Standard English ConventionsVery hardAgreement with a compound subject joined by 'or' whose nearer part is singular
Standard English Conventions practice question
Either the two churchwardens or the vicar ____ the keys to the tower at any one time.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. holdsCorrect
- B. hold
- C. are holding
- D. have held
Answer: A. holds
With 'either … or', the verb agrees with the nearer subject, 'the vicar', which is singular.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. hold
- 'Hold' agrees with 'churchwardens', but the nearer subject is 'vicar'.
- C. are holding
- Plural, and the progressive suits a momentary action, not a standing arrangement.
- D. have held
- Plural.
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