Mastering Either or Verb Agreement: A Complete Guide to Clear and Correct English
Hey friends! Have you ever stumbled over whether to say “Either my brother or my sister is coming” or “Either my brother or my sister are coming”? If your answer is yes, don’t worry — you’re not alone. English grammar, especially verb agreement with “either…or” constructions, can be tricky. Today, I’ll break down everything you need to know to use “either…or” correctly, avoid common mistakes, and even practice with fun exercises. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Basics of Either or Verb Agreement
First things first, what exactly does “either…or” mean in English?
Definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Either…or | A correlative conjunction used to connect two choices or options, indicating that at least one of them is true or will happen. |
The phrase “either…or” pairs two options, but what about verbs? How should you decide whether to use a singular or plural verb after it?
Key Rule:
In “either…or” constructions, the verb agrees with the part that is closest to it.
Why is this important?
Because mixed structures can confuse you — should you treat the verb as singular or plural? The answer hinges on the second noun or pronoun.
Clear Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement with Either or
Let’s clarify this with some rules and practical examples.
When the two parts are singular and plural separately
- If both parts are singular, the verb is singular.
- If both are plural, the verb is plural.
- If one is singular, and the other is plural, the verb should agree with the part that is closest to the verb.
Examples and Explanation
| Example | Explanation | Correct Verb Form |
|---|---|---|
| Either the teacher or the students are responsible. | “Students” is plural and closest to the verb; choose “are”. | are |
| Either the students or the teacher is responsible. | “Teacher” is singular; choose “is”. | is |
| Either my friend or my friends are coming. | “Friends” (plural) is closer; choose “are”. | are |
| Either my friend or my brother is coming. | “Brother” (singular) is closer; choose “is”. | is |
Special Cases and Nuances
- Indefinite pronouns (someone, anyone, everyone, nobody) are usually singular, so they take a singular verb.
- When "either" is paired with multiple nouns or pronouns, always look at the closest one for verb agreement.
Gaps in the Competitor’s Article & How to Make Your Content Better
Now, I’ve studied your competitor’s article from applied-grammar.com, and here’s where it falls short:
- Lack of clear, detailed rules for mixed singular/plural pairs: They mention the rule but don’t give enough examples or explain the importance of the noun closest to the verb.
- No mention of compound subjects connected with “either…or” versus “neither…nor”: These are common pitfalls.
- Missing discussion on indefinite pronouns and their impact: Words like “everyone” or “someone” always take a singular verb, regardless.
- Absence of visual aids like tables or charts: These help learners grasp rules quickly.
- Insufficient practice exercises or quizzes: Practice is key to mastering verb agreement rules.
- No mention of common errors and how to fix them: Flaws like plural verbs with singular subjects are frequent mistakes.
- Limited tips for success: Quick strategies to remember rules.
- No categorization of “either or” types: Differentiating between formal vs. conversational uses.
Now, I will fill all these gaps with a comprehensive, engaging, and systematic guide on “Either or” verb agreement.
The Complete Guide to Either or Verb Agreement
What Is “Either or” and When to Use It?
“Either or” is a popular way to offer two options or choices. Whether you’re talking about two people, objects, or ideas, it helps clarify possibilities.
Example:
- Correct: Either the manager or the staff knows about the issue.
- Incorrect: Either the manager or the staff know about the issue.
Notice how the verb agrees with “the staff,” which is closer to the verb.
How to Determine the Correct Verb for “Either or” Items
Let me break it down with a step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Identify the two nouns or pronouns connected by “either…or”.
Step 2: Determine the number (singular or plural) of each.
Step 3: Find the noun or pronoun closest to the verb.
Step 4: Match the verb to that noun or pronoun.
Step 5: Be cautious with compound subjects like “neither…nor,” “not only…but also,” which follow similar agreement rules.
The Complete Table of Verb Agreement Rules with “Either or”
| Situation | Example | Correct Verb Form | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both nouns are singular | Either the chef or the waiter is available. | is | Sings with the closest noun (“waiter”). |
| Both nouns are plural | Either the players or the coaches are present. | are | agrees with “coaches,” which is plural. |
| One singular, one plural | Either the dog or the cats are outside. | are | closer to “cats” (plural), so plural verb “are”. |
| Troublesome case: Indefinite pronoun | Either everyone is here. | is | “Everyone” is singular, so use “is”. |
Visual Aid: Verb Agreement Chart for “Either or”
| Noun Type | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Both singular | Singular | Either the teacher or the student is here. |
| Both plural | Plural | Either the cats or the dogs are outside. |
| One singular, one plural | Agree with closest | Either my brother or my colleagues are coming. |
Common Mistakes with “Either or” and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Correct Approach | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Using plural verb after a singular noun | Always match the verb with the closest noun/pronoun | Incorrect: Either the girl or the boys are coming. Correct: Either the girl or the boys are coming. |
| Ignoring indefinite pronouns | Treat indefinite pronouns as singular | Incorrect: Either everyone are ready. Correct: Either everyone is ready. |
| Confusing “neither…nor” with “either…or” | Remember, similar rules apply; check closest noun | Neither the coach nor the players are responsible. |
Tips for Success: Mastering “Either or” Agreements
- Tip 1: Always identify the noun closest to the verb.
- Tip 2: Practice with sentences, changing the nouns to see how the verb adjusts.
- Tip 3: Use visual aids or charts to internalize rules.
- Tip 4: When in doubt, replace “either…or” with a singular or plural statement to verify.
- Tip 5: Remember indefinite pronouns are always singular.
Practice Exercises
Now it’s your turn! Let’s check your understanding with some exercises.
1. Fill-in-the-blank
a) Either the teacher or the students ___ going to the museum.
b) Neither the cat nor the dogs ___ outside.
c) Either your brother or your sister ___ responsible.
Answers:
a) are
b) are
c) is
2. Error Correction
Identify and correct the mistake:
“Either the manager or the employees is responsible for the mistake.”
Correction:
“Either the manager or the employees are responsible for the mistake.”
3. Identification
Determine whether the underlined verb agrees correctly:
“Either my cousin or my friends plans to attend the wedding.”
Answer: No, it should be plan, because “friends” (plural) is closer and requires a plural verb.
4. Sentence Construction
Construct a sentence using “either…or” that follows the correct agreement rules.
Example:
“Either the chef or the waiters are preparing the banquet.”
5. Category Matching
Match each phrase to the correct rule:
a) Both singular | 1) Use singular verb |
b) Both plural | 2) Use plural verb |
c) One singular, one plural | 3) Match closest noun |
Why Is Correct Use of “Either or” Important?
Using “either…or” correctly ensures your sentences are clear, accurate, and professional. It prevents misunderstandings, especially in formal writing, business communication, and academic work. Plus, mastering this rule enhances your overall grasp of basic grammar, boosting your confidence in writing or speaking.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it — everything you need to confidently use “either…or” and get your verbs right every time. Remember: identify your nouns, check the closest one, and match the verb accordingly. Keep practicing, and soon it’ll become second nature.
Whether you’re writing an email, an essay, or just chatting, correct verb agreement keeps your message clear and credible. If you master this rule now, you’ll avoid common mistakes and become a stronger, more precise communicator.
Feel free to revisit this guide whenever you’re in doubt. With practice, you’ll be an “either…or” pro in no time!
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