The CEO and founder of the company _______ retiring at the end of the fiscal year.
9
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
is
B
are
C
were
D
have been
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. This question tests subject-verb agreement with compound subjects referring to one person.
- Context clues: "The CEO and founder" refers to one person with two titles.
- Meaning: When compound subjects refer to the same person, use a singular verb.
- Verify: "The CEO and founder... is retiring" treats both titles as one person.
💡 Strategy: When two titles refer to the same person, use a singular verb.
Choice B is incorrect because there's only one person. Choice C is incorrect because "were" is plural and wrong tense. Choice D is incorrect because "have been" is plural.