Question

Pick the correct option to complete the following sentences :-
I. Gold and silver ______ precious metals.
II. The ship with its crew ______ lost.
III. No nook or corner ______ left unexplored.
IV. Neither my friend nor I ______ to blame.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. (I-is); (II-were); (III-was); (IV-are)
• B. (I- is); (II-was); (III-were); (IV- am)
• C. (I-are); (II-were); (III-was); (IV-are)
• D. (I-are); (II-was); (III-was); (IV-am)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine the correct form of verbs required for each sentence, we need to pay attention to the rules of subject-verb agreement. Let's analyze each statement: 

1. Gold and silver ______ precious metals.
   • The subject "Gold and silver" is a compound subject connected by "and," referring to multiple items, which requires a plural verb form.
   • The correct verb form is "are," making the complete sentence: "Gold and silver are precious metals."
2. The ship with its crew ______ lost.
   • The subject "The ship with its crew" is a singular subject since it focuses primarily on "the ship." The phrase "with its crew" does not affect the subject's singular nature.
   • The correct verb form is "was," making the complete sentence: "The ship with its crew was lost."
3. No nook or corner ______ left unexplored.
   • The subject "No nook or corner" is singular, focusing on each nook or corner individually.
   • The correct verb form is "was," making the complete sentence: "No nook or corner was left unexplored."
4. Neither my friend nor I ______ to blame.
   • The structure "Neither...nor" follows the rule of proximity, meaning the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
   • In this case, "I" is closer to the gap, and since "I" takes the verb "am," the complete sentence is: "Neither my friend nor I am to blame."

Based on the analysis above, the correct option is: (I-are); (II-was); (III-was); (IV-am).