Proximity Rule in Subject-Verb Agreement

The video tutorial explains the proximity rule in subject-verb agreement, focusing on conjunctions like 'or', 'either or', and 'neither nor'. It highlights that the subject closest to the verb determines the verb's number. Examples are provided to illustrate how this rule applies in different contexts, emphasizing the importance of proximity in sentence construction.

What is the primary focus of the proximity rule in subject-verb agreement?

• The verb form is always plural.

• The first subject in the sentence determines the verb form.

• The subject closest to the verb determines the verb form.

• The verb form is always singular.

Which conjunctions are specifically associated with the proximity rule?

• As well as, along with, in addition to

• But, yet, so

• And, but, or

• Or, either or, neither nor

In the sentence 'Either my uncle or my aunts are coming', why is 'are' used?

• Because 'or' is used

• Because 'either' is used

• Because 'aunts' is plural

• Because 'uncle' is singular

In the sentence 'Neither praise nor blame seems to affect him', why is 'seems' used?

• Because 'nor' is used

• Because 'blame' is singular

• Because 'praise' is singular

• Because 'neither' is used

What happens to the verb form when 'or' is replaced with 'and' in a sentence?

• The verb form is determined by the first subject

• The verb form remains the same

• The verb form becomes singular

• The verb form becomes plural

In the sentence 'Either he or I am mistaken', why is 'am' used?

• Because 'he' is singular

• Because 'I' is singular

• Because 'either' is used

• Because 'or' is used

Which subject determines the verb form in 'Neither my uncle nor my aunt are coming'?

• Both

• Neither

• My aunt

• My uncle

In the sentence 'Our happiness or our sorrow is largely due to our actions', why is 'is' used?

• Because 'our' is used

• Because 'or' is used

• Because 'sorrow' is singular

• Because 'happiness' is singular

What is the key takeaway from the proximity rule?

• The verb form is always plural

• The first subject always determines the verb form

• The subject closest to the verb determines the verb form

• The verb form is always singular

What is the effect of using 'neither nor' in a sentence?

• It always makes the verb plural

• It always makes the verb singular

• The verb form is determined by the first subject

• The verb form is determined by the subject closest to it