Introduction / Context:
This question tests subject–verb agreement when a measurement or amount is treated as a single unit. In such cases, singular verb agreement is required.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sentence: "Ten kilometres are a long distance."
- Measurement phrase acts as a singular quantity.
Concept / Approach:
When a number + unit denotes a single distance, time, or amount, it is considered singular: "Ten kilometres is..." Similarly, "Five minutes is a short wait."
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify the head concept: a distance as a single unit.2) Apply singular agreement: choose "is" not "are".3) Therefore, part B is erroneous.
Verification / Alternative check:
Corrected: "Ten kilometres is a long distance." This aligns with standard grammar references for measures and amounts.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A: Correct noun phrase indicating the measure.C: Article "a" is appropriate before "long distance."D: Noun complement is fine.E: Not applicable since B contains the error.
Common Pitfalls:
Learners often match the verb to the plural form of the unit ("kilometres") rather than to the conceptual singular measure. Always check whether the phrase denotes a single amount.
Final Answer:
are
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