Question

Read each sentence carefully to find out whether there is any grammatical or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence marked (a), (b), (c) or (d). Choose the option corresponding to that part. If the sentence is correct as it is, choose “No error (e)” as your answer. Ignore punctuation errors, if any. Neither the branch manager nor the field officers (a) was willing to approve (b) the loan application (c) without verifying the collateral documents thoroughly (d). No error (e)

Q: Answer-Read each sentence carefully to find out whether there is any grammatical or idiomatic error in it....

This sentence involves the rule of correlative conjunctions, specifically neither nor. According to grammar rules, when two subjects are connected by neither nor, the verb must agree with the subject closest to it. Here, the nearer subject is field officers, which is plural. Therefore, the verb must also be plural. However, the sentence incorrectly uses the singular verb was willing. The correct verb form should be were willing. Because the error lies in the verb phrase in part b, that option is correct.