Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: "Neither the teacher nor the students ___ ready."

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: "Neither the teacher nor the students ___ ready."

• A. is
• B. are
• C. was
• D. be

Answer: (B)

In the sentence "Neither the teacher nor the students ___ ready," the correct form of the verb to use is based on the principle of subject-verb agreement, particularly in conjunctions involving "neither...nor." When using "neither...nor," the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is closest to it. In this case, "students" is plural and is the noun closest to the verb. Therefore, the plural form of the verb "are" correctly agrees with "students," indicating that both the teacher and the students are being discussed collectively in terms of their readiness. Applying this rule helps maintain clarity and grammatical correctness in the sentence. This understanding of subject-verb agreement is essential in ensuring sentences convey the intended meaning accurately.

In the sentence "Neither the teacher nor the students ___ ready," the correct form of the verb to use is based on the principle of subject-verb agreement, particularly in conjunctions involving "neither...nor."

When using "neither...nor," the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is closest to it. In this case, "students" is plural and is the noun closest to the verb. Therefore, the plural form of the verb "are" correctly agrees with "students," indicating that both the teacher and the students are being discussed collectively in terms of their readiness.

Applying this rule helps maintain clarity and grammatical correctness in the sentence. This understanding of subject-verb agreement is essential in ensuring sentences convey the intended meaning accurately.