English Grammar – Spot the Error (choose the segment containing the mistake; if there is no mistake, choose ‘‘No error’’). Sentence: “When the national anthem was being sung, everyone were standing in silence.”

Introduction / Context:Error-spotting questions like this one check your command of subject–verb agreement and number concord in formal English. The sentence describes a solemn situation and embeds a common trap: the indefinite pronoun “everyone” looks plural in meaning but is grammatically singular, so it requires a singular verb.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Main clause: “everyone were standing in silence”.
• Indefinite pronoun subject: “everyone”.
• Progressive construction: “was/were standing”.
• No stylistic trick; the test focuses on agreement only.

Concept / Approach:

• Indefinite pronouns such as everyone, everybody, each, either, neither are singular and take singular verbs.
• Therefore, the correct agreement is “everyone was”, not “everyone were”.
• The introductory adverbial clause “When the national anthem was being sung” is correct and does not affect agreement in the main clause.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:

Final Answer: