Digital SATReading and Writing: Standard English ConventionsMedium
A chef, renowned for his innovative fusion cuisine, meticulously prepared the ingredients, each ______________ carefully weighed and measured for optimal flavor balance.
- Awere
- Bwas
- Care
- Dhave been
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. was
The subject of the clause 'each ______________ carefully weighed and measured' is 'each,' which is an indefinite pronoun always treated as singular. Therefore, the singular verb 'was' is required.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Were' is a plural past tense verb and does not agree with the singular indefinite pronoun 'each'.
- C. 'Are' is a plural present tense verb and does not agree with the singular indefinite pronoun 'each'.
- D. 'Have been' is a plural present perfect verb and does not agree with the singular indefinite pronoun 'each'.
Indefinite Pronoun Agreement (Singular)
Indefinite pronouns like 'each,' 'every,' 'either,' 'neither,' 'one,' 'anybody,' 'everyone,' 'nothing,' etc., are always singular and require singular verbs.
- Treat 'each' as singular.
- Treat 'every' as singular.
- Treat 'one' as singular.
- These pronouns always take singular verbs, regardless of intervening phrases.
Memory trick: Pronouns like 'each' and 'one' are always singular, never plural, so use a singular verb, that's the rule!