Fill in the blank with a suitable verb:Mathematics _____ my favourite ...
In order to select the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence, let's understand the subject-verb agreement. Subject and verb should agree with each other, i.e., if the subject is singular, the verb should also be in its singular form; and if the subject is plural, the verb should also be in its plural form.
Option B - Though 'mathematics' has an 's' in the end, it's not a plural word. It is the name of a subject, and hence it is a singular subject. We must fill in the blank with a singular verb. As 'are' is a plural verb form, we can't use it here. Hence, option B is incorrect.
Option C - 'Were' is a plural verb form. As explained above, 'mathematics' is a singular subject and so, we need a singular verb form. Hence, option C is incorrect.
Option D - 'Been' is a singular as well as a plural auxiliary verb which is used with both singular as well as plural subject. 'Been' is always accompanied by a helping verb like - has, have or had. It is often used in perfect o perfect continuous tenses. Hence, option D is incorrect.
Option A - Since 'mathematics' is a singular subject, 'is' is a singular verb form. As both the subject and the verb agree in the sentence, we can say - 'Mathematics is my favourite subject.' Hence, option A is the correct answer.
Fill in the blank with a suitable verb:Mathematics _____ my favourite ...
Understanding the Sentence Structure
In the sentence "Mathematics _____ my favourite subject," we need to fill in the blank with a verb that correctly completes the thought expressed in the sentence. The options provided are "is," "are," "were," and "been."
Analyzing the Subject
- "Mathematics" is a singular noun, even though it refers to a collection of concepts.
- In English grammar, the subject-verb agreement is crucial. A singular subject requires a singular verb.
Choosing the Correct Verb
- Option a) is: This is the correct answer. "Mathematics is my favourite subject" correctly uses the singular verb "is" to match the singular noun "Mathematics."
- Option b) are: This is incorrect because "are" is a plural verb and does not agree with the singular noun.
- Option c) were: This is also incorrect. "Were" is the past tense plural form and does not fit the present context of expressing a current favorite subject.
- Option d) been: This is the past participle form and does not function as a main verb in this context.
Conclusion
Thus, the correct answer is option 'A': "Mathematics is my favourite subject." This choice maintains grammatical accuracy and aligns with the singular nature of the subject. Understanding subject-verb agreement is essential for constructing clear and correct sentences.