Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate option. The number of discrepancies identified during the extensive audit ______ significantly over time, suggesting that systemic inefficiencies ______ deeply embedded within the institutional processes.
has increased, are
Subject–verb agreement: “The number of + plural noun” takes a singular verb, because the head of the subject is “number”. By contrast, “a number of + plural noun” takes a plural verb. A plural noun subject such as “inefficiencies” takes a plural verb.
Step 1 — First blank: the subject is “The number of discrepancies”. Its head is “The number”, which is singular, so the verb must be “has increased”, not “have increased”.
Step 2 — Second blank: in the clause “that systemic inefficiencies ______ deeply embedded” the subject is “inefficiencies”, a plural noun, so the verb must be the plural “are”.
Step 3 — The pair that satisfies both rules is “has increased, are”.
“Have increased, are” wrongly treats “The number” as plural. “Has increased, is” wrongly gives the plural “inefficiencies” a singular verb. “Have increased, is” gets both agreements wrong.
has increased, are option is correct.
Similar Questions
Read the sentence carefully and choose the option that best completes both blanks. Only one option correctly completes the sentence.
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Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
At times he gets very angry, and then no one can_______ him.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
Many people today have fallen into utter confusion of values with the result that they cannot______ the good from the bad.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly
If Mohan________ at 5 a.m., he would not have missed the train.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
His property was divided ______ his daughters and sons.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly
His persistence in his misdemeanours has lowered him in the________ of everyone who knows him.
