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Question

Difficulty: HardSubject-Verb Agreement (Concord)

Which verb forms correctly complete the sentence below in accordance with the rules of grammatical concord?

Answer:While statistics 【is】 offered as a compulsory course in the department of social sciences, the official statistics compiled for the third quarter 【indicate】 a sharp decline in export earnings.

Answer

The first blank requires the singular verb 'is' (or 'was') because 'statistics' refers to an academic field of study, while the second blank requires the plural verb 'indicate' (or 'show'/'reveal') because 'official statistics' refers to collected numerical data.
The word 'statistics' exhibits dual concord behavior based on context. When it signifies an academic discipline or subject of study ('offered as a compulsory course'), it takes a singular verb ('is'). Conversely, when it refers to numerical data, facts, or figures ('compiled for the third quarter'), it takes a plural verb ('indicate').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the usage of 'statistics' in the first clause.
In the context of 'offered as a compulsory course', 'statistics' refers to a branch of study or academic subject.
Nouns ending in '-ics' (e.g., statistics, physics, economics, ethics) take singular verbs when they denote a discipline or subject area.
2
Analyze the usage of 'statistics' in the second clause.
In the context of 'compiled for the third quarter', 'official statistics' refers to specific numerical data, facts, or figures.
When 'statistics' refers to collected data or numerical findings rather than the field of study itself, it functions as a plural noun requiring a plural verb.
3
Select verb forms that satisfy both singular and plural concord requirements.
The singular verb 'is' completes the first blank, and the plural verb 'indicate' completes the second blank.
This maintains precise subject-verb agreement across both clauses according to semantic context.

Key Concept

Subject-Verb Agreement with Nouns Ending in '-ics' (Nouns with Dual Concord Rules)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Subject-Verb Agreement (Concord)

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