16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumAgreement with 'a pair of'

Standard English Conventions practice question

A pair of peregrines ____ on the cathedral tower every spring.

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

  1. A. nestsCorrect
  2. B. nest
  3. C. are nesting
  4. D. have nested

Answer: A. nests

The subject is 'A pair', singular; 'of peregrines' describes it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. nest
'Nest' agrees with 'peregrines', not 'pair'.
C. are nesting
'Are nesting' is plural.
D. have nested
'Have nested' is plural.

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