From the words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that best completes each…

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "I spoke to Mary and Peter on the issue but ____ of them took my advice."

The word "but" signals contrast. I spoke to them, but they did not take my advice. So the missing word must give a negative meaning.

Explain the concept

Two people are involved (Mary and Peter), so we use words that refer to two persons or things:

• Neither means "not one and not the other." It carries a negative meaning and takes a singular verb. Example: Neither of them was present.
• Either means "one or the other." It is used in negative or question sentences, but it cannot stand alone here without "not" (e.g., "...but not either of them").
• Each means "every one of the two, taken separately." It is positive.
• All refers to three or more, and it is positive.

Solution

Test each option:

• A. "...but all of them took my advice": wrong. "All" is positive and doesn't fit two people. It also doesn't contrast with "but."
• B. "...but neither of them took my advice": correct. It is negative, fits two people, and matches the contrast with "but."
• C. "...but either of them took my advice": wrong. "Either" means one of them did, and it is not a natural way to express this.
• D. "...but each of them took my advice": wrong. It is positive, so there is no contrast with "but."

Answer: B. neither

Tip: When you see "but" after a statement about two people, followed by a blank before "of them," think neither. Remember: Neither = Not either (two persons, negative meaning). Use "all" only for three or more.