Vocabulary and collocation: pick the verb that best completes a sentence about agreement forming Context: Negotiators thought consensus might form on a specific wage issue. Complete the sentence: "At one point, it looked as if an area of agreement would ______, specially over the issue of productivity-linked wages." Choose the correct verb.

Given data

• Sentence discusses a possible development of agreement.
• Blank requires a verb that collocates with “area of agreement.”

Concept/Approach
The standard expression is that consensus or an area of agreement emerges (comes into view). Merge means combine; submerge means go under; surge means rise suddenly—none fit the idiom.

Option analysis
emerge — correct collocation: “an agreement emerged.” ✅merge — requires two things to combine; not applicable.submerge — opposite direction (go underwater).surge — refers to quantities/energy, not consensus formation.

Final Answer
emerge