Direction: In the questions given below, there is a sentence in which one part is given in bold. The part given in bold may or may not be grammatically correct. Choose the best alternative among the four given which can replace the part in bold to make the sentence grammatically correct. If the part given in bold is already correct and does not require any replacement, choose option (e), i.e. “No replacement required” as your answer.
The committee was divided in their opinion regarding the new regulations for the National Health Protection Scheme.
Is divided
Incorrect AnswerHad been divided
Incorrect AnswerHad divided
Incorrect AnswerWere divided
Correct AnswerNo replacement required
Incorrect AnswerExplanation:
If the committee members are unanimous regarding a decision, in that case, the committee is considered as a singular collective noun and a singular verb is used in the context. On the other hand, if a committee has members differing in their views regarding something, the plural form of the verb is used in that case.
In the given context, the committee members are differing in their opinions and therefore plural form of verb should be used. As the tense is correct in the sentence, the correct verb would have been ‘were’.
The correct sentence would have been: The committee were divided in their opinion regarding the new regulations for the National Health Protection Scheme.
This makes option D the correct choice among the given options.
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By: Brijesh Kumar