[Grammar] Because tax rates were lower, net earnings, which are an indicator of

[s3thdy]

Dear all,

There are several questions (sentence completion part) in one TOEIC book as follows:
1. Because tax rates were lower, net earnings, which are an indicator of a company's financial strength, was higher.

The answer sheet describes the error in that sentence is "was", because net earnings is plural.

I am quite confused as I thought the part "are an indicator" seems strange to me.

2. After being asked his advice, Mr Andy recommended to have the proposal read by a lawyer.

The answer sheet choose "to have" as the answer, however I am unsure with the "after being asked his advice" construction.

Can somebody enlight me on these? Thank you so much.

Best regards,
Seth

 

[andrewg927]

Re: Sentence Completion

Can somebody enlighten me on these? Thank you so much.

Best regards,
Seth

1. Could you tell me more why you think "are an indicator" is strange?

2. Again, what do you think is wrong with "after being asked his advice"?

 

[teechar]

Re: Sentence Completion

1. Because tax rates were lower, net earnings, which are an indicator of a company's financial strength, [STRIKE]was [/STRIKE] were higher.

I am quite confused as I thought the part "are an indicator" seems strange to me.

It's saying earnings are an indicator.

However I am unsure [STRIKE]with[/STRIKE] about the "after being asked his advice" construction.
Can somebody enlighten me on these? Thank you so much.

It just means after he was asked for his advice.
I must say that I prefer "asked for" instead of "asked" in such contexts. However, the original is not wrong.

 

[emsr2d2]

S3thdy, I have changed your thread title. Titles should include some/all of the words/phrases you are querying.

 

[Rover_KE]

Seth, you don't need to write a thank-you letter. Your clicks on 'Thank' are all we need to see.