Set 13: Boundaries (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
Neither the CEO _______ willing to compromise on the terms of the merger.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question tests your understanding of sentence boundaries and punctuation. With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the closer subject. 'Board members' is plural and closer, so use 'were.' To determine the correct answer, examine where complete thoughts begin and end. Look for independent clauses that need proper separation. A period, semicolon, or appropriate conjunction can correctly join or separate these ideas. When analyzing sentence boundaries, pay attention to how ideas flow from one sentence to the next. Correct punctuation ensures clarity and prevents confusion for readers. Review the options carefully to identify which choice creates proper sentence structure.
Key Evidence:
• "neither...nor"
• "board members (closer, plural)"
Why others are wrong: B ('Was' is singular; should agree with plural 'board members.'), C (Comma is incorrect AND 'was' is singular.), D (Semicolon is grammatically incorrect here.).
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