Question

The primary reasons given for the team's lackluster record is that they have poor leadership and a relatively inexperienced coach?

A. is that they have poor leadership and a relatively inexperienced coach
B. is poor leadership ability and they have a relatively inexperienced coach
C. are that they have poor leadership and that they have a relatively inexperienced coach
D. is having poor leadership and having a relatively inexperienced coach
E. are poor leadership and a relatively inexperienced coach​

Answer 1

The correct answer is option E because it correctly uses 'are' to match the plural subject, which consists of two reasons: 'poor leadership and a relatively inexperienced coach.'

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary reason given for the team's lackluster record is more than one factor, so the correct verb to use is 'are' because the subject is plural - poor leadership and inexperienced coaching. Therefore, the correct sentence is: 'The primary reasons given for the team's lackluster record are poor leadership and a relatively inexperienced coach.' Which is option E. This is an example of subject-verb agreement, which is a fundamental rule in English grammar stating that the subject and the verb must agree in number.