16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardAgreement with 'either ... or' and two singular subjects

Standard English Conventions practice question

Either the director or her deputy ____ to sign the release form.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. hasCorrect
  2. B. have
  3. C. are
  4. D. were

Answer: A. has

With 'either ... or', the verb agrees with the nearer subject. 'her deputy' is singular, so 'has to sign'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. have
'have' is plural; both subjects here are singular.
C. are
'are' is plural.
D. were
'were' is plural and past.

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