Neither This Nor That Is Or Are

Navigating the nuances of grammar can sometimes feel like traversing a minefield. One such area of confusion often revolves around the proper usage of correlative conjunctions, particularly “neither… nor.” The question of whether to use “is” or “are” after this construction can be perplexing. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the rules governing subject-verb agreement with “neither… nor,” equipping you with the knowledge to confidently navigate this grammatical terrain. We will delve into the intricacies of subject-verb agreement, explore the specific rules that apply to “neither… nor,” and provide numerous examples to illustrate proper usage.

Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement: The Foundation

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental principle of grammar that dictates the verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. This means a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.

Basic Examples:

Singular: The dog barks. (Singular subject "dog" takes the singular verb "barks.")
Plural: The dogs bark. (Plural subject "dogs" takes the plural verb "bark.")

While this principle seems straightforward, complexities arise when dealing with compound subjects (subjects joined by conjunctions) or when intervening phrases separate the subject from the verb. One such complexity arises with correlative conjunctions like "neither… nor."

The Correlative Conjunction "Neither… Nor": A Deep Dive

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that connect two words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank in a sentence. They help to establish a relationship between the elements they connect. Common correlative conjunctions include:

Both… and: Both the teacher and the students enjoyed the field trip.
Either… or: You can have either cake or ice cream.
Not only… but also: Not only did he study hard, but also he excelled in the exam.
Neither… nor: Neither the cat nor the dog is allowed on the furniture.

The construction "neither… nor" is used to indicate that none of the two options presented are true or possible. It essentially means "not this and not that."

Examples:

Neither the red shirt nor the blue shirt fits me. (Meaning: The red shirt doesn't fit me, and the blue shirt doesn't fit me.)
Neither rain nor snow will stop us from reaching our destination. (Meaning: Rain won't stop us, and snow won't stop us.)

The Core Rule: Proximity Matters

The generally accepted rule for subject-verb agreement with "neither… nor" is that the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to it. This is known as the principle of proximity.

Examples Demonstrating the Proximity Rule:

Singular Verb: Neither the students nor the teacher is happy with the test results. (The subject closest to the verb "is" is the singular noun "teacher.")
Plural Verb: Neither the teacher nor the students are happy with the test results. (The subject closest to the verb "are" is the plural noun "students.")

Breaking Down the Rule: Singular vs. Plural Subjects

Let's examine different scenarios to solidify your understanding of the proximity rule.

1. Singular Subject + Singular Subject:

When both subjects connected by "neither… nor" are singular, the verb should be singular.

Neither John nor Mary is going to the party.
Neither the book nor the pen is on the table.
Neither the cat nor the dog was fed this morning.

2. Plural Subject + Plural Subject:

When both subjects connected by "neither… nor" are plural, the verb should be plural.

Neither the cats nor the dogs are allowed inside.
Neither the books nor the pens were where I left them.
Neither the students nor the teachers are satisfied with the school's policies.

3. Singular Subject + Plural Subject (or vice versa):

This is where the principle of proximity comes into play. The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Singular Verb: Neither the students nor the teacher is available.
Plural Verb: Neither the teacher nor the students are available.
Singular Verb: Neither the books nor the laptop is working properly.
Plural Verb: Neither the laptop nor the books are working properly.

Important Note: While the proximity rule is generally accepted, some stylists and grammarians prefer to rewrite sentences to avoid awkwardness, especially when a singular subject follows a plural subject. We'll discuss this in more detail later.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that "neither… nor" always takes a singular verb, regardless of the subjects involved. This is incorrect.

Incorrect: Neither the students nor the teacher are going on the trip. (If you want to use "are," the sentence should be: "Neither the teacher nor the students are going on the trip.") Correct: Neither the students nor the teacher is going on the trip.

Another common mistake is ignoring the proximity rule and simply choosing a verb based on the first subject.

Incorrect: Neither the book nor the papers is on the desk. Correct: Neither the book nor the papers are on the desk.

To avoid these mistakes, always identify the subjects connected by "neither… nor" and carefully consider which subject is closest to the verb.

Rewriting for Clarity and Avoiding Awkwardness

As mentioned earlier, sometimes adhering strictly to the proximity rule can result in sentences that sound awkward or unnatural, particularly when a singular subject follows a plural subject. In such cases, it is often preferable to rewrite the sentence for clarity.

