Standard English ConventionsHardAgreement when the subject follows the verb
Standard English Conventions practice question
There ____ several reasons for the delay in shipping the order.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. areCorrect
- B. is
- C. was
- D. has been
Answer: A. are
'There' is not the subject — it just holds the subject's place. The real subject comes after the verb: 'several reasons', which is plural. So the verb is 'are'.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. is
- 'is' is singular, but the thing that exists is 'several reasons' — plural. Don't let 'there' fool you into a singular verb.
- C. was
- 'was' is singular and past tense. The subject is plural and nothing in the sentence puts it in the past.
- D. has been
- 'has been' is singular. With a plural subject after 'there', it would have to be 'have been' — and the simple 'are' is the natural choice.
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