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JRsea Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

correct use of "is" or "are

Which is correct in the sentence below ... "is" or "are"?

Jane, or any of our trained associates, is available to assist you.
  

Top answer

Jane or any of our trained associates is/are available to assist you. I think both are correct depending on how many "associates" are meant. Also, note that you don't need to put comma after Jane.

— Nugso

  • Jane or any of our trained associates is/are available to assist you.
  • I think both are correct depending on how many "associates" are meant.
  • Also, note that you don't need to put comma after Jane.
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5 Answers
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Jane or any of our trained associates is/are available to assist you. I think both are correct depending on how many "associates" are meant. Also, note that you don't need to put comma after Jane.
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JRseaJane, or any of our trained associates, is available to assist you.
This is correct because the subject (Jane) is singular.

Without the commas, the plural verb would be correct.
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Hi Aspara Gus,

When in writing you can see the commas in the sentence so you understand it clearly it is singular. If you are in a conversation, would 'singular' and 'plural' both be correct? What would say?

Thanks
TN
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tinanam0102What would say?
If I paused before or and after associates, I would use is. Otherwise I would use are.
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Hi Aspara Gus,

Thanks for the answer.

TN
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