Multiple choice

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. The entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Option (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four options are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select option (1); if not, select one of the other options.

The head of the council and mayor of the district was the same person.

  1. The head of the council and mayor of the district was the same person.

  2. Same person, the head of the council was the mayor of the district.

  3. The head of the council was the same person, the mayor of the district.

  4. Same person, the mayor of the district and the head of the council was.

  5. The head of the council and the mayor of the district were the same person.

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Option (1): The problem lies in the subject–verb agreement. When all parts of the compound subject are singular and refer to the same person or thing, we use singular verb. Option (5) is wrong because it has a plural verb, while options (2), (3) and (4) have structural flaws.

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