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Standard English ConventionsEasySubject-verb agreement with a singular subject and plural phrase

Standard English Conventions practice question

The set of keys to the boathouse ____ kept behind the bar.

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

  1. A. isCorrect
  2. B. are
  3. C. were
  4. D. have been

Answer: A. is

The subject is 'set', singular; 'of keys' describes it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. are
'Are' agrees with 'keys', not 'set'.
C. were
'Were' is plural.
D. have been
'Have been' is plural.

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