They tried anti-acids, also anxiety drugs in case the problem was my nerves. In the end, they sent me home since my life wasn’t in danger.
Should it be was or were and why?
I tried using Google but I couldn't get an answer.
Answer
It should definitely be was because the subject of the clause the problem was my nerves, which is the problem, is a singular thing. And if the subject is singular, the main verb of the sentence or clause should match the subject in number. It's the subject that dictates whether the main verb takes on a singular or plural form and not the object. And it's never the other way around. It's simple as that.
For example:
I won't be able to go out tonight. The problem is my parents. They're not gonna let me leave the house.
In this sentence, the subject is the problem, the verb is is and the object is my parents. Since the subject is singular, the verb must agree with the subject in number. That's why it's is. The object has no say here whatsoever.
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