Multiple choice

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined part. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices. Tony Blair along with his assistant and his press secretary, are scheduled to arrive in New York today.

  1. are scheduled to arrive in New York today

  2. are going to arrive in New York today

  3. is scheduled to arrive in New York today

  4. is going to be arriving in New York today

  5. are scheduled as arriving in New York today
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'along with' does not serve as a conjunction though it seems to serve the similar function as 'and'. The phrase using 'along with' will modify the earlier word (Tony Blair in this case). So the first subject being singular has to be followed by is. Therefore, option (3) is correct. The phrase in option (4) has a syntax error.

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