Question

Read the sentence.

One-third of the temple complex (is covered, are covered) by sand, and forty meters (is, are) too deep to dig safely.

Which verbs correctly complete the sentence?

A) are covered, is
B) are covered, are
C) is covered, are
D) is covered, is

Answer 1

the answer among all is "is covered, is".
Welcome :)

Answer 2

Answer: C. is covered, are

The verbs in option C ( is covered, are) correctly complete the sentence: "One-third of the temple complex is covered by sand, and forty meters are too deep to dig safely." In this case with fraction, the verb agrees with the noun (temple complex), which is in the singular. And "forty meters" is plural and requires a plural verb.