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Abil Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

One or two

One or two apples are rotten.

One or two days have passed since ....

Is this the correct way to treat a sentence that begins with "One or two". Thanks
  

Top answer

I don't know whether the rule I am going to present to you is valid for all kind of sitations but with the sentences with "or" I look at the word after "or". If it is plural I use plural and vice verca.

  • I don't know whether the rule I am going to present to you is valid for all kind of sitations but with the sentences with "or" I look at the word after "or".
  • If it is plural I use plural and vice verca.
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8 Answers
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I don't know whether the rule I am going to present to you is valid for all kind of sitations but with the sentences with "or" I look at the word after "or". If it is plural I use plural and vice verca.
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Thanks Doll. I also do the same.
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"Or" is always used in singular context. Neither John or Paul is going to conference in Shanghai
"Both" is always used in plural. - both John and Paul are going to be late.
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Mr. Goodman, that is understood. But the original sentences are different. And I think you have committed a careless mistake. I should be "Neither / nor", not 'neither / or".

Going by the rule you have suggested, should I say: "One or two apple is rotten."?
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Doll was correct: With "or" you match the verb to the part of the subject that is closest to the verb.
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Thanks Mr. Grammar Geek
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Abil,
Yes, you are correct in "formal" usage.
This may help clear any doubts:



http://crofsblogs.typepad.com/english/2005/02/neither_or_eith.html

Laura asks:
How
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Mr. Goodman, I appreciate your superb enunciation on the subject. It has helped to me grasp the rule completely. Thanks a lot.

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