Identify the erroneous segment; choose ‘‘No error’’ if the sentence is correct. Sentence: The Head of the Department along with his colleagues are coming to attend the conference which is scheduled this afternoon.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: are coming to attend

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Subject–verb agreement is tested here. Phrases like ‘‘along with,’’ ‘‘together with,’’ or ‘‘as well as’’ do not change the number of the subject; agreement is with the head noun.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Head subject: ‘‘The Head of the Department’’ (singular).
  • Parenthetical addition: ‘‘along with his colleagues’’ (does not affect number).
  • Verb used: ‘‘are coming’’ (plural).


Concept / Approach:
Keep the verb singular to match the singular head subject: ‘‘is coming.’’



Step-by-Step Solution:
Locate head noun: ‘‘Head …’’ is singular.Ignore the interrupter ‘‘along with …’’ for agreement.Correct verb: ‘‘is coming to attend.’’



Verification / Alternative check:
Remove the parenthetical phrase: ‘‘The Head of the Department are coming …’’ clearly sounds wrong; ‘‘is coming’’ fits.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A, C, and D are grammatically fine; only B mismatches number.



Common Pitfalls:
Attraction error: letting a nearby plural noun (‘‘colleagues’’) pull the verb into plural.



Final Answer:
are coming to attend

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