Identify the part of the sentence that contains a grammatical error.
Her critique, couched in ironic precision (1)/ and elliptical disclosures (2)/, invite a reconstitution (3)/ of the very foundations of authorship. (4)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
(3)
Explanation
Core Meaning: The sentence discusses how a piece of analytical writing or criticism challenges and demands a rethinking of what it means to be an author.
Other Options: The error lies in Part 3 due to a failure in subject-verb agreement. The true grammatical subject of the sentence is "Her critique" (found in Part 1), which is singular. The plural verb "invite" in Part 3 must be changed to the singular form invites to match the subject. Parts 1, 2, and 4 are structurally and grammatically correct, as the phrases "couched in ironic precision" and "and elliptical disclosures" merely act as intervening descriptive modifiers that do not alter the singular nature of the subject.
Key Points
Core Definition: Subject-verb agreement requires a verb to match the singular or plural status of its true subject, ignoring any descriptive noun phrases that sit between them.
Grammatical Role: Identifying and correcting a mismatched predicate verb to ensure agreement with a third-person singular noun phrase.