Standard English ConventionsMediumSubject-verb agreement with a compound subject joined by 'or'
Standard English Conventions practice question
Either the two assistants or the head gardener ____ the greenhouse each evening.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. locksCorrect
- B. lock
- C. are locking
- D. have locked
Answer: A. locks
With 'either … or', the verb agrees with the nearer subject, 'the head gardener', which is singular.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. lock
- 'Lock' agrees with the farther subject, 'assistants'.
- C. are locking
- 'Are locking' is plural.
- D. have locked
- 'Have locked' is plural.
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