The professor, who along with her graduate students _______ conducting research in Antarctica, will return next month.
1
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
are
B
were
C
have been
D
is
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests subject-verb agreement within relative clauses.
- Context clues: "Who" refers to "professor" (singular); "along with" doesn't create a compound subject.
- Meaning: The verb in the relative clause must agree with its antecedent.
- Verify: "The professor, who... is conducting" correctly uses singular verb for singular antecedent.
💡 Strategy: In relative clauses, the verb agrees with the antecedent of the relative pronoun.
Choice A is incorrect because "are" is plural, but "professor" is singular. Choice B is incorrect because "were" is plural. Choice C is incorrect because "have been" is plural.