Can neither modify a noun?

Question

AdverbNot standard same as either (sense 4) [Old English nawther] USAGE: A verb following a compound subject that uses neither...(nor) should be in the singular if both subjects are in the singular: neither Jack nor John has done the work.Isn't it an adverb in this case?How is it possible?

Lakshwadeep · Accepted Answer

Neither is a singular adjective to the nouns. But the meaning of the sentence is similar to adding an adverb, and you could rewrite it as "Jack has not done the work" and "John has not done the work." Basically, the neither/nor indicates that the nouns they modify are not behaving in a certain way.

Anonymous · Answer

It says that it is an adverb not an adjective.

Tanit · Answer

AnonymousIt says that it is an adverb not an adjective.

Hi,

If you had posted the whole entry instead of an excerpt, it would have been clear that the usage note you posted (example included) was not aimed at explaining "neither" as an adverb.

thefreedictionary.comAdjective

not one nor the other (of two): neither enterprise went well

****

not one nor the other (of two): neither completed the full term

conj

a. used preceding alternatives joined by nor; not: sparing neither strength nor courage

b. same as nor (sense 2)

Adverb

Not standard same as either (sense 4) [Old English nawther]

USAGE: A verb following a compound subject that uses neither...(nor) should be in the singular if both subjects are in the singular: neither Jack nor John has done the work.
_{http://www.thefreedictionary.com/_/misc/HarperCollinsProducts.aspx?English 2nd Edition 2006 © HarperCollins Publishers 2004, 2006}

The only aim of that usage note, I think, was to answer a question often asked by us ESL/EFL students - "Should I use a singular or a plural verb after neither?"

Here is an example of "neither" as a "non standard" (just quoting the dic!) adverb.
A: I don't like sushi.
B: Me neither. | Neither do I.

Well, this is my take -- wait for native speakers if you want to be sure!

______________________________

< offtopic >
As for the usage of a singular or plural verb after neither, I think the usage note from the American Heritage (quoted below) is much more thorough.

Usage Note: According to the traditional rule, neither is used only to mean "not one or the other of two." To refer to "none of several," none is preferred: None (not neither) of the three opposition candidates would make a better president than the incumbent.·The traditional rule also holds that neither is grammatically singular: Neither candidate is having an easy time with the press. However, it is often used with a plural verb, especially when followed by of and a plural: Neither of the candidates are really expressing their own views.·As a conjunction neither is properly followed by nor, not or, in formal style: Neither prayers nor curses (not or curses) did any good.
< /offtopic >

Anonymous · Answer

I am wondering what makes it an adverb.

Lakshwadeep · Answer

I think it is just for a few cases like this sentence:

She neither sings nor dances.

Since that dictionary definition states that use as an adverb is nonstandard, I guess this is the more proper phrase to use:

She does not sing or dance.

Anonymous · Answer

Why in this case it is an adverb?

Neither Jack nor John has done the work.

While it is not here?

He spared neither strength nor courage.

Can neither modify a noun?

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