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Tamguatlay Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Should it be 'is' or 'are'? And should I use 'nearer' or 'nearest'?

When a singular noun and a plural noun is/are joined by or, the verb agrees with the nearer/nearest noun.

Bullets or a bomb is not allowed on the plane.

Should it be 'is' or 'are'? And should I use 'nearer' or 'nearest'?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

I believe the general rule when using "or" is to place the plural subject last and use a plural verb. But I've also heard that you just match whichever subject comes last. While either are partially true, I prefer to stick with the first rule.

— Fulaoshi

  • I believe the general rule when using "or" is to place the plural subject last and use a plural verb.
  • But I've also heard that you just match whichever subject comes last.
  • While either are partially true, I prefer to stick with the first rule.
  • Whenever you have two subjects, one plural and one singular, connected by "or", place the singular subject first and use a plural formed verb.
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2 Answers
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I believe the general rule when using "or" is to place the plural subject last and use a plural verb. But I've also heard that you just match whichever subject comes last. While either are partially true, I prefer to stick with the first rule. Whenever you have two subjects, one plural and one singular, connected by "or", place the singular subject first and use a plural formed verb.
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tamguatlayWhen a singular noun and a plural noun 1 is/are joined by or, the verb agrees with the 2 nearer/nearest noun.
1 has to be "are".
Purists would insist that 2 has to be "nearer" because only two nouns have entered the discussion, but I see no objection to the use of "nearest".

CJ
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