Subjects and verbs must match in number for a sentence to make sense. Even though grammar can be a little weird from time to time, there are 20 subject-verb match rules that summarize the topic quite succinctly. Most subject-verb match concepts are simple, but exceptions to the rules can make it more complicated. Pro tip: If you use either /or and neither / nor a singular verb in the sentence, if both subjects (nouns) are singular, for example, „my mother or father is coming”. „Is” is the singular verb of this sentence. But if one of the topics is plural, you should use a plural verb. For example, „My mother or sisters are coming.” „Are” is the plural verb in this sentence. Neither is used in a negative sense to show that the person will not choose any option, for example, „I will not do this or that.” It wasn`t the economy or my employees that made my business fail. In all negative forms of agreement, you tell it is not this and it is not that. If one or the other and neither with the words nor or nor are used, they become correlative conjunctions. Either/or are used together to provide a choice between two things. For example, the determinants of everyone, everyone, everyone, everyone, neither, no one, no one, and many should be followed by a singular noun and a singular verb. This article explains how to use these words correctly, as well as the relevant English grammar rules and some examples of sentences.
Ready to get started? Read below. When used as a determinant, neither allows us to make a negative statement about two things or people at the same time. For example: Admittedly, the subject-verb correspondence may seem strange in such sentences. You can always rephrase. Both and neither of them can also be used as an adjective. For example, if you remember that neither is negative and does not show up, everything will be fine. Either – or and neither – constructions act as conjunctions: they connect two things to each other. To be honest, the best way to keep your grammar up to date is to read, read and read even more! In the meantime, have fun with these five tips to further improve your grammar.
Use either-or-or-or-or-pairs to refer to either of the two alternatives. Either confirms each of the two alternatives, while neither denies them at the same time. We can neither use nor if we want to say that we agree with someone when they say something negative. Look at these examples where neither + auxiliary verb + subject is used. When using one or the other and neither, keep in mind the following rules: When acting as pronouns, „one or the other” means „neither.” We do not use and again if we have two negatives that correspond to each other. We use either and or when two positive voices agree or when we have a choice between two things. It`s as simple as that. For more sentences that show the correct match between subject and verb, see Subject-Verb Match Examples. You can also download our shorter infographic on the top 10 rules and keep it handy. Do you have difficulties with one or the other and neither? If so, don`t worry, you`re not alone: these two pairs of words can be difficult to use, and many people find them difficult in learning English. You can also use or without either, but a comma is always used.
Mike hadn`t thought about going to the concert, and neither had his wife. The constructions of one or the other and of one or the other must be of parallel structure: the two parts connected by or must be grammatically balanced. Susan: I don`t like summer. It`s too hot. Rachel: Me neither. Use either to confirm either of the two alternatives; nor to deny them. Section 3. The verb in a sentence or, either/or, or neither/yet is in agreement with the noun or pronoun closest to it. With an object pronoun, you don`t need a verb. Note, however, how the word order changes with neither and.] Rule 2. Two singular subjects related by or, either/or, require a singular verb.
You cannot use without using or saying that there were two objects or people, but without referring directly to both. It`s as simple as that. Always make sure you have a negative approval – negative or positive – positive – and you will always be right. If these words act as adverbs, then both and neither of them act as connecting words. For example: one or the other and none of them can be used in different ways. They can be used as adverbs, adjectives, determinants, pronouns or correlative conjunctions. For example, if two topics are not connected by either or, choosing the right number for the verb can be difficult for writers. Focus your attention on the noun closest to the verb. If it is singular, as in the sentence above, select the singular verb. If the noun is plural, select the plural form of the verb. What would a grammar lesson be without a few exceptions to the rule? Let`s check some of the most notable exceptions: 9.
If the subjects are both singular and connected by the words „or”, „ni”, „ni/ni”, „soit/ou” or „not only/but also”, the verb is singular. If you don`t use either, your subject-verb match must be correct for singular nouns and plural nouns. In some cases, one or the other and none of them are used as determinants. When used in this way, either displays a choice between two options. For example: Either -or and neither-are called correlative conjunctions. Other correlative conjunctions that occur in pairs include both and, no, but and if-or. If you have a singular noun and a plural noun with neither, put the plural noun in the last place. Your sentence will sound better. Neither the boy nor his sisters were tied up. I met old friends yesterday.. .