Question:
Choose the grammatically correct sentence.
Choose the grammatically correct sentence.
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Whenever you see "of the [plural noun]" after "Each/Either/Neither," ignore the plural noun. Focus only on the first word to decide the verb!
Updated On: May 16, 2026
- Neither of the boys were ready for the competition.
- Neither of the boys was ready for the competition.
- Neither of the boys are ready for the competition.
- Neither of the boys have been ready for the competition.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests the rule of distributive pronouns. Words like "Each," "Either," and "Neither" are distributive pronouns and are always considered singular in formal grammar.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In the phrase "Neither of the boys," the word "Neither" is the actual subject of the sentence, not "boys."
• "Neither" means "not one and not the other" (referring to them individually).
• Because the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular.
• "was" is singular, while "were," "are," and "have been" are plural.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct sentence is: "Neither of the boys was ready for the competition."
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