Standard English ConventionsMediumAgreement with subjects joined by 'or'
Standard English Conventions practice question
Either the manager or the two assistants ____ the shop on Sunday mornings.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. openCorrect
- B. opens
- C. is opening
- D. has opened
Answer: A. open
With 'either ... or', the verb agrees with the subject NEAREST to it. That is 'the two assistants', which is plural: 'open'.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. opens
- 'opens' agrees with 'the manager', but the nearer subject is the plural 'assistants'.
- C. is opening
- 'is opening' is singular; the nearer subject is plural.
- D. has opened
- 'has opened' is singular and shifts the tense away from the habitual 'on Sunday mornings'.
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