Standard English ConventionsMediumSubject-verb agreement with a compound subject joined by 'or'
Standard English Conventions practice question
Either the conductor or the two soloists ____ the tempo for the final movement.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. chooseCorrect
- B. chooses
- C. is choosing
- D. has chosen
Answer: A. choose
With 'either … or', the verb agrees with the nearer subject, 'the two soloists', which is plural: 'choose'.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. chooses
- 'Chooses' agrees with the farther subject, 'conductor'.
- C. is choosing
- 'Is choosing' is singular.
- D. has chosen
- 'Has chosen' is singular.
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