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Difficulty: Very hardSubject-Verb Agreement

In the study of historical linguistics, the reconstruction of extinct proto-languages—a painstaking process that relies heavily on the comparative method and the meticulous cataloging of systematic sound correspondences across descendant tongues—_______ a rigorous framework for understanding prehistoric migrations. By analyzing these lexical links, researchers can map the divergence of ancient communities before the advent of written records.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A
    provide
  2. B
    are providing
  3. providesAnswer
  4. D
    have provided

Answer

provides
The singular present-tense verb 'provides' correctly agrees with the singular subject 'reconstruction'. The intervening plural nouns ('proto-languages', 'correspondences', 'tongues') are part of modifying phrases and clauses and do not affect the number of the true subject.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main subject of the sentence by stripping away intervening prepositional phrases and parenthetical structures.
The main subject of the verb is the singular noun phrase 'the reconstruction'.
The prepositional phrase 'of extinct proto-languages' and the detailed parenthetical description between the em-dashes modify 'reconstruction' but do not alter its grammatical number.
2
Determine the correct verb form that matches the singular subject in number and fits the active present tense of the passage.
The singular present tense verb 'provides' must be used.
A singular subject requires a singular verb, and the context established by surrounding verbs ('relies', 'can map') is in the simple present tense.

Key Concept

Subject-Verb Agreement
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Subject-Verb Agreement

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