NeilU wrote:
Hi all,
In the 2013 book, Kaplan has an idiom question, the answer for which I believe is incorrect (at least in common usage) and would like some clarification:
The question reads:
The macabre nature of Macbeth, together with the widespread belief that real-life tragedies have accompanied many productions, has made the name of the play so dreaded that not even the least superstitious members of mosts casts dare utter it.
They give their answer as (A), it needs no correcting, when I believe it should have been corrected to:
...have made the name of the play...
Since, the clause in between the commas isn't merely a descriptive, or a modifier, but actually creates a plural subject, they. Similar to this:
He, together with she, have told you...
In this case, "together with" really is a slightly awkward substitution for "and", and thus makes it a plural subject. Had it been
He, as well as she, (creating an "or" of the subject)
The answer would be "He, as well as she, has told you"
"The macabre nature of Macbeth, not to mention the widespread belief..."
The subject would be singular, because the clause is subordinate.
Does this make sense, or am I incorrect?
If Kaplan is wrong, then it made a very big mistake with this question. Or, for the purposes of the GMAT, should I just assume that for the most part, clauses in parentheses are subordinate, and treat the subject as a singular noun.
Thanks for the help!
Nope, they are not wrong. 'together with' does not make a compound subject. And thus your sentence is as good as 'the macabre nature of macbeth has made.....'
Not sure about Kaplan book but I'd suggest you to refere to
MGMAT SC guide book, which clearly explaines the concept of compound subjects and additive phrases.
Hope it helps.