Question

Which verb correctly completes the sentence?
Despite the heavy rain, the members of the band __________ flawlessly in the parade.
a. perform
b. performs

Answer 1

A. perform. Because band is singular and the sentence is in the present tense.

Answer 2

a. perform

The sentence's subject is {members} and is modified by {of the band}. The predicate (usually the verb) should always answer to the subject and not the modifier. The subject is plural, so the verb should reflect that (verb without the -s, in this case, perform).