Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: 'The committee _____ divided in their opinions regarding the new school uniform.'
Answer
B) were
The correct answer is B) were — Select 'were' as the correct plural verb for past/present divided action.
Step-by-step solution
- Identify the collective noun 'committee' acting as the subject of the sentence.
- Determine whether the collective noun is acting as a single unified body or as separate individuals.
- Observe the phrase 'divided in their opinions', which indicates that individual members hold different views.
- Apply the rule: when members of a collective noun act individually or disagree, a plural verb is used.
- Select 'were' as the correct plural verb for past/present divided action.
Common mistake: Always using a singular verb with collective nouns like 'committee' without considering the context.
Concept tested: Collective nouns with singular or plural verbs
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
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