Half of the research funding _______ allocated to laboratory equipment upgrades.
1
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
were
B
was
C
have been
D
are
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. This question tests subject-verb agreement with fractional subjects.
- Context clues: "Funding" is the object of "of" and is singular (uncountable).
- Meaning: With fractions and percentages, the verb agrees with the noun in the "of" phrase.
- Verify: "Half of the research funding was allocated" uses singular verb for uncountable noun.
💡 Strategy: With fractions (half, part, majority), the verb agrees with the noun after "of."
Choice A is incorrect because "were" is plural, but "funding" is uncountable/singular. Choice C is incorrect because "have been" is plural. Choice D is incorrect because "are" is plural.