Spot the Errors - English (MCQ) for Bank, MBA, CAT, MAT, GMAT, SSC for Q. 26690

Q.  Not only (1)  / the principal (2)  / but also the students (3)  / was laughing. (4)  / No Error (5)
- Published on 01 Feb 17

a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
e. 5

ANSWER: 4
 
Replace 'was' with were'.

When two subjects are joined by 'not only...but also', the verb must agree with the second subject.

The correct sentence should be: Not only the principal but also the students were laughing.

Similarly,
Don't say:Not only the teacher but also the children is dancing.
Say:Not only the teacher but also the children are dancing.

Don't say:Not only the children but also the teacher are playing.
Say:Not only the children but also the teacher is playing.

The use of helping verb should be made very carefully. When two subjects are joined by 'not only..but also', the verb must agree with the second subject.
The same rule applies when two subjects are joined by 'or', the verb must agree with the second subject.

e.g. Krish and his brothers were there. (Second subject is 'plural')

Mohan or Sohan is responsible for this. (Second subject is 'singular')

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