Digital SATReading and Writing: Standard English ConventionsMedium
A novelist, known for her intricate plots and vivid characterizations, frequently revises her manuscripts, a practice that ______ her works with a distinctive polish.
- Aare endowing
- Bhave endowed
- Cendows
- Dendow
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. endows
The subject of the clause 'a practice that ______ her works' is 'practice,' which is singular. Therefore, the singular verb 'endows' is correct.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This plural present progressive verb does not agree with the singular subject 'practice'.
- B. This plural perfect tense verb does not agree with the singular subject 'practice'.
- D. This plural verb does not agree with the singular subject 'practice'.
Agreement with Abstract Noun Subject
When an abstract noun (like 'practice,' 'strategy,' 'concept') acts as the subject of a clause, the verb must agree with it in number.
- Identify the abstract noun as the subject.
- Abstract nouns are typically singular unless explicitly plural.
- The verb must match this singular or plural form.
Memory trick: Abstract ideas, concrete verbs: match their count, don't be absurd!