Neither the director nor the producers _______ willing to compromise on the film's artistic vision.
5
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
was
B
were
C
is
D
has been
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. This question tests subject-verb agreement with "neither...nor."
- Context clues: In "neither...nor" constructions, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
- Meaning: "Producers" is closer to the verb and is plural.
- Verify: "Neither the director nor the producers were willing" follows the proximity rule.
💡 Strategy: With "neither...nor" or "either...or," the verb agrees with the subject closer to it.
Choice A is incorrect because "was" is singular, but "producers" (nearer subject) is plural. Choice C is incorrect because it's singular and wrong tense. Choice D is incorrect because it's singular and wrong tense.