘s’ cannot be used. Don’t use like this: My wife’s friend’s mother died.

 Apostrophe with ‘s’ for anybody, nobody, somebody, etc.

Example: I can rely on your source of information, not somebody else’s.

Rule 8

Some expressions like one of, either of, neither of, each of are always followed by plural form of the noun.

Example:

 One of my friends has a bicycle.

 Either of my answers is correct.

Homework:

Correct the following sentences.

1.    Have you packed your luggages?
2.    Switzerland is known for its beautiful sceneries.
3.    He gave me an advice.
4.    Have you got any breads?
5.    I have an important work to do.