Not only the students but also the professor___ stunned by the test results.

Rationale

Not only the students but also the professor was stunned by the test results.

In sentences where the subject is joined by "not only...but also," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. In this case, "the professor" is the singular noun closest to the verb, so the singular form "was" is correct.

A (Was) CORRECT

The verb "was" correctly agrees with the singular subject "the professor," which is closest to the verb in the sentence. This ensures subject-verb agreement, making "was" the correct choice.

B (Were) YOUR ANSWER

The verb "were" is a plural form, which does not agree with the singular noun "the professor." Although "the students" is plural, the verb must match the noun nearest to it, which is singular.

C (Are) YOUR ANSWER

"Are" is the present tense plural form of the verb "to be," which does not fit in this past tense context and does not agree with the singular noun "the professor."

D (Be) YOUR ANSWER

"Be" is the base form of the verb and does not fit grammatically in this context, which requires a past tense form to match the singular subject "the professor."

Conclusion

In sentences where the structure "not only...but also" is used, the verb must agree with the noun closest to it. Here, "the professor" is the singular noun closest to the verb, so the singular past tense form "was" is correct. While other options are either plural or incorrect tense forms, "was" provides the necessary subject-verb agreement, ensuring grammatical accuracy.

Not only the students but also the professor___ stunned by the test results.

Not only the students but also the professor was stunned by the test results.

Related Questions

Related Quizzes

How familiar were you with this question?

Report an Issue

Rate this Practice Test