Rockets, like the airplane

[BTGmoderatorDC]

Rockets, like the airplane and the jet, were rapidly improved during World War II.

(A) Rockets, like the airplane and the jet, were
(B) The rocket, like airplanes and jets, was
(C) Rockets, like airplanes and jets, was
(D) The rocket, like the airplane and the jet, were
(E) The rocket, like the airplane and the jet, was

Can some experts find the best explanation in the best Option?

OA E

[ErikaPrepScholar]

Our first step should be to match our noun (rocket/rockets) with our verb (was/were). If we have the singular "rocket", we want the singular "was". If we have the plural "rockets", we want the plural "were". Eliminate C and D.

Next, we need to make sure our comparison (signaled by the word "like") is parallel. If we have the singular "rocket", we need to compare to the singular "airplane" and "jet". If we have the plural "rockets", we need to compare to the plural "airplanes" and "jets". Eliminate A, B, and C (again).

This leaves us with E.