Neither of the paintings . . . . . . . . sold.
A. have been
B. were
C. are
D. was
Answer: Option D
Solution (By Examveda Team)
First, let's define the term "neither." Neither is a determiner used before singular countable nouns or uncountable nouns to refer to not one of two people, things, or groups. It indicates exclusion of both options.The sentence uses the phrase "neither of the paintings." The word "neither" is singular in its reference, even though it relates to two paintings. It means "not one" or "not either one". The verb must therefore agree with this singular subject.
Therefore, the correct verb form is "was," which is the singular past tense form of the verb "to be." This is because the subject "neither" acts as a singular subject in this context, and the action of selling happened in the past.
Why other options are incorrect:
* have been: This is the present perfect tense, implying an action completed at some unspecified time before now, but it's plural.
* were: This is the plural past tense form of "to be," which doesn't agree with the singular subject "neither."
* are: This is the plural present tense form of "to be," which also doesn't agree with the singular subject "neither."
This Question Belongs to Competitive English >> Grammar
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Plzz explan this rules.
The correct option is "was." The phrase "Neither of the paintings was sold" means that none of the paintings were successfully sold or purchased. "Was" is the past tense of the verb "to be," and it is used here to indicate that the action of selling the paintings happened in the past.
"Have been" is the present perfect tense of the verb "to be," which is used to describe an action that began in the past and continues to the present. "Were" is the past tense of the verb "to be" and is used to describe actions that happened in the past. "Are" is the present tense of the verb "to be" and is used to describe actions that are happening currently. None of these tenses fit the context of the sentence.
here are five more examples using the same structure:
"Neither of the books was read." (Neither of the books were read in the past.)
"Neither of the plants was watered." (Neither of the plants were watered in the past.)
"Neither of the cars was purchased." (Neither of the cars were purchased in the past.)
"Neither of the cakes was eaten." (Neither of the cakes were eaten in the past.)
"Neither of the m