which of these examples shows incorrect use of subject verb agreement

ATI TEAS 7

English and Language Usage TEAS

1. Which of these examples shows incorrect use of subject-verb agreement?

A. Neither of the cars is parked on the street.
B. Both of my kids are going to camp this summer.
C. Any of your friends are welcome to join us on the trip in November.
D. Each of the clothing options is appropriate for the job interview.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The sentence 'Neither of the cars is parked on the street' is incorrect in terms of subject-verb agreement. The subject 'Neither' is singular, so the verb should also be singular, which should be 'is' instead of 'are.' The correct sentence should be 'Neither of the cars is parked on the street.' Choices B, C, and D demonstrate correct subject-verb agreement. In choice B, 'Both' is plural and agrees with the plural verb 'are.' In choice C, 'Any' is singular and agrees with the singular verb 'are.' In choice D, 'Each' is singular and agrees with the singular verb 'is.'

2. A hundred years ago, automobiles were rare, but now cars are ubiquitous. However, she doesn't know what the word ubiquitous means. Which key context clue is essential to decipher the word's meaning?

A. Ago
B. Cars
C. Now
D. Rare

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Rare.' In the sentence, it is mentioned that 'a hundred years ago, automobiles were rare,' which provides the context that the opposite of rare would mean something very common, thus helping to decipher the meaning of 'ubiquitous.' Choice A, 'Ago,' refers to a time frame and doesn't directly provide a contrast to 'ubiquitous.' Choice B, 'Cars,' is mentioned in both parts of the sentence and does not help in defining 'ubiquitous.' Choice C, 'Now,' signifies the current time but doesn't contrast with 'ubiquitous' to aid in its understanding.

3. We rejoiced as 'hackers.' Which of the following is the best revision of the sentence?

A. NO CHANGE
B. To a nagging technology problem, we rejoiced as 'hackers.'
C. We rejoiced when we figured out how to 'hack' a solution to a nagging technological problem.
D. To 'hack' our way to a solution, we had to rejoice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C is the best revision as it provides clarity and context to the sentence. It conveys the idea that the individuals rejoiced after successfully finding a creative solution to a persistent technological issue. Choice A is incorrect as it leaves the sentence unchanged without adding any context. Choice B introduces the phrase 'nagging technology problem,' which alters the original meaning and is not as concise as the correct answer. Choice D alters the sentence structure and does not effectively convey the intended meaning of rejoicing after finding a solution.

4. Which of the following is a synonym for 'reiterate'?

A. Refine
B. Relegate
C. Regale
D. Repeat

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Repeat.' 'Reiterate' means to say something again, making 'repeat' a synonym. 'Refine' means to improve, 'relegate' means to dismiss to an inferior position, and 'regale' means to entertain or amuse, which do not align in meaning with 'reiterate.'

5. Which of the following best explains the meaning of extraneous as it is used in the sentence? The report was filled with extraneous details that had nothing to do with the main findings of the study.

A. sophisticated
B. irrelevant
C. diligent
D. useful

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word 'extraneous' means something that is irrelevant or unnecessary to the main topic at hand. In the given sentence, 'extraneous' is used to describe details that are not related to the main findings of the study, indicating that they are unnecessary and irrelevant. Therefore, 'irrelevant' is the correct explanation. Choices 'sophisticated,' 'diligent,' and 'useful' do not convey the concept of being unnecessary or unrelated, making them incorrect in the context of the sentence.