Form, Structure, and Sense Flashcards

The scientists' findings, which were published in three separate journals, _______ challenged by a rival research team.

Answer: were

The subject 'findings' is plural, so the plural verb 'were' is correct; the relative clause is a non-essential modifier.

The professor announced that the exam _______ postponed until further notice.

Answer: would be

'Would be' is correct because the announcement was made in the past ('announced'), requiring a past-tense verb in the reported clause.

Either the coach or the players _______ responsible for choosing the game strategy.

Answer: are

With 'either…or,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject; 'players' is plural, so 'are' is correct.

The team celebrated _______ victory with a parade through downtown.

Answer: its

'Its' is the possessive pronoun for a singular noun like 'team'; 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is' and is incorrect here.

The novel, along with several companion essays, _______ scheduled to be released next spring.

Answer: is

'Along with' is a prepositional phrase, not a conjunction; the subject remains the singular 'novel,' which takes 'is.'

After finishing her degree, _______ decided to pursue graduate studies in neuroscience.

Answer: Dr. Patel

'Dr. Patel' is the only option that creates a logical subject for 'finishing her degree'—the participial phrase must refer to a person.

The governors debated which of the states _______ most in need of infrastructure funding.

Answer: was

The subject of this clause is 'which,' referring to 'which one of the states'; the context is singular ('which' stands for a single state), so 'was' is correct.