Each of the following sentences has been divided into five parts (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e). One of these parts may contain a grammatical or usage error. Identify the part that contains the error. If the sentence is correct, choose Option (e) – No error. The strategic report concluded (a) / that neither the intelligence agencies (b) / nor the diplomatic corps (c) / were fully prepared to respond to the rapidly evolving crisis (d). / No error (e)

With correlative conjunctions like neither…nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Subjects: Intelligence agencies (plural) Diplomatic corps (singular collective noun) Since the verb relates more closely to diplomatic corps, the verb should be singular. Incorrect phrase Were fully prepared Correct phrase Was fully prepared Option Analysis A – Correct introductory clause. B – Grammatically correct phrase. C – Correct noun phrase. D – Incorrect verb agreement with the subject nearest to the verb. E – Incorrect because an error exists.