Understanding the Usage of Neither Nor in English Grammar

In the English language, the phrase 'neither nor' is often used when discussing two alternatives. This phrase is particularly useful when conveying that neither of the two options being considered meets your preference or criteria. In this article, we will explore the correct usage of 'neither nor', including its role in subject-verb agreement and how it can be employed in various sentences.

Subject-Verb Agreement with Neither Nor

When using 'neither nor' to express a negative relationship between two singular subjects, the verb should agree with the closest subject. For example, in the sentence 'Neither Candy nor Jane knows the place', the verb 'knows' agrees with 'Jane', the closest singular subject. This is a common rule in English grammar, and it applies to all situations where 'neither nor' is used to connect two singular subjects. If the first subject is plural, the verb will correctly agree with the second singular subject. Here is an example: 'Neither the students nor the teacher are present.' In this case, 'are' is the correct verb form to match the plural 'teacher'.

Mixing Neither Nor with Plural Subjects

When a singular subject is paired with a plural subject in a sentence, the verb should follow the plural subject. For example, the sentence 'I will neither take part in this activity nor do I feel that it is justified' makes the proper use of 'neither nor', while the verb 'feel' aligns with the second plural subject 'I'. This rule ensures clarity and correct grammar in your writing.

Mixing Singular and Plural Nouns

Sometimes, a sentence may include a singular noun, a general term, or a concept followed by a list of plural items. In such cases, the verb should agree with the nearest noun, regardless of its plurality. For instance, the sentence 'I prefer a book to be either fact or fiction - this one is neither one thing nor the other!' correctly uses 'neither nor' and agrees with the singular 'book' using 'is' as the verb. Similarly, the phrase 'Nor is generally used before the second of two alternatives' emphasizes the singular agreement with 'Nor is'.

Usage of No and Not

While 'neither nor' is used to express negative alternatives, the words 'no' and 'not' are used to indicate the absence or negation of something. 'No' is used to convey that there is a complete absence of something, such as in 'There are no fish in this pond.' In contrast, 'not' is used to negate any action or state, like 'Mary should not go to school today.' The phrase 'not nor' can be used to express a double negative, as in 'There are not any fish in this pond nor are there any people fishing.

Practical Examples

Let's consider a few more examples where the use of 'neither nor' can be beneficial:

Example 1: 'He has two mobile phones. Neither the first phone nor the second phone has a headphone jack.' In this sentence, all the nouns are singular, and the verb 'has' is consistent with the plural subject 'phones'.

Example 2: 'He has a mobile phone. His mobile is made by neither Apple nor Samsung.' Even though the context is a single mobile, the correct usage would be to include two different manufacturers, as 'neither' demands the mention of two different entities.

In conclusion, the correct usage of 'neither nor' and the associated subject-verb agreement rules are essential for effective communication. Understanding these rules helps you write clear and grammatically accurate sentences, promoting better readability and comprehension.

Key Takeaways:

Use 'neither nor' to express a negative relationship between two singular subjects, with the verb agreeing with the closest subject. For plural subjects or mixed subject types, the verb agrees with the nearest noun. 'No' indicates complete absence, while 'not' negates any action or state.

Mastering the nuances of neither nor and subject-verb agreement will enhance your writing skills and ensure your messages are clear and concise.