Question

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word.

Neither they nor I are to compete in this race.

• A. were
• B. is
• C. am
• D. NO CHANGE

Answer 1

The correct option is C am

The subject-verb agreement rule for 'either...or' and 'neither... nor' says that the verb will agree with the subject that is closest to it. The proximity of the subject to the verb is the only thing that matters when it's a question of 'either...or' or 'neither ...nor'.

Option C is the correct answer because in standard English 'I' is always followed by the verb 'am'.

Option A is incorrect because 'were' is used in the second person singular and plural (you, your, yours) and first and third person plural (we, they). It cannot be used with the first person singular 'I'.

Option B is incorrect because there is no usage as 'I is' in standard English.

Option D is incorrect because the verb 'are' is used with plural nouns and does not agree with the singular noun 'I'.