16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasy–MediumAgreement across a prepositional phrase

Standard English Conventions practice question

The books on the top shelf ____ covered in dust.

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

  1. A. areCorrect
  2. B. is
  3. C. be
  4. D. has been

Answer: A. are

The subject is "books", not "shelf".

Why the other answers are wrong

B. is
Singular, drawn to "shelf".
C. be
Not a finite verb.
D. has been
Singular.

More Standard English Conventions questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.