Digital SATReading and Writing: Standard English ConventionsHard
A historian presenting new findings emphasized that neither the archeological evidence nor the ancient texts ______ definitively explain the sudden decline of the civilization.
- Ais doing
- Bdoes
- Cdo
- Dhas done
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. do
When subjects are joined by 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. In this case, 'ancient texts' is plural and is closest to the verb. Therefore, the plural verb 'do' is correct.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This singular progressive verb does not agree with the closest subject 'ancient texts'.
- B. This singular verb does not agree with the closest subject 'ancient texts'.
- D. This singular perfect tense verb does not agree with the closest subject 'ancient texts'.
Agreement with 'Neither...Nor'
When subjects are joined by 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees in number with the subject that is closer to the verb.
- Focus on the subject immediately preceding the verb.
- If the closest subject is singular, use a singular verb.
- If the closest subject is plural, use a plural verb.
Memory trick: Neither-Nor: The verb's a friend to the subject near its end!