How to Choose the Right Verb in English Sentences

Which verb correctly completes the sentence below?

Neither Nina nor Louise _______ to patch up the relationship to save the band.
A.
wanting
B.
want
C.
wants
D.
were wanting

Answer:

Neither Nina nor Louise wants to patch up the relationship to save the band.

When constructing sentences in English, it is crucial to pay attention to subject-verb agreement. In the sentence provided, the subjects "Neither Nina nor Louise" are joined by the conjunction "nor," indicating a singular subject. Therefore, the correct verb to use is "wants" to maintain agreement with the singular subject.

Understanding subject-verb agreement is essential for effective communication in English. By choosing the right verb form, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and convey the intended meaning clearly.

Remember to always consider the subject of the sentence when selecting the appropriate verb form. In cases where there are compound subjects connected by "nor," "neither," or similar conjunctions, the verb should agree with the nearest subject in number.

Practice constructing sentences with various subjects and verbs to improve your understanding of subject-verb agreement in English. The more you practice, the more confident you will become in selecting the right verb forms for different sentence structures.

By mastering subject-verb agreement, you can enhance the clarity and accuracy of your English writing and communication skills.