Standard English ConventionsMediumSubject-verb agreement after 'neither … nor'
Standard English Conventions practice question
Neither the conductor nor the musicians ____ aware that the recording had already begun.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. wereCorrect
- B. was
- C. is
- D. has been
Answer: A. were
With 'neither … nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject, 'the musicians', which is plural.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. was
- 'Was' agrees with 'conductor', the farther subject.
- C. is
- 'Is' is singular.
- D. has been
- 'Has been' is singular.
More Standard English Conventions questions
- Medium
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? Maya trained for … - Medium
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? The three ____ un… - Medium
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? The first experim… - Medium
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? Marie Curie, ____… - Medium
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? On weekends, Priy… - Medium
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? The list of appro…
Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.