Digital SATReading and Writing: Standard English ConventionsMedium
A team of archaeologists, after years of painstaking excavation, discovered a series of ancient tunnels, the entrance to which ______ hidden beneath layers of volcanic ash.
- Awas
- Bare
- Cwere
- Dhave been
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. was
The subject of the clause 'the entrance to which ______ hidden' is 'entrance,' which is singular. Therefore, the singular verb 'was' is required. The context implies a past discovery, making 'was' appropriate for the past tense.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This plural present tense verb does not agree with the singular subject 'entrance' and is the wrong tense.
- C. This plural past tense verb does not agree with the singular subject 'entrance'.
- D. This plural perfect tense verb does not agree with the singular subject 'entrance'.
Subject in 'to which' Clause
In a clause introduced by 'to which,' the verb must agree with the noun that functions as the subject within that clause, not necessarily the noun preceding 'to which'.
- Identify the noun acting as the subject *within* the 'to which' clause.
- This noun is often distinct from the noun that 'which' refers to.
- The verb must agree in number with this specific subject.
Memory trick: 'To which' guides you to a new clause, find *its* subject, then pause!