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Identifying Sentence Errors

Pine, like (A)other(A) softwoods that ignite (B)quickly(B), (C)are(C) userful (D)as(D) kindling. (E)No error.(E)

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The error in this sentence is (C): the plural verb "are" does not agree in number with its singular subject, "pine." The correct sentence reads: Pine, like other softwoods that ignite quickly, is useful as kindling.

(from the October 16, 1999 test)

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