Error Spotting – Choose the part (A–D) that contains the grammatical error, or choose No error if the sentence is fully correct. Sentence (parts correspond to options below): A) Neither the earthquake B) nor the subsequent fire C) was able to dampen D) the spirit of the residents.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks subject–verb agreement with the correlative pair neither … nor. With this construction, the verb agrees with the nearer subject (the one after nor).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Subjects: earthquake (singular) and fire (singular)
• Nearest subject to verb: the subsequent fire (singular)
• Verb form used: was (singular)

Concept / Approach:
Rule: With neither A nor B, the verb should agree with B (the element closest to the verb). Because fire is singular, was is the correct choice.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute a plural second element (nor the fires). Then the verb would be were. With singular fire, was is correct, validating no error.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They are not wrong; each part is grammatical and idiomatic.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes force plural agreement with neither … nor, forgetting the proximity rule. Always check the noun nearest the verb.

Final Answer:
No error.