An agreement question tests whether a verb matches a subject that names one thing or more than one. Sort the forms by number: singular forms work with it, and plural forms work with they. Then find the true subject in the sentence and check whether it names one thing or more than one. With neither and nor, the verb matches the nearer subject, so use that subject’s number. A change in tense can't fix a verb that disagrees with its subject.
Hints
- Hint 1
Which words join the two parts of the subject at the start of the sentence?
- Hint 2
With neither and nor, check the subject closest to the blank. Does that subject name one thing or more than one?
Step-by-step
Match the nearer subject
Step 1Sort the verb forms
Try the verb forms after it and they to sort them by number. Which ones need a singular subject? Was, has been, and is all go with it, so they're singular forms. The blank gives us the verb for whoever is willing to postpone the vote, and number is the first check because a change in tense can't fix a mismatch with that subject.
- Step 2
Find the subject that controls the verb
The opening Neither the mayor nor the city council members gives us two subjects with different numbers. Does the verb match both together, or only one of them? With neither and nor, the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it; it doesn't treat the two subjects as a pair joined by and. Here the city council members control the verb because they sit right before the blank, while the mayor is farther away.
- Step 3
Match the verb to the members
Shrink the city council members to they, because the main noun is members, not council. Which verb form works with that plural pronoun? They were willing works, so the members take the plural form were. The singular forms was, has been, and is don't work after they, whatever tense they use. Choice B.