Error Spotting – Choose the part (A–D) that contains a grammatical error, or choose No error if the sentence is fully correct. Sentence (parts correspond to options below): A) Their only demand B) for additional wages were C) considered sympathetically D) by the progressive management.
Correct Answer: for additional wages were
Introduction / Context:This item checks subject–verb agreement across intervening prepositional phrases. The head noun demand is singular; the prepositional phrase for additional wages does not change the subject number.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Subject head: demand (singular)
- Intervening phrase: for additional wages
- Verb given: were (plural)
Concept / Approach:Agreement must be with the head noun, not with a nearby plural noun inside a prepositional phrase. Therefore, the verb should be was, not were.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Strip modifiers: Their only demand ... were considered.Step 2: Identify head noun number: demand is singular.Step 3: Match the verb accordingly: use was for singular subject.Corrected fragment: for additional wages wasVerification / Alternative check:Paraphrase: The only demand was considered sympathetically. This reads naturally and confirms singular agreement.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- A) Determiner phrase correctly identifies a single demand.
- C) Adverb sympathetically is correctly placed.
- D) Prepositional phrase by the progressive management correctly indicates the agent in passive voice.
Common Pitfalls:Writers may be distracted by the plural noun wages and mistakenly choose a plural verb. Always align the verb with the true subject.
Final Answer:Option B contains the error. Replace were with was.