16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasyPlural subject with a past verb

Standard English Conventions practice question

The puppies ____ asleep in a heap by the fire when we came in.

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

  1. A. wereCorrect
  2. B. was
  3. C. is
  4. D. being

Answer: A. were

'Puppies' is plural and the scene is past.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. was
Singular.
C. is
Singular and present.
D. being
Not a finite verb.

More Standard English Conventions questions

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