Identify the part of the sentence that contains a grammatical error.
The researcher who the panel had nominated (1)/ for the ethics award (2)/ were present at the plenary session (3)/ but declined to speak. (4)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer: (3)
Explanation
• The grammatical error is in part (3) due to incorrect subject-verb agreement.
• The primary subject of the sentence is The researcher, which is singular.
• The intervening clause ("who the panel had nominated for the ethics award") describes the researcher and does not affect the number of the subject.
• A singular subject requires a singular verb, so were present must be replaced by was present.
Correct Sentence: The researcher who the panel had nominated for the ethics award was present at the plenary session but declined to speak.