Grammar - Study Mode

[#486] The number of guests at the party . . . . . . . . amazing.
Correct Answer

(D) was

Explanation

Solution: The correct answer is D: was . First, let's define the grammatical concept at play here: subject-verb agreement . Subject-verb agreement means that the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. The subject is the noun or pronoun performing the action of the verb. In this sentence, the subject is "number," which is a singular noun. Even though the number refers to a group of guests, the word itself is singular. Therefore, the verb must also be singular. Let's examine why the other options are incorrect: Option A: have had – This is incorrect because "have had" is a plural verb form. It requires a plural subject. Option B: had – While "had" is the past tense of "have," it still requires a singular subject. In this context, "had" would suggest a singular subject was in possession of something. The sentence is describing the number of guests, not describing something belonging to the number. Option C: were – This is incorrect because "were" is the plural form of the verb "to be." The subject "number" is singular, requiring a singular verb. Therefore, only " was " (the singular past tense of "to be") correctly agrees with the singular subject "number." The complete sentence is: "The number of guests at the party was amazing."

[#487] . . . . . . . . off the light, I went to bed.
Correct Answer

(D) Having switched

Explanation

Solution: A perfect participle phrase indicates an action that occurred in the past. It is used to modify the main verb in the main clause. Examples: Having being fired from the job, she started looking for a new job. Having paid banned in most cities, the movie did not do well.

[#488] I . . . . . . . . a letter to her yesterday.
Correct Answer

(D) sent

Explanation

Solution: 'yesterday' indicates past. 'had sent' and 'sent' are the two suitable option. 'sent' alone is sufficient and does not require 'had' as its preceding letter.

[#489] Karan is not . . . . . . . . his father.
Correct Answer

(A) as minded as

Explanation

Solution: The sentence compares Karan's mindset to his father's. We need a phrase that means "similar in mindset". Let's look at the options: Option A: as minded as - This option is grammatically correct and commonly used for comparisons. It means Karan's mindset is similar to his father's. Option B: so minded as - This option is not grammatically correct. "So" is usually used with "that" or another clause, not directly with a comparative structure. Option C: minded as - This option is incomplete and doesn't make grammatical sense. We need a comparative structure. Option D: so minded like - This option is also grammatically incorrect. We use "as" for comparisons, not "like". Therefore, the only grammatically correct and meaningful option is Option A: as minded as .

[#490] For good health, she . . . . . . . . bed earlier.
Correct Answer

(C) should go to

Explanation

Solution: The auxiliary verb should is invariable. There is only one form: should. The main verb is usually in the base form (He should go).