A subject-verb agreement question tests whether a verb matches its subject, the person or thing it’s about. Sort the forms into those that work with it and those that work with they. Then find the true subject rather than relying on the noun beside the blank. With subjects joined by neither ... nor, the verb matches the subject closer to it. Differences in tense can distract you from a mismatch in number.
Hints
- Hint 1
Look at the words joining the two subjects. How does the sentence connect the mayor and the city council members?
- Hint 2
Use the rule for neither ... nor. The verb matches the subject closer to it.
- Hint 3
Replace that nearer subject with it or they. Use the pronoun to check which number the verb needs.
Step-by-step
Sort, find, and match
Step 1Sort the verb forms
The choices give the verb before willing to compromise, so we can start by sorting the forms by number. What do is, has been, and was have in common? Each works with it, so each needs a singular subject, one person or thing. Their different tenses don't change that need, which means finding the true subject will tell us whether any of these forms can work.
- Step 2
Find the nearer subject
Which subject controls the verb in Neither the mayor nor the city council members? With neither ... nor, the verb matches the nearer subject, the subject closer to the blank. The sentence names one mayor and several council members, but nor doesn't work like and, which would make both subjects control the verb together. The nearer subject is the city council members, after nor and right before the blank. We're talking about several members, not the council as a single group.
- Step 3
Match the plural subject
Now replace the city council members with they and test the verb forms. These members need a plural verb, a form that works with more than one person, so they is, they has been, and they was don't work. Are gives us they are willing to compromise, which matches the subject that controls this verb. Choice B.