OG Verbal [44]

codesnooker · Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 2:38 pm Post subject: OG Verbal [44]

44. Though the term＂graphic　design＂may　suggest　laying　out corporate brochures and annual reports，they have come to signify widely ranging work,　from package designs and company logotypes to signs，book jackets，computer graphics．and film titles．
(A) suggest laying out corporate brochures and annual reports，they have come to signify widely ranging
(B) suggest laying out corporate brochures and annual reports，it has come to signify a wide range of
(C) suggest corporate brochure and annual report layout，it has signified widely ranging
(D) have suggested corporate brochure and annual report layout，it has signified a wide range of
(E) have suggested laying out corporate brochures and annual reports，they have come to signify widely ranging

In the above question, I don't understand why it should not be "suggests" ? Isn't the subject over here is "term", I guess which should be singular rather than plural?

TIA

simplyjat · Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 10:11 pm Post subject:

Basically we are looking at subjunctive mood here. When we talk about possibilities or situations contradicting reality, we have to use subjunctive mood: use plural verb.

I wish I was filthy rich: INCORRECT
I wish I were filthy rich: CORRECT

barron · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 12:38 am Post subject:

your question was good

i didn't check the word suggest
as simplyjat told, it is because of subjunctives

also, Is B the answer?

codesnooker · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 2:40 am Post subject:

I have just started learning about sentence correction and last night finished the lesson of SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT from manhattan SC 2005 edition.

This was the question from same chapter's problem set. Don't know how they have given the question of "Subjunctive mood" in the Subject-Verb Agreement.

Thanks simplyjat and barron for your answers.

OA (B)

zacharyz · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 11:28 am Post subject:

The subject-verb is actually:

term and may suggest

Without the "may," it would be "the term suggests," but I think the phrase is actually:

"may +infinitive"

I may run, He may run, They may run

Following this, if you switch to "might"
present - "I might run..."
past - "I might have run..." or the perfect
'I might be running..." and "I might have been running..."