16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasySubject-verb agreement with a singular collective subject

Standard English Conventions practice question

The orchestra ____ its rehearsal at seven on Thursdays.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. beginsCorrect
  2. B. begin
  3. C. are beginning
  4. D. have begun

Answer: A. begins

'Orchestra' acts as a single unit here (note 'its'), so 'begins'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. begin
'Begin' is plural.
C. are beginning
'Are beginning' is plural.
D. have begun
'Have begun' is plural.

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