Correct Answer:
B. Each of the players is ready
The grammatically correct sentence is 'Each of the players is ready'. This question tests subject-verb agreement, specifically with indefinite pronouns. The word 'each' is an indefinite pronoun and is always singular, even when it is followed by a prepositional phrase like 'of the players'. The phrase 'of the players' modifies 'each' but does not change the singular nature of the subject. Therefore, 'each' requires a singular verb.
Let's analyze the other options:
- A: 'Each of the players are ready' is incorrect because 'each' is singular, but 'are' is a plural verb.
- C: 'Each of the players were ready' is incorrect for the same reason; 'were' is a plural verb.
- D: 'Each players are ready' is incorrect on two counts. Firstly, 'each' should be followed by a singular noun (e.g., 'each player'), not a plural one. Secondly, even if it were 'each player', the verb 'are' would still be incorrect as 'each' requires a singular verb 'is'.
Always remember that 'each' and 'every' take singular verbs.