Error spotting (agreement after 'Not one of …'): Choose the erroneous part (A/B/C) — mark D if correct — 'Not one of the hundreds / of striking workers. / were allowed to go near the factory. / No error.' Check subject–verb agreement with negative quantifiers.
Verbal Ability
Spotting Errors
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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ANot one of the hundreds
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Bof striking workers.
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Cwere allowed to go near the factory.
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DNo error.
Answer
Correct Answer: were allowed to go near the factory.
Explanation
Given data
- Head of subject: 'Not one' = singular.
Concept/Approach (agreement)Although 'hundreds of workers' is plural, the head phrase 'Not one' is singular; hence, the verb must be singular: 'was allowed'.
Correction'Not one of the hundreds of striking workers was allowed to go near the factory.'
Common pitfallsAttraction of the verb by the nearest plural noun ('workers').
Final AnswerC — Use 'was allowed …'