Question

Identify the part containing the error.
(A) Neither of the players
(B) were willing
(C) to accept
(D) the decision.

• A. Neither of the players
• B. were willing
• C. to accept
• D. the decision.

Hint:

When a sentence starts with "Neither of" or "Either of" followed by a plural noun, the subject is still singular ("Neither" or "Either").
Ignore the plural noun in the prepositional phrase when deciding the singular/plural form of the verb.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Find the subject of the sentence.
The subject is Neither of the players. The key word is Neither, not players.

Step 2: Recall the rule for Neither.
Neither is treated as singular, so it needs a singular verb.

Step 3: Check the verb used.
The sentence uses were, which is plural. That clashes with singular Neither.

Step 4: Fix it mentally.
The correct form is was willing, not were willing.

Step 5: Confirm the other parts are fine.
to accept and the decision have no grammar problem.

Step 6: State the answer.
The error is in part B, were willing. \[ \boxed{\text{were willing}} \]