Multiple choice

Directions: The following question presents a sentence, part of which or all of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Common stocks, which are shares of ownership in a corporation, is the most direct way to participate in the fortunes of a company.

  1. is the most direct way to participate in the fortunes of a company.

  2. is the most direct way for participating in the fortunes of a company.

  3. is the most direct way of participating in the fortunes of a company.

  4. are the most direct way to participate in the fortunes of a company.

  5. are the most direct way for participating in the fortunes of a company.

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

The best answer is (4). The sentence has a plural subject, common stocks, therefore it needs the plural form of the verb: are.