Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The box of chocolates was empty.

  1. Step 1: The subject is 'the box', which is singular. Step 2. The phrase 'of chocolates' only adds detail, so the verb is 'was'. Answer: The box of chocolates was empty. Why not the others: The box of chocolates were empty.: This makes the verb agree with 'chocolates' instead of 'box'. The box of chocolates are empty.: This makes the verb agree with 'chocolates' in the present tense. The box of chocolates have been empty.: This makes the verb plural and changes the tense.

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