Question:

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

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In either/or and neither/nor constructions, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Updated On: Apr 30, 2026
  • Neither
  • players
  • were
  • meeting
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: In sentences using neither...nor, the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to it.

Step 1:
Identify the subjects. The subjects are: \[ \text{players (plural)} \quad \text{and} \quad \text{coach (singular)} \]

Step 2:
Check the subject closest to the verb. The word closest to the verb is coach, which is singular.

Step 3:
Apply subject–verb agreement. Since the closest subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. \[ \text{Correct sentence: "Neither the players nor the coach was present at the meeting."} \] \[ \boxed{\text{Replace "were" with "was"}} \]
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