Standard English ConventionsMediumAgreement with 'neither ... nor'
Standard English Conventions practice question
Neither the manager nor the employees ____ aware that the schedule had changed.
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 subject closest to it. The nearer subject is 'the employees', which is plural, so the verb is 'were'.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. was
- 'was' would agree with 'the manager', but that's the farther subject. The rule looks at the one right before the verb: 'employees'.
- C. is
- 'is' is singular and present. The nearer subject is plural, and 'had changed' sets the sentence in the past.
- D. has been
- 'has been' is singular. The verb has to match 'employees', the subject next to it.
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