crazy grammar question

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<li>(Introducing) new ideas and replacing )old ones) (is) always a highly controversial matter, (especially when) there is already tension between an older and younger generation. (No error)</li>
</ol>

<p>I’ll reveal the answer later. The sentence is weird.</p>

<li>A. What was noteworthy about this was that it was then possible for people to use elevators, not just freight.
D This development was noteworthy because elevators could now be used for people as well as for freight.
A 0r D. Why?</li>
</ol>

2

<p>First one, according to what you typed has no error. </p>

<p>Second one is D because it is the most clear and fluid sentence. Also when putting it in context with the rest of the passage it makes the most sense.</p>

3

<p>but aren't (introducing new ideas) and (replacing old ones) two things? so shouldn't be "is" changed to "are"</p>

4

<p>ideas are usually singular despite the fact that it look plural. Its one of those exceptions.Therefore "E" No Error</p>

<p>For the second one D because A is unnecessarily wordy.</p>

5

<p>look in consolidated list, theres a useful post by xitammarg after the link</p>

6

<p>"(Introducing) new ideas and replacing )old ones) (is) always a highly controversial matter"</p>

<p>Look at this statement closely.</p>

<p>If you were to insert "are" instead of "is" then the word "matter" would have to be plural (matters). However because "matter" stays as a singular noun, it indicates that "Introducing new ideas and replacing old ones" is a single event, a single entity.</p>

<p>Example:</p>

<p>CORRECT: Wasteful spending is a highly controversial matter
INCORRECT: Wasteful spending are a highly controversial matter</p>

<p>Does that make sense?</p>

7

<p>My brother and I are a great team.</p>

<p>Why would you say "are" in this case instead of "is" if a team is singular noun and a singular entity?</p>

8

<p>yea^, <strong><em>? what's the rule? Kevzor I think maybe the question above deals with an idea. But nevertheless to say, the SAT is *</em></strong>ed up</p>

9

<p>"My brother and I are a great team."
The verb is describing "my brother and i", not the team...</p>

<p>And you can definitely know that "is" is correct in the first example because the word "a" is used a coupe of words after that.</p>

10

<p>I think that the first two terms are somehow grouped together, and treated as one matter, that's why it's singular.</p>

<p>Logically rearranging the sentence, the subject is "the matter of introducing new ideas and replacing old ones" so it's singular.</p>

<p>How about "the idea of war and peace"? It's singular, although it refers to war and peace.</p>

<p>I haven't any logical explanation except that somehow the two subjects are logically connected by matter, so they become singular?</p>

11

<p>are instead of is, pretty sure.</p>