Solve this multiple-choice question and choose the correct option.

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.

Difficulty: Easy

Not one of the hundreds
of striking workers.
were allowed to go near the factory.
No error.

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').

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.

More Questions from Spotting Errors

Discussion & Comments