Question

Either the captain or his crew.................responsible for the mishap.

• A. is
• B. am
• C. are
• D. was

Answer 1

Answer:

A. is

If the subjects are joined by using or, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, the verb depends on the second subject. If the second subject is singular, the verb will also be singular.If the second subject is plural, verb will also be plural.

Crew, committee, panel, gang, etc, are singular words that refer to a group. It would treat 'crew' as singular but if one expressly uses 'crew members' or 'committee members' this automatically refers to plural.