In the following error spotting question, one part of the sentence may contain a grammatical error. Identify the incorrect part or choose "No Error": "Neither of the scout leaders know / how to trap wild animals / or how to prepare them for mounting / No Error."

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of subject verb agreement in sentences that begin with "neither of" followed by a plural noun. Such structures are common in exams because they look plural but are treated as singular for verb agreement. You must identify which part of the sentence breaks this rule.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Full sentence: "Neither of the scout leaders know (A) / how to trap wild animals (B) / or how to prepare them for mounting (C) / No Error (D)."
• Part A: "Neither of the scout leaders know"
• Part B: "how to trap wild animals"
• Part C: "or how to prepare them for mounting"
• The phrase "Neither of" refers to not one and not the other, focusing on each leader individually.

Concept / Approach:
When "neither" is used with "of" and a plural noun phrase (such as "the scout leaders"), it is grammatically singular and must take a singular verb. The correct form is "Neither of the scout leaders knows," not "know." Therefore, the error lies in part A where the plural verb "know" has been used instead of the singular "knows."

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the main subject of the sentence: "Neither of the scout leaders." Step 2: Recall the rule that "neither" is singular and needs a singular verb. Step 3: Notice that the sentence uses the plural verb "know" after this singular subject. Step 4: Replace "know" with "knows" to correct the subject verb agreement. Step 5: Confirm that the rest of the sentence in parts B and C is grammatically fine.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can test this rule with similar sentences: "Neither of the students knows the answer" or "Neither of the cars runs well." In each case, a singular verb follows "neither of." Applying this pattern here gives "Neither of the scout leaders knows," confirming that the original verb "know" is incorrect for standard exam English.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• B: "how to trap wild animals" is an infinitive phrase that correctly complements the verb and contains no error.
• C: "or how to prepare them for mounting" is parallel in structure to part B and is also correct.
• D (No Error): Cannot be correct because part A clearly violates the subject verb agreement rule for "neither of."

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners see the plural noun "leaders" and automatically choose a plural verb, forgetting the effect of "neither of." Others wrongly believe that modern speech allows plural agreement here, but competitive exams usually follow strict grammar rules and expect "neither of" and "either of" to take singular verbs. Paying attention to the real grammatical subject rather than the nearest noun prevents such errors.

Final Answer:
The error is in part A; the sentence should read: Neither of the scout leaders knows how to trap wild animals or how to prepare them for mounting.