Last visit was: 21 Apr 2026, 08:42 It is currently 21 Apr 2026, 08:42
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
mikemcgarry
User avatar
Magoosh GMAT Instructor
Joined: 28 Dec 2011
Last visit: 06 Aug 2018
Posts: 4,474
Own Kudos:
30,877
 [5]
Given Kudos: 130
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,474
Kudos: 30,877
 [5]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
4
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
PiyushK
Joined: 22 Mar 2013
Last visit: 31 Aug 2025
Posts: 588
Own Kudos:
5,053
 [2]
Given Kudos: 235
Status:Everyone is a leader. Just stop listening to others.
Location: India
GPA: 3.51
WE:Information Technology (Computer Software)
Products:
Posts: 588
Kudos: 5,053
 [2]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
aditya8062
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 05 Sep 2010
Last visit: 26 Nov 2020
Posts: 502
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 61
Posts: 502
Kudos: 672
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
karna2129
Joined: 16 Jan 2014
Last visit: 13 Feb 2017
Posts: 6
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 5
Location: India
Concentration: International Business, Leadership
GMAT Date: 09-19-2014
GPA: 3.8
WE:Design (Aerospace and Defense)
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
(B) either the math department chair or the members of the department post a challenge problem to the student body, but usually the problem is so difficult that the students

(E) either the members of the math department or the department chair post a challenge problem to the student body, but usually the problem is so difficult that the students

Please Explain what is wrong with (e)
User avatar
PiyushK
Joined: 22 Mar 2013
Last visit: 31 Aug 2025
Posts: 588
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 235
Status:Everyone is a leader. Just stop listening to others.
Location: India
GPA: 3.51
WE:Information Technology (Computer Software)
Products:
Posts: 588
Kudos: 5,053
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
karna2129
(B) either the math department chair or the members of the department post a challenge problem to the student body, but usually the problem is so difficult that the students

(E) either the members of the math department or the department chair post a challenge problem to the student body, but usually the problem is so difficult that the students

Please Explain what is wrong with (e)

The department chair is singular and closest to the verb. thus, verb must be posts not post. Therefore, E is wrong.
If you want to learn how verb depends on subject in either .. or construction check link Mike has provided above.
Or you can refer chapter 3, MGMAT SC, page 44.
User avatar
aragonn
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 23 Sep 2015
Last visit: 30 Sep 2019
Posts: 1,170
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 416
Products:
Posts: 1,170
Kudos: 5,939
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post

Official Explanation


Split #1: SVA. This is an OR subject. In the first three choices, the second term, “the members,” is plural, so we need a plural verb. Choice (C) makes a SVA mistake.

In the last two choices, the second term, “the department chair,” is singular, so we need a singular verb. Choice (E) makes a SVA mistake.

Split #2a: Pronoun problem. After the comma, the “it” is meant to refer to the “challenge problem,” but could refer to “the student body.” This is a pronoun with ambiguous antecedent. We need to restate the noun, “the problem.” Choices (A) & (D) make this mistake.

Split #2b: Pronoun problem. The “they” is meant to refer to the students, but “student body” is singular collective noun. The only plural noun is “the faculty members,” but it would be illogical for the pronoun to refer to them. The “they” is wrong, and choices (A) & (C) & (D) make this mistake.

Choice (B) is the only possible answer.
User avatar
GMATDr
Joined: 22 May 2019
Last visit: 18 Apr 2020
Posts: 25
Own Kudos:
5
 [1]
Given Kudos: 26
Location: India
Concentration: Healthcare, Entrepreneurship
Schools: IMD '21
WE:Brand Management (Pharmaceuticals and Biotech)
Schools: IMD '21
Posts: 25
Kudos: 5
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi,
In the original question stem posted by Mike, underlined portion mentions 'the members of the department posts', however in option A it is corrected to post. Option A should be a repeat of what is underlined in the Q stem.
Though it doesn't make any difference since option A still is wrong. Pointing it out just for the sake of academic reasons.
:please :please :please
User avatar
Bunuel
User avatar
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Last visit: 21 Apr 2026
Posts: 109,729
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 105,798
Products:
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 109,729
Kudos: 810,405
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GMATDr
Hi,
In the original question stem posted by Mike, underlined portion mentions 'the members of the department posts', however in option A it is corrected to post. Option A should be a repeat of what is underlined in the Q stem.
Though it doesn't make any difference since option A still is wrong. Pointing it out just for the sake of academic reasons.
:please :please :please
_____________________
Fixed the typo. Thank you.
User avatar
VerbalBot
User avatar
Non-Human User
Joined: 01 Oct 2013
Last visit: 04 Jan 2021
Posts: 19,403
Own Kudos:
Posts: 19,403
Kudos: 1,009
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Automated notice from GMAT Club VerbalBot:

A member just gave Kudos to this thread, showing it’s still useful. I’ve bumped it to the top so more people can benefit. Feel free to add your own questions or solutions.

This post was generated automatically.
Moderators:
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7391 posts
494 posts
358 posts