16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardAgreement with the nearer subject after nor

Standard English Conventions practice question

Neither the archivist nor her two assistants ____ able to read the faded script.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. wereCorrect
  2. B. was
  3. C. has been
  4. D. is

Answer: A. were

With "neither … nor", the verb agrees with the nearer subject, "assistants", which is plural.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. was
Agrees with the farther subject.
C. has been
Singular.
D. is
Singular.

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