Final answer:
Words like 'jeans', 'trousers', 'shorts', and 'pants' are plural in English and typically require plural verbs. However, when referred to as a single unit with 'a pair of,' a singular verb is used.
Step-by-step explanation:
The words 'jeans', 'trousers', 'shorts', and 'pants' are usually plural in English. This is because these items are made up of two parts that form a pair. When referring to these items of clothing, we typically use a plural verb.
For example, we say 'The jeans are on the chair' or 'My shorts are too tight.' Despite being plural in form, when speaking about a pair as a single unit or when using a modifier like 'a pair of,' the verb can be singular, such as in 'A pair of trousers is in the closet.' It is important to pay attention to subject-verb agreement in English sentences to ensure grammatical correctness.