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Snarf Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Or and Nor in Regard to Singularity and Plurality

Neither Sally nor Tom responds.

If that is right, does that mean that this would also be right?

Neither Sally nor Tom replies.

Furthermore, if it were an "or" there instead of "nor," would the endings suddenly be plural instead of singular, i.e., "respond" and "reply"?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

The (n)either … (n)or construction is followed by a singular verb unless the second noun or pronoun is plural.

— RandomGuy

  • The (n)either … (n)or construction is followed by a singular verb unless the second noun or pronoun is plural.
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4 Answers
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The (n)either … (n)or construction is followed by a singular verb unless the second noun or pronoun is plural.
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Which means that the combination of 'neither' and 'or' makes for a plural verb, then, right? That is:

Neither Sally or Tom respond.
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No. Re-read my previous post.

It’s either neither … nor or either … or. I’ve never heard neither … or.
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Oh! I didn't realize that "neither" and "or" cannot be combined!
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