Neither This Nor That Is Or Are

Have you ever found yourself tangled in the web of grammar, pondering over whether to use "is" or "are" after the phrase "neither this nor that"? It's a common conundrum that trips up even seasoned writers. The English language, with its intricate rules and exceptions, can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield. One wrong step and—boom!—you've committed a grammatical faux pas.

Think about it: You're drafting an important email, crafting a persuasive argument, or even just jotting down a quick note. Suddenly, you pause. Should it be "Neither the pen nor the paper is on the desk" or "Neither the pen nor the paper are on the desk"? The uncertainty can be paralyzing. But fear not! This comprehensive guide is here to demystify this grammatical puzzle and equip you with the knowledge to use "neither this nor that" with confidence and accuracy. We will delve into the nuances of subject-verb agreement, unravel the complexities of correlative conjunctions, and explore practical examples that will solidify your understanding.

Main Subheading

The phrase "neither this nor that" is a correlative conjunction, a pair of words that connect two related ideas in a sentence. Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs and include combinations like "either/or," "both/and," "not only/but also," and, of course, "neither/nor." These conjunctions not only link elements within a sentence but also establish a relationship between them, often emphasizing a choice or a lack thereof. The grammatical challenge arises when determining how these conjunctions affect subject-verb agreement, particularly when the subjects they connect differ in number.

Understanding the mechanics of "neither/nor" is essential for clear and precise communication. It ensures that your sentences are not only grammatically correct but also convey your intended meaning without ambiguity. The confusion often stems from the proximity rule, which suggests that the verb should agree with the noun closest to it. However, this rule doesn't always hold true, especially with correlative conjunctions. The key lies in understanding the specific rules that govern subject-verb agreement in these constructions, which often depend on the nature of the subjects being joined.

Comprehensive Overview

At its core, the question of whether to use "is" or "are" after "neither this nor that" boils down to the principles of subject-verb agreement. Subject-verb agreement simply means that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular; if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. This fundamental rule is straightforward in simple sentences, but it becomes more complex when dealing with compound subjects connected by correlative conjunctions.

The conjunction "neither/nor" specifically indicates that none of the options presented are true or available. It introduces two negative conditions, emphasizing the absence of both. For instance, "Neither the red shirt nor the blue shirt fits me" implies that both shirts are unsuitable. This inherent negativity has implications for how we treat the subject in terms of agreement. Traditionally, when "neither/nor" connects two singular subjects, the verb is singular. This is because the conjunction is essentially saying that "not this one and not that one" meets the condition, making it a singular denial.

However, the complexity arises when "neither/nor" connects subjects of different numbers (one singular and one plural) or when the sentence structure places a plural subject closer to the verb. In such cases, strict adherence to the traditional rule can lead to awkward or incorrect sentences. Modern grammar guides often advocate for a more flexible approach, taking into account the proximity of the subjects to the verb and the overall clarity of the sentence.

Historically, prescriptive grammar rules rigidly dictated that the verb should always agree with the subject closest to it when using "neither/nor." This approach, while straightforward, often resulted in sentences that sounded stilted or unnatural. For example, "Neither the students nor the teacher was happy with the exam" would be considered grammatically correct under this strict interpretation, even though "were" might sound more natural to many speakers.

Over time, the descriptive approach to grammar, which focuses on how language is actually used, has gained prominence. This approach acknowledges that language is constantly evolving and that grammatical rules should reflect contemporary usage. Consequently, many modern grammarians now recommend that when "neither/nor" connects a singular and a plural subject, the verb should agree with the subject that is closer to it. This adjustment aims to improve the flow and naturalness of sentences, aligning grammatical rules with common linguistic practice.

Furthermore, the concept of notional agreement adds another layer to the discussion. Notional agreement considers the intended meaning or "notion" of the sentence, rather than strictly adhering to grammatical forms. In some cases, even when the subjects connected by "neither/nor" are technically singular, the overall idea being conveyed might suggest plurality. For example, "Neither John nor Mary are going to the party" might be used informally to emphasize that both individuals are absent, even though grammatically "is" would be correct. While notional agreement is more common in informal contexts, it highlights the dynamic relationship between grammar and meaning.

Trends and Latest Developments

Current trends in grammar and style emphasize clarity and naturalness over rigid adherence to traditional rules. While subject-verb agreement remains a fundamental principle, modern usage guides often prioritize clear communication and ease of understanding. This shift is particularly evident in discussions surrounding correlative conjunctions like "neither/nor."

Data from contemporary writing and speech patterns reveal a growing acceptance of the proximity rule, even when it deviates from the traditionally prescribed singular verb agreement with "neither/nor." For instance, a corpus analysis of published articles and books might show an increasing frequency of sentences like "Neither the manager nor the employees are satisfied," reflecting a preference for aligning the verb with the closer plural subject.

Popular opinion among linguists and grammar experts also leans towards a more flexible approach. Many argue that strict adherence to outdated rules can lead to sentences that sound awkward or unnatural. Instead, they advocate for a context-sensitive approach, where the choice between "is" and "are" depends on the specific sentence structure, the intended emphasis, and the overall flow of the text.

