Q8
EnglishVerbs, Tenses & Agreement
Select the correct answer to fill in the blank. The ship, with its crew, _____ lost.
- a.were
- b.was
- c.were getting
- d.was being
Answer: (B) was
When a singular subject is followed by 'with', 'along with', 'together with', 'as well as' or 'in addition to', the verb agrees with the first (real) subject. Here the subject is 'The ship' (singular) and 'with its crew' is only a parenthetical phrase, so the verb is 'was'. 'Were' and 'were getting' wrongly agree with 'crew', and 'was being lost' is an awkward continuous passive that does not suit a completed event.