<p>This isn't from an SAT, but is just a general grammar question. I thought this would be a good place to ask.</p>
<p>Look at this sentence: "The four ingredients in this simple dish include spinach, cheese, tomatoes, and eggs." Okay, I think that the use of the word "include" is incorrect. I usually think of using that word when listing just a part of a longer list. But there are only four things on the list--ingredients--and it lists them all. I think it's wrong when the entirety of things described comes after "include." Am I right or wrong?</p>
<p>The subject of the sentence is “the four ingredients.” That is a plural subject, so it must be accompanied by “include” or the verb for third person plural; whereas, “includes” would be used if the subject were “ingredient” because that is the verb that goes with third person singular subjects.</p>
<p>It’s not the verb tense I’m talking about, it’s the proper usage of the verb “include.” Let me try to re-explain what I mean.</p>
<p>Incorrect: The four numbers include 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Correct: The five numbers include 1, 2, 3, and 4.</p>
<p>You’re asking about diction, not grammar, and the question is definitely not relevant to the SAT (although of course diction is tested, just not in this way).</p>
<p>I agree with marvin100. The question you’re asking is one of semantics, and in my opinion, doesn’t really matter, unless you’re being particularly nitpicky about things. I was wondering what prompted you to ask this question?</p>
<p>@baktrax, It’s just something I seem to have seen a lot in things I’ve read recently. I just wanted to know if it was silly to be annoyed by it. And it seems like it is.</p>