Select the best word or words for the blank in the following sentence.
Not only the cat but also the dogs ___________ for dinner.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A subject must agree with its verb in number. The subject in this sentence is a compound subject (cat and dogs). When a compound subject consists of a singular word (cat) and a plural word (dogs) connected by the words or, either/or, neither/nor, or not only/but also, choose a verb that agrees with the subject that is closest to the verb.
The closest word to the verb is plural (dogs) so we need a plural verb (are waiting).
Not only the cat but also the dogs are waiting for dinner.

Select the Best Word or Words for the Blank in the Following