Either the department heads or the CEO _______ to approve the merger before it can proceed.

10
reading

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A

have

B

are

C

were

D

has

Correct Answer: D

Choice D is the best answer. This question tests subject-verb agreement with "either...or."

  1. Context clues: In "either...or" constructions, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
  2. Meaning: "CEO" (singular) is closer to the verb.
  3. Verify: "Either... or the CEO has to approve" follows the proximity rule.

💡 Strategy: With "either...or" or "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the nearer subject.

Choice A is incorrect because "have" is plural, but "CEO" is singular. Choice B is incorrect because "are" is plural. Choice C is incorrect because "were" is plural and wrong tense.

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Set 2: Form, Structure & Sense 2