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Answer: CSet 17: Form, Structure & Sense
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?
A. was
B. is
C. were✓ Correct
D. being
Detailed Answer Explanation
The correct answer is 'were' because of the rule: neither/nor agreement with closer subject.
Why others are wrong: A ('was' violates the grammatical rule: neither/nor agreement with closer subject.), B ('is' violates the grammatical rule: neither/nor agreement with closer subject.), D ('being' violates the grammatical rule: neither/nor agreement with closer subject.).