Question

"

Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete a newspaper clipping: The verdict is yet to come since the members of the jury _________ (is/are) divided in their opinion.

"

Hint:

Use plural verbs with collective nouns when members act individually (team are arguing, jury are divided).

Answer 1

The correct option is:
are
\[ \text{The verdict is yet to come since the members of the jury
are
divided in their opinion.} \]
Explanation:

• The subject of the verb is
  "members"
  (plural), not "jury".
• "Members of the jury" is a plural noun phrase.
• Plural subjects take plural verbs.
• Therefore, "are" (plural) is correct, not "is" (singular).
• Even though "jury" is a collective noun, the phrase "members of the jury" specifically refers to individual members, making it plural.

Subject-Verb Agreement Rule:

• 
  Singular subject
  $\rightarrow$ singular verb (is/was/has)
• 
  Plural subject
  $\rightarrow$ plural verb (are/were/have)
• Here, "members" $\rightarrow$ plural $\rightarrow$ "are"