In the question below choose the word(s) or phrase(s) which best fills(s) the gap(s):
Either the chief of the village or the leader of the farmers .... to be held responsible for the revolt.
A
were
B
are
C
is
D
have
Verified Correct Answer: C.
Grammar & Contextual Explanation
For coordination with or/ either…or/ neither…nor, the proximity principle applies. The verb agrees with the closest subject, including its person. The subject closest to the verb is "the leader of the farmers", which is singular.
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #6495)