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SSC CGL 2025 PYQ — Question 5

SSC CGL - 22 Sep 2025 - Shift 1 • English • Q5

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Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence:

The police is investigating the matter seriously.

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Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. are investigating the matter seriously.

 

Grammatical Rule: Collective Nouns (Police)

In English grammar, the word 'police' is a collective noun that is always treated as plural. Even though the word does not end in an '-s,' it refers to a group of officers as a functional body.

  • Rule: Police + Plural Verb (are/were/have)

  • Incorrect: The police is... / The police has...

  • Correct: The police are... / The police have...

Here, 

  1. Subject-Verb Agreement: Since 'police' is plural, it requires the plural auxiliary verb 'are' to match.

  2. The 'Officer' Distinction: If you wish to use a singular verb, you must use the word 'officer' or 'policeman/policewoman.'

    • Correct: The officer is investigating the matter.

    • Correct: The police are investigating the matter.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.