Choose the correct word to complete the following sentence:
One of the problems in our business today ___that of disposing of the surplus.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → is
Subject-verb agreement with "one of":
- In "one of + plural noun", the subject is one, which is singular. "Of the problems" only describes it.
- A singular subject takes a singular verb: is / was, not are / were.
- Two-step check: 1. agreement: the subject "one" is singular → is/was. 2. tense: "today" → present.
- This sentence: "today" refers to the present, so the singular present is is needed.
- Complete sentence: One of the problems in our business today is that of disposing of the surplus.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: are — Incorrect. "Are" is a plural verb. The subject "one" is singular.
Example: The problems are serious.
Option 3: were — Incorrect.
- "Were" is a plural verb, but "one" is singular.
- It is in the past tense, while "today" needs the present.
Option 4: was — Incorrect. "Was" is singular but in the past tense. "Today" needs the present.
Example: One of the windows was broken last night.
Contrast: in "one of + plural noun" the verb agrees with "one" (is). "Are" goes with a plural subject, as in "The problems are serious".