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Question

Difficulty: MediumSubject-Verb Agreement

Read the following passage about marine biology. Which present-tense form of the verb 'to provide' correctly completes the sentence to ensure proper subject-verb agreement?

Answer:The analysis of deep-sea hydrothermal vents, which support unique ecosystems in complete darkness, 【provides】 valuable insights into the origins of life on Earth.

Answer

provides
The subject of the sentence is the singular noun 'analysis.' The intervening plural noun 'vents' within the prepositional phrase and 'ecosystems' within the relative clause do not affect the subject's singular number. Therefore, the verb must be the singular 'provides' to achieve correct subject-verb agreement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical subject of the clause.
The subject is the singular noun 'analysis.'
The prepositional phrase 'of deep-sea hydrothermal vents' and the relative clause 'which support unique ecosystems...' are modifiers that separate the subject from the verb but do not change the subject's number.
2
Determine the correct verb number (singular or plural) and tense.
A third-person singular present-tense verb is required.
A singular subject requires a singular verb. The present-tense verb 'support' in the relative clause establishes a present-tense context for the sentence.
3
Select the correct form of the verb 'to provide.'
The singular present-tense form is 'provides.'
The form 'provides' agrees with the singular subject 'analysis' and maintains consistent present tense.

Key Concept

Subject-Verb Agreement with Intervening Phrases
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Topics

Subject-Verb Agreement

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