Example of Awkward Sentence:

Neither the players nor the coach is happy with the game. (Grammatically correct but sounds slightly awkward)

Rewritten Sentence for Clarity:

The coach and the players are not happy with the game. (A more natural and clear phrasing)
Nobody is happy with the game: neither the players nor the coach. (Rearranging the sentence)

Another Example:

Awkward: Neither the ingredients nor the chef was ready.
Better: The chef and the ingredients were not ready.

Strategies for Rewriting:

Use a different conjunction: Instead of "neither… nor," consider using "and… not" or simply negating the sentence.
Rearrange the sentence: Shift the order of the subjects to make the sentence flow more smoothly.
Use a collective noun: If the subjects represent a group, use a collective noun (e.g., team, committee) and adjust the verb accordingly. For example, instead of "Neither the players nor the coach is...", you could write "The team is not..."
Rephrase to eliminate the need for "neither...nor" entirely: Instead of "Neither the book nor the magazine is available," you could write "Neither the book nor the magazine is available," or "The book and the magazine are both unavailable."

Advanced Considerations and Nuances

While the proximity rule is the standard guideline, there are some nuances and situations where writers might choose to deviate from it. These deviations are often stylistic choices made for emphasis or to achieve a particular effect.

1. Emphasis on One Subject:

In some cases, a writer might want to emphasize one of the subjects connected by "neither… nor." In such instances, they might choose a verb that agrees with the emphasized subject, even if it's not the closest one. However, this should be done sparingly and with careful consideration, as it can potentially confuse readers.

2. Formal vs. Informal Writing:

In highly formal writing, some grammarians still adhere to the stricter rule that "neither… nor" should always take a singular verb, regardless of the subjects involved. However, this rule is becoming increasingly outdated and is generally not followed in modern English. In most contexts, the proximity rule is the preferred approach.

3. Collective Nouns as Subjects:

When one of the subjects connected by "neither… nor" is a collective noun (e.g., team, family, committee), the choice of verb depends on whether the collective noun is being treated as a singular unit or as a collection of individuals. If the collective noun is acting as a single unit, use a singular verb. If it is acting as a collection of individuals, use a plural verb.

Neither the team nor the coach is happy with the loss. (Team is acting as a single unit)
Neither the team members nor the coach are happy with the loss. (Team members are considered individually)

Practical Examples and Exercises

Let's test your understanding with some practical examples and exercises.

Instructions: Choose the correct verb (is or are) in each sentence.

Neither the car nor the trucks _____ running.
Neither the student nor the teachers _____ present.
Neither the money nor the jewelry _____ missing.
Neither the rain nor the wind _____ stopping us.
Neither the president nor the senators _____ in agreement.

Answers:

More Complex Examples:

Neither the lengthy explanation nor the complex diagrams _____ helping me understand the concept. (is)
Neither the detailed report nor the supporting documents _____ providing conclusive evidence. (are)
Neither the outdated software nor the malfunctioning hardware _____ contributing to the efficiency of the system. (is)
Neither the continuous delays nor the unexpected costs _____ making this project feasible. (are)
Neither the vague instructions nor the ambiguous guidelines _____ making it easy to complete the task. (are)

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions

Q: Does the rule apply to "either… or" as well?

A: Yes, the principle of proximity also applies to "either… or." The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Q: What if the subjects are pronouns?

A: The same rules apply. Pay attention to whether the pronouns are singular or plural and apply the proximity rule accordingly.

Q: Is it always better to rewrite the sentence if it sounds awkward?

A: In most cases, yes. Clarity is paramount in writing, so if a sentence sounds awkward, rewriting it is often the best solution.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Subject-Verb Agreement with "Neither… Nor"

Mastering the use of "neither… nor" requires a solid understanding of subject-verb agreement and the principle of proximity. By carefully identifying the subjects connected by this correlative conjunction and paying attention to which subject is closest to the verb, you can confidently construct grammatically correct and clear sentences. Remember that while the proximity rule is the standard guideline, there are situations where rewriting the sentence is preferable to avoid awkwardness. By practicing these principles and applying them to your writing, you can elevate your grammar skills and communicate effectively.

How do you feel about the proximity rule? Do you find it easy to apply, or do you prefer to rewrite sentences to avoid potential awkwardness?