Directions: In the following question, one part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and click the button corresponding to it. If the sentence is free from error, click the ''No error'' option.

The audience were (A)/ becoming restive as they (B)/ waited for the (C)/ performance to begin. (D)/ No error /(E)

The correct answer is 'A' i.e. this part of the sentence has an error.

Key Points

• In the first part of the given sentence, the use of the plural form of the verb 'were' is incorrect.
• Collective nouns which refer to a group of people or things can take either a singular verb or a plural one depending on the meaning that is being implied.
• If the collective noun is taken to represent the group as one whole (here, The audience), then the singular form of the verb is used.
  • Example: The audience was cheering the performer.
• The singular form of the verb "was" should be used with the singular subject 'The audience'.
• Therefore, the singular form of the verb 'was' should be used in place of the plural form 'were'.
   

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Correct sentence: The audience was becoming restive as they waited for the performance to begin.

Additional Information

• If individual members are implied, then the verb takes the plural form.
  • Example: When the play ended, the audience were reluctant to leave.