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English grammar error-spotting (collective noun + singular verb in passive): Read the sentence split into A–D and select the part with the error: ‘‘A body of volunteers / have been organised / to spread the message of the saint. / No error.’

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: have been organised

Explanation:


Given data

  • Subject head: ‘‘A body’’ (singular)
  • Verb phrase: ‘‘have been organised’’ (plural auxiliary)


Concept / Approach
With a collective noun as the head (‘‘A body …’’), formal agreement is singular. Hence, the auxiliary must be singular: ‘‘has been organized/organised’’.


Correction
‘‘A body of volunteers has been organised to spread the message of the saint.’’


Common pitfalls

  • Letting the plural noun inside the of-phrase (‘‘volunteers’’) trigger plural agreement.


Final Answer
have been organised

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