Set 16: Boundaries
Explanation
PASSAGE
Neither the manager nor the assistants _______ aware of the changes.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Detailed Answer Explanation
The correct answer is 'were' because of the rule: neither/nor agreement with closer subject. SAT grammar questions often test neither/nor agreement. Remember: look at the noun immediately before the verb. If it's plural (like "students" or "employees"), the verb should also be plural (were, are, have).
Key Evidence:
• "Neither the manager nor the assistants _______ aware of the ..."
Why others are wrong: A ('being' is not a finite verb and cannot complete this sentence structure), B ('is' is singular present tense but the sentence requires plural agreement with the closer subject), D ('was' would only be correct if the closer subject were singular).