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Either–Or / Neither–Nor

Introduction

The expressions “either-or” and “neither-nor” are commonly used to connect two subjects. These constructions test your understanding of subject-verb agreement when choices or negations are involved.

The key rule is simple but often tricky - the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Pattern: Either–Or / Neither–Nor

Pattern

When subjects are connected by either-or or neither-nor, the verb must agree with the subject closest to it.

Example 1: Either Ravi or his friends are coming.
Example 2: Neither the students nor the teacher was present.

✅ Rule: Always check which subject is nearer to the verb - that subject decides whether the verb is singular or plural.

Step-by-Step Example

Question

Choose the correct verb:

Either the teacher or the students _______ responsible for the decorations.

(A) is    (B) are    (C) was    (D) has

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the two subjects.

    The subjects are the teacher (singular) and the students (plural).

  2. Step 2: Locate the verb position.

    The verb follows the students, which is plural.

  3. Step 3: Apply the rule.

    When using either-or, the verb agrees with the nearest subject - here, plural ‘students’ → use plural verb ‘are’.

  4. Step 4: Substitute and check.

    ‘Either the teacher or the students are responsible for the decorations.’

  5. Final Answer:

    are → Option B

  6. Quick Check:

    Nearest subject (students) → plural → ‘are’. ✅

Quick Variations

1. If both subjects are singular → use singular verb.

2. If both subjects are plural → use plural verb.

3. If one is singular and the other plural → verb agrees with the nearest subject.

4. This rule applies equally to either-or and neither-nor.

Trick to Always Use

  • Step 1: Find the subject nearest to the verb.
  • Step 2: Match the verb form (singular/plural) to that nearest subject.
  • Step 3: Ignore the first subject while deciding verb agreement.

Summary

Summary

  • “Either-or” and “Neither-nor” link two subjects.
  • The verb always agrees with the second (nearest) subject.
  • If the nearest subject is singular → use singular verb.
  • If the nearest subject is plural → use plural verb.
  • Examples:
    ✅ Either my friends or my brother is coming.
    ✅ Either my brother or my friends are coming.

Practice

(1/5)
1. Choose the correct verb:<br><br>Either Ramesh or his friend _______ going to the function.
easy
A. is
B. are
C. was
D. have

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify both subjects.

    The subjects are Ramesh (singular) and his friend (singular).

  2. Step 2: Find the subject nearest the verb.

    The subject nearest the verb is his friend, which is singular.

  3. Step 3: Apply the rule.

    With either-or, the verb agrees with the nearest subject → singular → use is.

  4. Final Answer:

    is → Option A

  5. Quick Check:

    Both subjects are singular and the nearer one is singular → use singular verb ‘is’. ✅
Hint: With either-or, match the verb to the noun closest to it.
Common Mistakes: Matching the verb to the first subject instead of the nearest one.
2. Fill in the blank:<br><br>Neither the students nor the teacher _______ present today.
easy
A. was
B. is
C. are
D. has

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify both subjects.

    The subjects are the students (plural) and the teacher (singular).

  2. Step 2: Find the subject nearest the verb.

    The nearest subject is the teacher (singular).

  3. Step 3: Apply the rule.

    With neither-nor, the verb agrees with the nearest subject → singular → use is.

  4. Final Answer:

    is → Option B

  5. Quick Check:

    Nearest subject is singular → use singular verb ‘is’. ✅
Hint: For neither-nor, match the verb to the noun just before it.
Common Mistakes: Using a plural verb by matching the first subject instead of the nearest.
3. Choose the correct verb:<br><br>Either my brother or his friend _______ coming tomorrow.
easy
A. is
B. are
C. were
D. have

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify both subjects.

    Subjects: my brother (singular) and his friend (singular).

  2. Step 2: Find the nearest subject.

    The nearest subject to the verb is his friend (singular).

  3. Step 3: Apply the rule.

    With either-or, agree with the nearest subject → singular → use is.

  4. Final Answer:

    is → Option A

  5. Quick Check:

    Nearest subject singular → singular verb ‘is’. ✅
Hint: Look at the noun right before the verb - that decides singular/plural.
Common Mistakes: Using plural ‘are’ because the sentence mentions more than one person overall.
4. Select the correct sentence:<br><br>
medium
A. Either the boys or the teacher are going to the museum.
B. Either the boys or the teacher is going to the museum.
C. Either the boys or the teacher were going to the museum.
D. Either the boys or the teacher have gone to the museum.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify both subjects.

    The boys (plural) and the teacher (singular).

  2. Step 2: Find which subject is nearest the verb.

    The nearest subject is the teacher (singular).

  3. Step 3: Apply the rule.

    With either-or, agree with the nearest subject → singular → use is. Option B is correct.

  4. Final Answer:

    Either the boys or the teacher is going to the museum. → Option B

  5. Quick Check:

    Nearest subject singular → singular verb ‘is’. ✅
Hint: Verb matches the nearest subject in either-or constructions.
Common Mistakes: Matching the verb to the first (plural) subject and using ‘are’.
5. Choose the correct option:<br><br>Neither the witnesses nor the jurors _______ been informed about the change in schedule.
medium
A. has
B. is
C. was
D. have

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify both subjects.

    The witnesses (plural) and the jurors (plural).

  2. Step 2: Find the subject nearest the verb.

    The nearest subject is the jurors (plural).

  3. Step 3: Apply the rule.

    With neither-nor, the verb agrees with the nearest subject → plural → use the plural perfect auxiliary have (as in ‘have been informed’).

  4. Final Answer:

    have → Option D

  5. Quick Check:

    Nearest subject plural → plural auxiliary ‘have’ (→ ‘have been informed’). ✅
Hint: When both possible subjects are plural and nearest is plural, use plural verb/auxiliary.
Common Mistakes: Using singular auxiliaries like ‘has’ by mistake.

Mock Test

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