Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The corresponding letter of that part is the answer. If the given sentence is correct as it is, then choose option ‘No error’ as your answer response. (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any).

The latest batch of applications have (A)/ been reviewed, and (B)/ the acceptance letters (C)/ are ready to be sent out. (D)

Correct option is A

The incorrect part is (A).

Detailed Analysis

• The Error: "The latest batch of applications have..."
• The Rule: This is a subject-verb agreement error involving a collective noun phrase. When a subject follows the pattern "The [Noun] of [Plural Nouns]," the verb must agree with the head noun (the first noun), not the noun closest to the verb.
• The Context: The subject is "batch," which is a singular collective noun. The phrase "of applications" is a prepositional phrase modifying the batch. Because "batch" is singular, the verb must also be singular.
• The Correction: Change "have" to "has."
• Corrected Sentence: The latest batch of applications has been reviewed...

Breakdown of Other Parts

• (B) been reviewed, and: Correct. This completes the present perfect passive construction (has been reviewed).
• (C) the acceptance letters: Correct. A plural noun phrase acting as the subject for the second clause.
• (D) are ready to be sent out: Correct. The plural verb "are" correctly agrees with "letters." "To be sent out" is a correct passive infinitive.

Grammar Guide: Collective Nouns and Prepositional Phrases

This is a common "proximity trap." Writers often mistakenly look at the plural noun right before the verb ("applications") instead of the actual subject ("batch").