A verb agreement question tests whether a verb matches a subject that names one thing or more than one. First, sort the verb forms by number: a singular verb goes with it, and a plural verb goes with they. Then ask who or what does what the verb says. Set aside extra details between commas to find the true subject. Two subjects joined by and are plural, but added details don't change a subject's number.
Hints
- Hint 1
Look at the words before the blank. Who is preparing to present the findings?
- Hint 2
Read the sentence without the phrase between the commas. Can you replace the remaining subject with it or they?
Step-by-step
Find the true subject
Step 1Sort the verb forms by number
Start by sorting the verb forms: are planning, plan, and have planned all go with they, so they're plural. The question needs a verb that agrees with whoever will present their findings. Do we have one subject or more than one? Number is the first test, so let's find the true subject rather than comparing the choices' different tenses.
- Step 2
Set aside the added phrase
What does along with several colleagues do here? It tells us more about Dr. Méndez, and the commas let us set that phrase aside. The phrase along with doesn't join two subjects the way and does, so the colleagues don't become part of the subject for this verb. Removing the phrase leaves Dr. Méndez next to the blank, with no extra nouns in the way. One person is the true subject, even though colleagues will be involved in presenting the findings.
- Step 3
Match the verb to one person
Now replace Dr. Méndez with it and try the short version of the sentence. Which form works after that singular subject? It is planning gives us the match, because is goes with one person. In the full sentence, is planning describes the doctor's current plan to present the findings at the future conference. Choice C.