Agreement, Patterns and Statistical Claims

The colleague with ___ I collaborated has retired.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: whom

The colleague with whom I collaborated has retired. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.

The policy ___ which we objected was withdrawn.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: to

The policy to which we objected was withdrawn. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.

Choose the word or expression: To rise and fall irregularly.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: fluctuate

fluctuate: To rise and fall irregularly. Example: Energy prices tend to fluctuate throughout the year.

She succeeded in ___ the dispute.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: resolving

She succeeded in resolving the dispute. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.

We acted in accordance ___ the agreement.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: with

We acted in accordance with the agreement. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.

Choose the word or expression: To stop increasing or decreasing after a period of change.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: plateau

plateau: To stop increasing or decreasing after a period of change. Example: Sales are expected to plateau after several years of growth.

With regard ___ your request, we need more details.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: to

With regard to your request, we need more details. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.

The number of applicants ___ increasing.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: is

The number of applicants is increasing. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.

Choose the word or expression: A data point that differs greatly from most others.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: outlier

outlier: A data point that differs greatly from most others. Example: One unusually high value was identified as an outlier.

A number of applicants ___ withdrawn.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: have

A number of applicants have withdrawn. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.

Each of the reports ___ a summary.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: contains

Each of the reports contains a summary. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.

Choose the word or expression: The amount by which an estimate may differ from the true value.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: margin of error

margin of error: The amount by which an estimate may differ from the true value. Example: The poll reports a margin of error of three percentage points.

Neither the assistants nor the manager ___ available.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: is

Neither the assistants nor the manager is available. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.

Ten kilometres ___ a long way to walk in this heat. (one distance)

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: is

Ten kilometres is a long way to walk in this heat. (one distance) Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.

Choose the word or expression: A general pattern of increasing values over time.

Your answer: Unanswered

Correct answer: upward trend

upward trend: A general pattern of increasing values over time. Example: Despite monthly fluctuations, the data show an upward trend.