Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence.
“Either the students or the teacher ______ responsible for the delay.”

Correct option is B

The correct option is (b).

• Explanation: In sentences joined by either...or, the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it.
• Here, the nearer subject is “the teacher”, which is singular.
• Therefore, the singular verb “is” is the correct choice.

Grammar Rule involved (English/ Hindi):
• With either...or and neither...nor, the verb agrees with the subject placed nearest to it.
• इसे rule of proximity कहा जाता है।
• यहाँ nearest subject “teacher” singular है, इसलिए “is” सही है।

Meanings of other options:
• were – plural past form, incorrect here
• be – base form, not suitable in this structure
• are – plural present form, incorrect because the nearest subject is singular

So the correct answer is (b)