Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: depend upon the
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is a subject–verb agreement question. We must decide whether the finite verb agrees in number with its subject and whether any other phrase creates an error.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The finite verb must agree with the head of the subject noun phrase. Intervening prepositional phrases and relative clauses do not change number. Therefore, a singular subject requires a singular verb.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the head noun: head = ‘‘success’’ (singular).Check the verb: supplied verb = ‘‘depend’’ (plural).Correct form: ‘‘depends’’ (singular) to agree with ‘‘success’’.Recast: ‘‘The success of our efforts depends upon the number of people who actually use the new methods.’’
Verification / Alternative check:
If we invert the sentence to test agreement: ‘‘Success depends…’’ sounds correct; ‘‘Success depend…’’ sounds wrong—confirming the error.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Allowing the plural object of the preposition (‘‘efforts’’) to mislead the verb choice.
Final Answer:
depend upon the
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