Professional insights from style guides and writing handbooks further support this evolving perspective. Many now recommend rephrasing sentences to avoid ambiguity or awkwardness altogether. For example, instead of struggling with subject-verb agreement, a writer might choose to rewrite the sentence as "Neither the manager nor the employees are satisfied," reflecting a preference for aligning the verb with the closer plural subject.

Tips and Expert Advice

1. Prioritize Clarity: The most important tip is to prioritize clarity above all else. If a sentence sounds awkward or confusing, regardless of whether it technically follows the traditional rules, consider rephrasing it. The goal is to communicate your message effectively, and sometimes that means bending the rules slightly or finding an alternative construction.

For example, if you're struggling with "Neither the CEO nor the board members is/are in agreement," you could rewrite it as "Neither the CEO nor the board members agree," which eliminates the need for "is" or "are" altogether. This simple change maintains the meaning of the sentence while making it clearer and more concise.

2. Apply the Proximity Rule with Caution: While the proximity rule (agreeing the verb with the closest subject) is gaining acceptance, it's not a universal solution. Use it judiciously, especially in formal writing. Consider the overall tone and audience. In some cases, adhering to the traditional rule might be more appropriate.

For instance, in academic writing or formal reports, it might be safer to stick with the singular verb when "neither/nor" connects two singular subjects. However, in less formal contexts like blog posts or emails, the proximity rule might be perfectly acceptable, as long as it doesn't compromise clarity.

3. Reword for Simplicity: When in doubt, reword the sentence to avoid the "neither/nor" construction altogether. There are often alternative ways to express the same idea without getting tangled in grammatical complexities. This is particularly useful when dealing with mixed singular and plural subjects.

Instead of saying "Neither the dog nor the cats is/are being fed," you could say "The dog and the cats are not being fed," which avoids the issue of subject-verb agreement altogether. Another option is to break the sentence into two separate clauses: "The dog is not being fed, and neither are the cats."

4. Consider the Impact on Flow: Pay attention to how the sentence flows and sounds when read aloud. Sometimes, the ear can be a better guide than strict grammatical rules. If a sentence sounds clunky or unnatural, experiment with different verb forms until you find one that feels right.

Read your sentences aloud to check for natural rhythm and flow. If a particular phrasing sounds awkward, try rearranging the words or using a different verb form. This can help you identify potential problems and improve the overall readability of your writing.

5. Know Your Audience: Tailor your language to your audience. If you're writing for a highly educated or formal audience, you might want to err on the side of caution and adhere to the traditional rules more closely. However, if you're writing for a general audience, you can afford to be more flexible.

Consider the context in which your writing will be read. Is it a formal report, a casual email, or a social media post? Adjust your language accordingly, taking into account the expectations and preferences of your intended audience.

6. Use "Neither" with Singular Nouns: Remember that when 'neither' stands alone without 'nor,' it usually refers to a choice between two singular nouns and takes a singular verb. An example is, "Neither option is satisfactory."

7. Aim for Parallel Structure: Ensure that the elements connected by 'neither/nor' are parallel. If you're connecting two nouns, make sure they are both nouns. If you're connecting two phrases, ensure they are grammatically similar. This will make your sentences clearer and more balanced.

For example, "Neither John likes to swim nor does Mary" maintains parallel structure by using similar verb forms. In contrast, "Neither John likes to swim nor Mary" is less balanced and could be improved.

FAQ

Q: What is the basic rule for using "is" or "are" with "neither/nor"? A: Traditionally, when "neither/nor" connects two singular subjects, use "is" (singular verb). When connecting two plural subjects, use "are" (plural verb).

Q: What happens when "neither/nor" connects a singular and a plural subject? A: Modern grammar guides often recommend using the verb form that agrees with the subject closest to the verb (proximity rule).

Q: Is it ever acceptable to use "are" with "neither/nor" even when the subjects are singular? A: In very informal contexts, notional agreement (focusing on the overall meaning) might justify using "are," but it's generally best to avoid this in formal writing.

Q: How can I avoid confusion when using "neither/nor"? A: Reword the sentence to eliminate the "neither/nor" construction, use separate sentences, or ensure that both subjects are either singular or plural.

Q: Does the rule change if I'm using "neither" without "nor"? A: When "neither" stands alone and refers to a choice between two singular nouns, it typically takes a singular verb ("is").

Conclusion

Mastering the nuances of "neither this nor that" and its impact on subject-verb agreement can significantly enhance your writing. While traditional grammar rules prescribe singular verb agreement when connecting two singular subjects, modern usage favors a more flexible approach that prioritizes clarity and naturalness.

Remember to consider the proximity rule, reword sentences when necessary, and tailor your language to your audience. By applying these tips, you can confidently navigate the complexities of correlative conjunctions and ensure that your writing is both grammatically correct and easy to understand. Now that you're armed with this knowledge, go forth and write with assurance. Don't let grammatical uncertainties hold you back from expressing your ideas effectively! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below, and let's continue the conversation about the ever-evolving world of grammar.