Which of the following sentences correctly uses subject-verb agreement?
A.
Statistics is an interesting subject. However, statistics is often misleading.
B.
Statistics are an interesting subject. However, statistics are often misleading
C.
Statistics is an interesting subject. However, statistics are often misleading
D.
Statistics are an interesting subject. However, statistics is often misleading
The correct answer is:
C. Statistics is an interesting subject. However, statistics are often misleading.
Explanation:
Statistics is a plural noun that refers to data or numerical information, so the verb used with it should be plural in sentences where “statistics” is the subject of the verb.
In option C, “Statistics is an interesting subject” is correct because “statistics” can be treated as a singular subject when referring to the field or subject of study. However, “statistics are often misleading” correctly uses the plural form when referring to the data itself.
Option A incorrectly uses “is” for both uses of “statistics,” which does not maintain consistent subject-verb agreement.
Option B uses “are” for both instances of “statistics,” which is incorrect when referring to the subject of study (singular) in the first part of the sentence.
Option D incorrectly uses “are” for the subject of study and “is” for the data, causing an inconsistency in subject-verb agreement.
Therefore, option C correctly uses subject-verb agreement by appropriately adjusting the verb form based on whether “statistics” is treated as a singular subject or as plural data.