Find the errorHe is a scientist but out of his three sons neither have become scientists.
Correct answer: D. neither have become scientists
- A. He is a scientist
- B. but out of
- C. his three sons
- D. neither have become scientists
Explanation
The error in the original sentence lies in the phrase 'neither have become scientists.' The word 'neither' indicates a singular subject, which requires a singular verb form. Therefore, it should read 'neither of his three sons has become a scientist.' Option A ('He is a scientist') is correct and does not need changes, while Option B ('but out of') is also correct but could be improved for clarity. Option C ('his three sons') is accurate, maintaining the focus on the sons. Only Option D is incorrect due to the failure to adhere to the rule of subject-verb agreement regarding 'neither.'
Last updated
About Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement requires the verb to match the true subject in number and person, even when other words intervene. Questions cover collective nouns, compound subjects, indefinite pronouns, either and neither, relative clauses, quantities and inverted sentences, where proximity can falsely suggest the wrong verb.
Practise Grammar
6,178 free Grammar MCQs from English, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Exams that ask English questions like this
English is on 121 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.