None of the equipment _______ properly during yesterday's demonstration.
7
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
was working
B
were working
C
have worked
D
are working
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. This question tests subject-verb agreement with "none."
- Context clues: "Equipment" is a singular, uncountable noun.
- Meaning: When "none of" is followed by a singular/uncountable noun, use a singular verb.
- Verify: "None of the equipment was working" correctly uses singular verb.
💡 Strategy: "None of" takes a singular verb when followed by an uncountable/singular noun; plural with plural nouns.
Choice B is incorrect because "equipment" is singular/uncountable. Choice C is incorrect because "have worked" is plural. Choice D is incorrect because "are" is plural and wrong tense.