Giving alternatives:  either/or;  neither/nor.  Which verb should I use — singular or plural?

Either is used to mean “one or the other”.  Either is used with or. Neither is used to mean “not one nor the other”. Neither is used with nor.

Singular or plural verb?   
The verb agrees with the noun nearest to it in the sentence.  Here are the four main rules: 

Rule 1: Singular subjects (Singular verb)

Example: Neither the Ministry nor the Agency has adequate funds.

The general public neither understands nor supports this inefficient way of working.

Rule 2: Plural subjects (Plural verb)

Example: Neither the staff members nor the visitors were allowed to enter the building.

Rule 3: Mixed subjects (Verb agrees with the closest subject)

Example: Neither the Resident Coordinator nor the officials were quoted in the article.

Rule 4: “Either of” / “Neither of” (Always singular)

Neither of the agencies is withdrawing from the region

Neither of us has been informed about the decision. 

Common pitfalls

• Incorrect: Neither the manager nor the staff was present.
• Correct: Neither the manager nor the staff were present (Staff is plural and closest).
• Incorrect: Either she or I is going.
• Correct: Either she or I am going (Verb agrees with “I”). 

Test yourself

1. Neither the director nor the head of the unit [has/have] any information.
2. Either the method or the theory [is/are] flawed.
3. Neither the results nor the conclusions [was/were] conclusive.
4. Either the head of unit or the managers [has/have] to present.
5. Neither the head of unit nor the manager [has/have] to present.
6. Either of the applicants [is/are] qualified.

Answer key

1. Neither the director nor the head of the unit has any information. (Both subjects are singular).
2. Either the method or the theory is flawed. (Both subjects are singular).
3. Neither the results nor the conclusions were conclusive. (Both subjects are plural).
4. Either the head of unit or the managers have to present. (“managers” is closer to the verb).
5. Neither the head of unit nor the manager has to present.  (“manager” is closer to the verb).
6. Either of the applicants is qualified.  (“Either of” always takes a singular verb). 

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Author: Carol Waites

Presentation/editing by Christina O’Shaughnessy 
https://worldwidewriting.org/

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Carol Waites (PhD)
Email: carolswritingtips@gmail.com
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Carol’s memoir of her times at the United Nations, Behind the Flags, is available on Amazon and lulu.com

ISBN 9783952632703 Behind the Flags Amazon
9783952632710 Behind the Flags Black and White Version Amazon (Australia and Japan)
9783952632727 Behind the Flags lulu.com