Adaanist Grammar Rule #4 | Either and Neither
Rule #4: The words "either" and "neither" always take a singular verb, even if the sentence feels plural.
Shah Adaan Uzzaman
July 06, 2025
Rule #4: The words "either" and "neither" always take a singular verb, even if the sentence feels plural.
❌ Neither of the cookies are tasty.
✅ Neither of the cookies is tasty.
🤔 Why "is" is correct?
Because "either" and "neither" mean "one or the other" or "not one nor the other."
They refer to one item at a time (singular), not multiple items together.
👉 Simple logic:
Either or Neither = singular verb (is, was, has).
🧨Trap #4: Placing a Plural-Sounding Word After “Either” or “Neither”
The exam often confuses students by using plural-sounding words after "either" and "neither". Remember, these words (either and neither) always take a singular verb, regardless of plural nouns afterward.
Example Trap:
Neither of my friends like/likes pizza.
Correct: "likes" (Because "neither" means not even one friend.)
Notice that a plural noun (friends) has been placed after “neither” so that students incorrectly choose a plural verb.
🚫 Ignore plural phrases like "of the students," "of my friends," etc. These don't change the singular nature of "either/neither."
🔁 Shortcut
🎯 Either/Neither + (plural words) = Singular Verb
Also, as a mental shortcut, try using the word “one” after the words “either” or “neither.” This will allow you to easily recognize the right answer.
Neither one of my friends like pizza.
💥 Examples
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🔸 Example #1
Neither of the restaurants offer/offers vegan meals.
✅ Correct: offers, singular verb to match neither.
🔸 Example #2
Either of the two laptops has/have the software you need.
✅ Correct: has, singular verb to match either.
🔸 Example #3 (Misleading Plural Phrase)
Neither of the reports submitted by the analysts was/were accurate.
✅ Correct: was, singular verb because "neither" indicates singular.
🔸 Example #4 (Tricky Structure)
In this group, neither of the talented singers performs/perform regularly.
✅ Correct: performs, singular verb because "neither" means "not even one."
🔸 Example 5 (Question Form)
Is/Are either of the participants available for an interview tomorrow?
✅ Correct: Is, singular verb because "either" refers to one or the other.
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