The following sentence has been divided into four parts, namely A, B, C and D, which are given in the alternatives. Select the alternative that contains the part of the sentence with an error.
The antique grandfather clock in the hallway have not worked properly for over a decade now, which is a real shame for the family.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer: the hallway have not worked
Explanation
• The subject of the sentence is The antique grandfather clock, which is a singular noun phrase.
• The prepositional phrase in the hallway simply modifies the subject and does not change its number.
• According to the rules of subject-verb agreement, a singular subject requires a singular verb. Therefore, have not worked should be replaced with has not worked.
• Correct sentence: The antique grandfather clock in the hallway has not worked properly for over a decade now, which is a real shame for the family.
Quick Tip: Ignore prepositional phrases (e.g., in the hallway, of the students) placed between the subject and the verb when determining whether to use a singular or plural verb.