Question 208·Easy·Form, Structure, and Sense
The new smartphone model, along with several accessories, ______ scheduled for release next month but has already generated considerable buzz among technology enthusiasts.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For subject–verb agreement questions, first strip away any interrupting phrases (especially ones between commas like "along with," "as well as," or "together with") to find the true subject. Decide if that subject is singular or plural, then choose the verb form that matches both the number and the time frame implied by the rest of the sentence. Quickly check that the verb phrase is complete (not just a participle) and that its tense is consistent with nearby verbs and time expressions.
Hints
Find the real subject
Cover up the phrase between the commas ("along with several accessories"). What noun is left as the subject of the sentence?
Decide whether the subject is singular or plural
Ask yourself: are we talking about one main thing or more than one as the core subject?
Check the time and form of the verb
Look at "scheduled for release next month" and "has already generated". Do these suggest present or past time, and which form of "to be" would match that?
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the core subject
Ignore the extra information set off by commas. The core sentence is:
"The new smartphone model ______ scheduled for release next month but has already generated considerable buzz..."
So the subject is "The new smartphone model", which is singular.
Recognize and ignore the interrupting phrase
The phrase "along with several accessories" is between commas and simply adds extra detail. Phrases like "along with," "as well as," or "together with" do not change the number of the subject. The subject remains singular, so the verb must also be singular.
Match verb number and tense to the sentence
We need a form of "to be" that:
- Agrees with a singular subject
- Works with "scheduled" to form a correct verb phrase (like "___ scheduled")
- Fits with the present-time idea shown by "next month" and "has already generated"
Past tense or plural forms will not fit well with the rest of the sentence.
Select the choice that fits all requirements
Only "is" is a singular, present-tense form of "to be" that correctly forms the phrase "is scheduled" and matches the present-time frame of the sentence. So the correct answer is B) is.