Group words, or collective nouns, are followed by singular verbs when we are talking of the group as a whole. They take a plural verb when we are talking about the individual members of the group.

Incorrect: Just I had finished the lesson.
Correct: I had just finished the lesson.

Explanation

The adverb just goes between the auxiliary verb and the main verb. When there are two auxiliary verbs, just goes after the first.

Incorrect: He denied to go.
Correct: He refused to go.

Explanation

‘To deny’ is to say that something is not true. ‘To refuse’ is to show unwillingness.

Fill in the blanks with suitable verb forms.

1. I ——————- school last year.

a) Left
b) Had left
c) Have left
d) Leave

Read the sentences given below:

I heard him singing.
Driven by rain, we took shelter under a tree.
It being a small cot, he couldn’t sleep on it.

Incorrect: He said to me to go.
Correct: He told me to go.
Incorrect: She said to me that she would be late.
Correct: She told me that she would be late.