Neither This Nor That Is Or Are

"Neither This Nor That": Mastering Correct Subject-Verb Agreement

The construction "neither this nor that" is a common grammatical structure used to present two options, indicating that neither of them is true or applicable. Mastering its correct usage, especially concerning subject-verb agreement, is crucial for clear and effective communication. This article dives deep into the rules, exceptions, and nuances of using "neither this nor that" to help you confidently navigate its complexities.

Introduction

The phrase "neither this nor that" serves a specific purpose: to negate two options simultaneously. Understanding how it impacts subject-verb agreement can be tricky, especially when the subjects involved are singular, plural, or a mix of both. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, complete with examples, to ensure you use this structure accurately in your writing and speech.

Basic Rule: Proximity Agreement

The basic rule governing subject-verb agreement with "neither...nor" is the principle of proximity. This means the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

• Singular + nor + Singular: When both subjects are singular, the verb is singular.
  • Example: Neither the book nor the pen is on the table.
• Plural + nor + Plural: When both subjects are plural, the verb is plural.
  • Example: Neither the books nor the pens are on the table.

This rule is straightforward when both subjects share the same number (singular or plural). However, complications arise when the subjects differ in number.

When Subjects Differ in Number

The real challenge occurs when one subject is singular and the other is plural. In these cases, proximity agreement is key. The verb agrees with the subject nearest to it.

• Singular + nor + Plural: The verb agrees with the plural subject.
  • Example: Neither the student nor the teachers are ready for the exam.
• Plural + nor + Singular: The verb agrees with the singular subject.
  • Example: Neither the teachers nor the student is ready for the exam.

Important Note: While grammatically correct, these constructions can sometimes sound awkward. Rewording the sentence might be preferable for clarity and flow.

Examples and Explanations

To solidify your understanding, let's examine a variety of examples:

1. Neither John nor Mary is going to the party. (Both subjects are singular; the verb "is" is singular.)
2. Neither the dogs nor the cats are allowed on the furniture. (Both subjects are plural; the verb "are" is plural.)
3. Neither the manager nor the employees are happy with the new policy. (The subject closest to the verb, "employees," is plural; the verb "are" is plural.)
4. Neither the employees nor the manager is happy with the new policy. (The subject closest to the verb, "manager," is singular; the verb "is" is singular.)
5. Neither rain nor snow is expected tomorrow. (Both subjects are singular; the verb "is" is singular.)
6. Neither the president nor the board members are in agreement. (The subject closest to the verb, "board members," is plural; the verb "are" is plural.)
7. Neither the board members nor the president is in agreement. (The subject closest to the verb, "president," is singular; the verb "is" is singular.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect Agreement with the First Subject: A common mistake is to assume the verb should always agree with the first subject mentioned. Remember to focus on the subject nearest to the verb.
  • Incorrect: Neither the students nor the teacher are going on the field trip.
  • Correct: Neither the students nor the teacher is going on the field trip.
• Using a Singular Verb with a Plural Subject Nearby: This is a direct violation of the proximity rule.
  • Incorrect: Neither the book nor the magazines is helpful for my research.
  • Correct: Neither the book nor the magazines are helpful for my research.
• Ignoring the Impact of Intervening Phrases: Phrases that come between the subjects and the verb should not influence agreement.
  • Example: Neither the delay, caused by unforeseen circumstances, nor the cost overruns are acceptable. (The verb agrees with "cost overruns," not "circumstances.")

Strategies for Improving Clarity

While proximity agreement is grammatically correct, it can sometimes lead to awkward or confusing sentences. Here are some strategies to enhance clarity:

1. Rewording the Sentence: The simplest solution is often to rephrase the sentence entirely.

   • Awkward: Neither the CEO nor the department heads are available for comment.
   • Improved: Both the CEO and the department heads are unavailable for comment. (Using "both...and" construction)
   • Improved: The CEO is not available for comment, and neither are the department heads. (Separating the sentence)

2. Placing the Plural Subject Last: If you must use "neither...nor," placing the plural subject closest to the verb can improve readability.

   • Less Clear: Neither the budget cuts nor the new policy are popular.
   • More Clear: Neither the new policy nor the budget cuts are popular. (However, rewording is still preferable.)

3. Using Plural Subjects Whenever Possible: If feasible, using plural subjects can simplify agreement.

   • Original: Neither the car nor the truck is working.
   • Revised: Neither the cars nor the trucks are working.

4. Employing Parallel Structure: Ensure the elements connected by "neither...nor" are grammatically parallel. This means they should have the same grammatical form.

   • Not Parallel: Neither going to the store nor I want to watch a movie.
   • Parallel: Neither going to the store nor watching a movie appeals to me right now.
   • Parallel: I neither want to go to the store nor watch a movie.

Advanced Considerations

1. Collective Nouns: Collective nouns (e.g., team, committee, family) can be singular or plural depending on whether they are acting as a unit or as individual members. When using collective nouns with "neither...nor," context is crucial.

   • Example: Neither the team nor the coach is happy with the loss. (Acting as individuals)
   • Example: Neither the teams nor the coaches are happy with the loss. (Acting as groups)

2. Compound Subjects That Refer to One Thing: Sometimes, compound subjects connected by "nor" refer to a single entity or idea. In these cases, the verb is usually singular.

   • Example: Neither bread nor water was offered at the sparse meal. (Bread and water, in this context, represent basic sustenance.)
   • Example: Neither fame nor fortune is guaranteed in this industry. (Fame and fortune are being treated as a single desirable outcome.)

3. Using "Neither" as a Pronoun: "Neither" can also function as a pronoun, referring to two previously mentioned items. When used as a pronoun, "neither" is always singular.

   • Example: I tried both the apple and the orange, but neither was ripe.

4. Formal vs. Informal Usage: In very informal speech, some speakers might disregard strict proximity agreement. However, in formal writing and speaking, adhering to the rules is essential for maintaining credibility.

Scientific Explanation: Why Proximity Matters

The rule of proximity in "neither...nor" constructions isn't arbitrary. It reflects how our brains process language. When we encounter "neither A nor B," our minds initially focus on "A." However, the presence of "nor B" shifts our attention to "B," the subject closest to the verb. Therefore, it's more natural and intuitive for the verb to agree with "B," the most immediately preceding subject. This aligns with principles of cognitive load and ease of processing. Making the verb agree with the closest noun phrase reduces the cognitive strain on the reader/listener.

From a linguistic perspective, this can be seen as a form of syntactic agreement. Syntactic agreement is the phenomenon where the form of one word in a sentence is determined by the form of another. In this case, the form of the verb (singular or plural) is determined by the form of the noun phrase closest to it.

This rule evolved over time as English grammar standardized. While there might have been historical variations in usage, the proximity rule has become the accepted standard in modern English.

Alternatives to "Neither...Nor"

Sometimes, "neither...nor" can create convoluted sentences. Here are some alternative constructions:

1. "Not...Either": This construction can be simpler and more direct.

   • Example: The cat is not hungry, and the dog isn't either. (Instead of: Neither the cat nor the dog is hungry.)

2. "Both...Not": This option works well when negating a positive statement.

   • Example: Both the book and the movie are not very good. (Instead of: Neither the book nor the movie is very good.) Note that this usage can sometimes be ambiguous; rewriting is often better. A clearer version would be, "Neither the book nor the movie is very good," or "The book and the movie are both not very good".

3. Using Separate Sentences: Breaking a complex sentence into simpler sentences can improve clarity.

   • Example: The cake wasn't delicious. The pie wasn't either. (Instead of: Neither the cake nor the pie was delicious.)

4. Using "None": When referring to more than two options, "none" might be more appropriate.

   • Example: None of the books were helpful.

FAQ: Common Questions About "Neither...Nor"

• Q: Is it ever acceptable to ignore the proximity rule?

  • A: In very informal settings, some speakers might deviate from the rule. However, in formal writing and speaking, it's best to adhere to the proximity rule.

• Q: What if the subjects are joined by "or" instead of "nor"? Does the same rule apply?

  • A: Yes, the proximity rule applies to both "neither...nor" and "either...or" constructions.

• Q: Is it better to always reword sentences with "neither...nor" to avoid confusion?

  • A: Not always. Sometimes, "neither...nor" is the most concise and effective way to express a particular idea. However, if the sentence sounds awkward or unclear, rewording is advisable.

• Q: Can I use "neither...nor" with more than two subjects?

  • A: While grammatically possible, it's generally best to limit "neither...nor" to two subjects. For more than two, consider using "none" or rephrasing the sentence.

• Q: Does the rule change when using different tenses?

  • A: No, the tense of the verb does not affect the subject-verb agreement rule with "neither...nor". The proximity rule still applies.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of "neither this nor that" requires a solid understanding of subject-verb agreement, particularly the principle of proximity. While the rule itself is relatively straightforward, applying it correctly in various contexts can be challenging. By paying close attention to the subjects closest to the verb and being mindful of potential ambiguity, you can confidently use this construction to express negation effectively. Remember, when in doubt, clarity should always be your priority. If a sentence sounds awkward or confusing, don't hesitate to reword it for better comprehension. With practice and attention to detail, you can master the nuances of "neither...nor" and elevate the precision and clarity of your writing and speech.