Either Buntu or you ........ to go

Analyze the question: This tests subject-verb agreement with "either...or". The blank needs a verb that matches the subject placed after "or".

Explain the concept: In an "either...or" (or "neither...nor") construction, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it, which is the one after "or". This is called the proximity rule.

Solution:

• Subjects: "Buntu" (third person singular) and "you" (second person)
• The subject closest to the verb is "you"
• "You" takes "are" (singular or plural), so the verb is "are"

Checking the options:

• A. "was": wrong, "you" never takes "was"
• B. "are": correct, it agrees with "you"
• C. "has": wrong, it does not fit "you", and "has" would need a past participle, not "to go"
• D. "is": wrong, it is used with third person singular subjects, not "you"

The full sentence: "Either Buntu or you are to go."

Note: "are to go" expresses an obligation or arrangement, as in "You are to go."

Answer: B. are

Exam tip: With "either...or" and "neither...nor", look only at the subject nearest the verb. Ignore the first one. For example:

• "Either you or Buntu is to go." (Buntu is closest, so "is")
• "Either Buntu or you are to go." (you is closest, so "are")