SAT OwlQuestion bank / Form, Structure, and Sense
Beneath the floor of the old stone chapel, archaeologists found a sealed chamber. Inside the chamber ______ three wooden chests, a bronze lamp, and a bundle of letters dated 1642.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
was
were
is
has been
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
In this sentence the subject comes after the verb: "three wooden chests, a bronze lamp, and a bundle of letters." That compound subject is plural, and the discovery is in the past, so "were" is correct.
Choice A agrees with the singular "chamber" or "a bronze lamp," but the full subject is a list of three items, which is plural.
Why the other choices are wrong
- A. "Was" is singular, but the subject that follows the verb is a plural list of three items.
- C. "Is" is singular and present tense. The subject is plural and the discovery is in the past.
- D. "Has been" is singular, but the compound subject needs a plural verb.
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