Question

A. NO CHANGE B. was a C. were an actual D. would have been an actual

Short answer

Sentence: "By the time we _______ at the restaurant, the food had already been served." Options: A) arrive B) arrived C) will arrive D) would arrive Answer: B) arrived Explanation: In this sentence, the verb tense "had already been served" indicates that the action of serving the food happened before the subjects arrived at the restaurant. Therefore, we need a verb in the past simple tense, which matches the context of the past perfect tense in the sentence. The correct option is B) "arrived," as it provides a grammatically correct and coherent sentence: "By the time we arrived at the restaurant, the food had already been served."

Step-by-step solution

Identify the context of the sentence

To make the best decision among the options, it is essential to know the context in which the sentence is written. Unfortunately, the exercise does not provide this information. However, this step is still crucial in real-life situations and is worth mentioning.

Analyze the available options

Read the sentence with each of the provided options (A, B, C, or D) to evaluate how it sounds and whether it makes sense grammatically. Consider verb tense and subject-verb agreement in each case.

Evaluate the subject-verb agreement

Depending on the option chosen, the resulting sentence will have different subjects and verbs, possibly requiring a singular or plural verb. Assess each option to ensure proper subject-verb agreement.

Consider verb tense

Examine the verb tense within each choice, paying particular attention to the context and purpose of the sentence. Choose the option with the appropriate verb tense that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Select the best option

Based on the evaluations made in steps 2 to 4, choose the option that makes the most sense and provides a grammatically correct sentence with accurate verb tenses and subject-verb agreement.

Key concepts

Subject-Verb Agreement

Understanding subject-verb agreement is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences. At its core, this rule ensures that a singular subject pairs with a singular verb, while a plural subject matches with a plural verb. Sounds simple, right? But it can get tricky with irregular verbs or when the subject of the sentence is not immediately obvious.

For example, say we have a sentence like 'The list of items (is/are) on the table.' Although 'items' is plural, the true subject is 'list,' which is singular. Therefore, the correct verb form would be 'is.' In the context of the exercises, if you replace 'list' with words like 'pack,' 'team,' or 'family,' it's the same principle: the verb should agree with this collective noun, which is treated as singular.

Tips for Spotting Subject-Verb Agreement Errors

• Ignore words between the subject and verb that may distract you from the agreement.
• Be mindful of indefinite pronouns like 'everyone' or 'everything,' which are always singular.
• When two subjects are joined by 'and,' they typically require a plural verb; however, watch out for subjects that seem plural but are actually singular in meaning.

Verb Tense

Verb tense in English grammar identifies the time at which an action occurs. Tenses are divided into three broad categories: past, present, and future, with each category having simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous aspects. It's essential to keep the verb tense consistent within a sentence unless there's a shift in the timeline.

Choosing the correct verb tense within a given sentence depends on the context and the intent of the message. Are you describing a past event, a current ongoing action, or future plans? For example, contrasting 'I walk to school' (present simple for habits) with 'I walked to school' (past simple for habitual actions in the past) shows the importance of verb tense in conveying different times. Verb tense errors often occur when there's a mismatch between the time signal in the sentence and the verb form used.

Strategies to Maintain Correct Verb Tense

• Look for time indicators in sentences (yesterday, now, later) to guide your verb tense choice.
• When describing actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past, use the present perfect tense. For instance, 'I have finished my work.'
• Always consider the sequence of events — use past perfect to describe an action that occurred before another action in the past.

Grammar Exercises

Grammar exercises are an effective way to reinforce the rules of English grammar and apply them in context. From worksheets to interactive online quizzes, these activities are designed to hone a range of skills such as subject-verb agreement and verb tense usage. Regular practice with these exercises not only embeds the grammatical concepts but also aids in spotting and correcting errors in writing.

Many grammar exercises will present sentences that require selecting the correct verb form or modifying the sentence structure to achieve proper agreement or tense. It's not just about memorizing rules; it's about understanding how grammar shapes meaning and clarity in communication.

Ways to Benefit from Grammar Exercises

• Incorporate variety — mix different types of exercises like fill-in-the-blanks, multiple-choice questions, and sentence rewrites.
• Practice regularly to build and maintain your grammar skills.
• After completing an exercise, review the explanations for any errors to prevent them in the future.
• Don't forget to check for context, as it's key to determining the correct grammar to use.