<ol>
<li>Of (A) the two options, neither (B) the system of appointing judges to the bench nor the process of electing (C)judges are (D)entirely satisfactory.
No error E</li>
</ol>
<p>The answer is D, why is this? is it because it's singular due to the fact that the subject is "the process of electing..." and because it is the last out of the two from the system of...nor the process...?</p>
<p>The famous filmmaker had a tendency
A
of changing
B
his recollections, perhaps out of boredom
C
at having
D
to tell interviewers the same story over and over.
E
Answer is D? “at having” i know it sounds awkward but why?</p>
<p>D.</p>
<p>Niether/either is singular so the verb needs to be singular form.</p>
<p>I think “bored of” is the correct idiomatic phrase. Can’t be bored at something.</p>
<p>If you have neither/nor or either/or, conjugate the verb to the phrase that is closest.</p>
<p>For example: Neither the boys nor the turtle wants celery. Either the monkey or the elephants are running a rampage at the zoo.</p>
<p>For your second question, is that the entire sentence? What part is underlined?</p>
<p>And just to elaborate on GreedIsGood’s post:</p>
<p>There are two subjects in that sentence.</p>
<p>In neither/nor and either/or sentences, the word closest to nor/or becomes the subject. Process, therefore, as it’s closest to nor, becomes the subject.</p>
<p>Process in this context is singular. Therefore it would be “is entirely satisfactory” rather than “are entirely satisfactory.”</p>
<p>Of the two options, neither the system of appointing judges to the bench nor the PROCESS of electing judges IS entirely satisfactory.</p>
<p>Another example with two subjects:</p>
<p>Neither Harry nor his friends see the danger. (they see)
Neither his friends nor Harry sees the danger. (he sees)</p>
<p>@penguin, the sentence under the letter is the underlined portion.</p>
<p>Once you know the either/or, neither/nor rules, simplifying the sentence also helps to identify the error.</p>
<p>Of the two options, neither the system (of appointing judges…) nor the process (of electing judges) IS entirely satisfactory.</p>
<p>The neither/nor is using system & process, thus the plurality of the verb is based upon the plurality of process, not judges.</p>
<p>Oh! This isn’t an improving sentences question!</p>
<p>“The famous filmmaker had a tendency of changing his recollections, perhaps out of boredom at having to tell interviewers the same story over and over.”</p>
<p>RAlec is right about the idiomatic expression. Those are the hardest. We learn most of them because we’re used to hearing them, but you might have to memorize some others.</p>
<p>i see… thanks!</p>