"Most of the purported health benefits of tea comes from antioxidants- compounds also found in beta carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C that inhibit the formation of plaque along the body's blood vessels."

Underlined Portion: comes from antioxidants- compounds also found in beta carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C that

Correct: come from antioxidants-compounds that are also found in beta carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C and that

Chosen Incorrect: come from antioxidants-compounds also found in beta carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C, and


I see that 'health benefits' is the subject being referenced by the verb 'comes' and therefore should be singular. However, I'm having a difficult time identifying why 'that are' and 'that' are needed. Is the error a parallel structure error that results from the placement of the verb 'indicate'? If someone could clarify the role(s) of 'that', I would really appreciate it.

Thanks

The basic structure of the sentence is this: (Many times, the grammar is easier to see and correct without all the extraneous words thrown in the middle...)

The benefits come from antioxidants -- compounds that are found in X and inhibit Y.

We don't say:
The benefits come from antioxidants -- compounds found in X and inhibit Y. (We might be able to say "-- compounds found in X that inhibit Y," though.)

The "that" forms a subordinate modifier that talks about "compounds."

Does this help some?

Veritas Help