NIMCET 2022 — English PYQ

To solve this question, we must apply the rules of Subject-Verb Agreement specifically concerning correlative conjunctions.

1. The Rule of Proximity:

When two subjects are joined by the correlative conjunctions "Neither... nor" or "Either... or", the verb must agree with the subject closest to it.

2. Identifying the Subjects:

In the given sentence, there are two subjects:

• Subject 1: Peter (Third-person singular)

• Subject 2: I (First-person singular)

3. Applying the Rule:

Since the blank is immediately followed by the second subject (I), the verb must agree with "I".

4. Selecting the Correct Verb:

Let's look at the standard verb forms for the subject "I":

• "I" takes "am" in the present tense.

• "I" takes "was" in the past tense (singular).

Comparing this to the options:

• "am" (Option A) fits the rule of proximity perfectly.

• "is" (Option C) would only be used if "Peter" was the closest subject.

• "are" (Option B) is used for plural subjects (we/you/they).

• "were" (Option D) is plural in the past tense.

Final Equation Representation:

Conclusion:

The grammatically correct sentence is: "Neither Peter nor I am responsible for this blunder."

Correct Option:

(A) am