Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:
That none of the representatives found the proposal viable (1)/ is less surprising than the fact (2)/ that neither the chairperson nor the legal counsel (3)/ were briefed beforehand. (4)

Correct option is D

Option (4) contains an error.
Detailed explanation of error: The subject in the last clause is “neither the chairperson nor the legal counsel”. Both chairperson and legal counsel are treated as singular here, so the verb should be singular: was briefed, not were briefed. The sentence violates subject–verb agreement.
Correct form: “…that neither the chairperson nor the legal counsel was briefed beforehand.”
Grammatical rule used: Neither–nor agreement (Proximity + number logic)
· If both subjects are singular → use singular verb.
· If one is plural → verb agrees with the nearest subject.
· Example: Neither the CEO nor the manager was present.
· Information booster / exception:
· When neither/nor links two subjects, SSC questions usually apply:
· Singular + Singular → Singular verb
· Singular + Plural → verb agrees with the nearest (plural)