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Tufguy Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

A or B "do not" or "doesn't work"?

Hi guys,

What we need to say "A or B "do not work" or "doesn't work"? Or "OK 'Mary is going there' or 'Mary is arriving' "doesn't work" or "do not work" here?

In the above sentence what we should be using "does" or "don't" because we are using "or" in between two sentences?

Please check.
  

Top answer

tufguy using "or" We don't say "A or B doesn't work". We don't say "A or B don't work". We say "Neither A nor B work" or Neither A nor B works".

— CalifJim

  • tufguy using "or" We don't say "A or B doesn't work".
  • We don't say "A or B don't work".
  • We say "Neither A nor B work" or Neither A nor B works".
  • The verb agrees with B.
  • Examples: Neither my sister nor her friends like broccoli.
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10 Answers
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tufguyusing "or"
We don't say "A or B doesn't work". We don't say "A or B don't work".

We say "Neither A nor B work" or Neither A nor B works".

The verb agrees with B.

Examples:
Neither my sister nor her friends like broccoli.
Neither her parents nor her cousin enjoys playing chess.
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Thank you CJ for the help. I will definietly follow this but I would also like to know that what should be used "does" or "do" in this kind of situation. I mean If I have to choose then what is should be? Like we say Tom and Tim don't do this so what should be used when there is an "Or" between two choices?
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tufguyLike we say Tom and Tim don't do this so what should be used when there is an "Or" between two choices?
It's very rare to have "or" between subjects followed by a negative verb. I can't even think of a sentence like that. If it happens, however, make the agreement with the second subject, just as you do for "neither ... nor ...".

CJ
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Sorry CJ, but does it mean that I should be using "does" If I have to comply with second verb?
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tufguysecond verb
Nobody said anything about a second verb. The verb should agree with the second subject.

The pens .. or the pencil ........ is not red.
first subject or second subject

CJ
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Thank you CJ. Okay if the second subject is singular then it should be "does" and if it is plural then it should be "do".
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tufguyif the second subject is singular then it should be "does"
Correct.
tufguyand if it is plural then it should be "do".
Correct.

CJ
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But in this sentence "Tom and Tim don't go there" why don't we use "does" instead of "do"?
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tufguyBut in this sentence "Tom and Tim don't go there" why don't we use "does" instead of "do"?
That's not "or". It's "and". You have been asking for the last half hour about subjects connected by "or"!

CJ
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Thank you CJ for your time and help.
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