Which of the following sentence is grammatically correct ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 2, "The rise and fall of the tide is due to lunar influence," is grammatically correct because the subject "the rise and fall" is considered a singular concept referring to the single phenomenon of the tide's movement. Therefore, the singular verb "is" agrees with the singular subject.

Here's why the other options are incorrect:

*   **Option 1: The state of his affairs were such as to cause anxiety to his creditors.** The subject of the sentence is "the state," which is singular. Therefore, the verb should be "was," not "were." The correct sentence would be: "The state of his affairs *was* such as to cause anxiety to his creditors."

*   **Option 3: The Chairman, with the directors, are to be present.** The phrase "with the directors" is a prepositional phrase that modifies the subject "The Chairman." The subject is still "The Chairman," which is singular. Therefore, the verb should be "is," not "are." The correct sentence would be: "The Chairman, with the directors, *is* to be present."

*   **Option 4: Sanskrit, as well as Arabic, were taught there.** Similar to option 3, the phrase "as well as Arabic" is an added phrase and doesn't change the subject. The subject is "Sanskrit," which is singular. Therefore, the verb should be "was," not "were." The correct sentence would be: "Sanskrit, as well as Arabic, *was* taught there."