Quote
The rule for either … or and neither … nor
Either the surgeon or the butcher is hunting for deer.
Either the geese or the ducks are for sale.
Neither the dentists nor the optician is pleased about the news.
Neither the donkey nor the horses are eating the hay.
In #1, the noun on either side of or is singular, so a singular verb is required.
In #2, the noun on either side of or is plural, so a plural verb is used.
In #3, the noun before nor is plural while the noun after nor is singular. In this case, the noun closer to the verb determines the number of the verb, so a singular verb is being used here.
In #4, the noun before nor is singular while the noun after nor is plural. Since the noun closer to the verb determines the number of the verb, a plural verb is being used in this instance.
Each of these examples is correct. The rule for either … or and neither … nor really amounts to this: The noun immediately preceding the verb determines the number of the verb.Share
Sign In to comment on this quote
