Question

Identify the error: "Neither the players nor the coach were present at the meeting."

• A. Neither
• B. players
• C. were
• D. meeting

Hint:

In either/or and neither/nor constructions, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Topic - English Grammar (Subject-Verb Agreement):
This question tests the "Rule of Proximity" used with correlative conjunctions.
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to find the grammatical error in a sentence using "Neither...nor".
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Rule: When two subjects are joined by "Neither...nor", the verb must agree with the subject closest to it.
Step 3: Detailed Solution:
1. The two subjects are "players" (plural) and "coach" (singular).
2. The verb follows the subject "coach", which is singular.
3. Therefore, the verb should be "was" instead of "were".
Step 4: Final Answer:
The error is in "were"; it should be "was".