In the following sentence, identify the part which contains an error.
The rise and fall (a) / of the tide (b) / are due to (c) / the lunar gravitation (d)

1. A

   (c)

2. B

   (d)

3. C

   (a)

4. D

   (b)

Appeared in: NVS- 2025

Explanation

• The subject of the sentence is the compound phrase "The rise and fall".
• When two nouns joined by 'and' refer to a single, unified idea or concept, they are treated as a singular subject.
• In this context, "The rise and fall of the tide" describes one continuous, cyclical process, not two separate events.
• Therefore, the subject requires a singular verb ("is") for correct subject-verb agreement.
• The error is in part (c), which incorrectly uses the plural verb "are".

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: Part (d), 'the lunar gravitation', is a grammatically correct noun phrase that functions as the object of the preposition 'to'. There is no error in this part.
• Option C: Part (a), 'The rise and fall', is the subject of the sentence. The phrase itself is correctly formed. The error lies not in the subject phrase but in the verb that follows it.
• Option D: Part (b), 'of the tide', is a prepositional phrase that correctly modifies the subject 'The rise and fall'. There is no grammatical error in this part.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Subject-Verb Agreement: Compound Subjects as a Single Unit as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• While this is a grammar question, precise and clear communication is a critical skill in nursing. Errors in written documentation or verbal reports can lead to misunderstandings, medication errors, and compromised patient safety.
• What if? If the sentence structure was different, for example, 'The high tides and the low tides of the ocean...', it would refer to two distinct phenomena. In that case, the plural verb 'are' would be the correct choice.

How to Approach the Question

• First, read the entire sentence to understand its overall meaning: 'The rise and fall of the tide are due to the lunar gravitation.'
• Next, identify the core components of the sentence: the subject and the verb.
• The subject is 'The rise and fall'. The prepositional phrase 'of the tide' modifies the subject.
• The verb is 'are'.
• Analyze the subject. Although 'rise' and 'fall' are two nouns joined by 'and', consider if they function as a single unit or idea. Here, they describe the single, cyclical process of the tide.
• Apply the subject-verb agreement rule: A compound subject that expresses a single idea takes a singular verb.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Subject-Verb Agreement: Compound Subjects as a Single Unit
• Stem keywords: The rise and fall, of the tide, are due to, lunar gravitation, error
• Lead-in keywords: identify the part, contains an error
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QDuHdoWcP3rzu0xSEayNsG

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