Either is singular. Neither is also singular. 'Either/or' and 'neither/nor' are singular if their elements are singular, but treat the pairing as plural if ...
09.04.2019 · or neither…nor couplets. As we’re presenting a noun phrase with multiple objects, it seems natural to use a plural verb, but the verb may often be used in the singular. This depends on the nouns included; the option between two (either one or the other) does not necessarily create a plural on its own. This article discusses why.
After neither and either you use a singular verb: Neither candidate was selected for the job. Neither of and either of are followed by a plural noun or pronoun and a singular or plural verb. A plural verb is more informal: Neither of my parents speaks/speak a foreign language.
12.09.2015 · Look for the either/or and neither/nor constructions. Under this condition, the verb is singular or plural based on the subject closest to the verb. If the subject closest to the verb is singular, use a singular verb. If the closest subject is plural, use a plural verb. If both subjects are singular or both plural, the choice for the verb is easy.
In informal usage, neither may be treated as singular or plural depending on whether you want to negate two possibilities individually or both together. Example. Informal: Neither of them is / are ready. In neither-nor constructions, the verb used should agree with the part closest to it. Examples.
In this particular case, ‘neither’, ‘either’ and ‘both’ are a fossil from when English used to have not only singular and plural, but also the dual. Dual (grammatical number) - Wikipedia. One… it … not; Two… both… neither; Three or more… all… none
Sep 12, 2015 · Look for the either/or and neither/nor constructions. Under this condition, the verb is singular or plural based on the subject closest to the verb. If the subject closest to the verb is singular, use a singular verb. If the closest subject is plural, use a plural verb. If both subjects are singular or both plural, the choice for the verb is easy.
Either is singular. Neither is also singular. 'Either/or' and 'neither/nor' are singular if their elements are singular, but treat the pairing as plural if one of their elements is plural. There is a different convention called the Proximity Rule.
May 05, 2011 · ‘Either’ and ‘neither’ are generally singular. There is an exception, however. If the word follows a choice between two or more alternatives, the verb should take the form of the closest alternative. Furthermore, if one alternative is singular and one is plural, it is preferred that you put the plural word last and use a plural verb.