Choose the correct verb form for each sentence:
a. Our ability to use language is one of the things that ( sets / set ) us apart from animals.
b. A young couple ( was / were ) arguing about politics and kissing each other.
c. The blood samples on the tray ( needs / need ) testing.
d. Of particular concern in an emergency ( is / are ) an adequate supply of food and water.
e. The candidate and his opponents ( was / were ) on the stage.
a. Our ability to use language is one of the things that sets us apart from animals.
To choose the correct verb form for sentence a, we need to determine whether the subject "ability" is singular or plural. In this case, the subject "ability" is singular, so we need to use the verb form "sets."
b. A young couple was arguing about politics and kissing each other.
To choose the correct verb form for sentence b, we need to determine whether the subject "couple" is singular or plural. In this case, the subject "couple" is singular, so we need to use the verb form "was."
c. The blood samples on the tray need testing.
To choose the correct verb form for sentence c, we need to determine whether the subject "samples" is singular or plural. In this case, the subject "samples" is plural, so we need to use the verb form "need."
d. Of particular concern in an emergency is an adequate supply of food and water.
To choose the correct verb form for sentence d, we need to determine whether the subject "concern" is singular or plural. In this case, the subject "concern" is singular, so we need to use the verb form "is."
e. The candidate and his opponents were on the stage.
To choose the correct verb form for sentence e, we need to determine whether the subject "candidate and his opponents" is singular or plural. In this case, the subject "candidate and his opponents" is plural, so we need to use the verb form "were."