Either/Neither SVA

Either/Neither Agreement

When either...or and neither...nor connect two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it (the proximity rule). This is a frequent TOEIC Part 5 test point.

Proximity Rule

Either...or

Either [subject₁] or [subject₂] + verb agreeing with subject₂

Neither...nor

Neither [subject₁] nor [subject₂] + verb agreeing with subject₂

Both subjects singular

Neither the CEO nor the manager is available. (singular verb)

Nearest subject plural

Neither the CEO nor the managers are available. (plural verb)

Example Sentences

Neither the director nor the supervisors were informed.

Either the manager or the assistant has the key.

Neither the proposal nor the budget has been approved.

Either the suppliers or the client is responsible for the delay.

Neither the HR team nor the CEO was available for comment.

Either the sales team or the marketing team is handling the campaign.

Neither the report nor the slides are ready for the presentation.

Either the contract or the amendments need to be re-signed.

Neither the new policy nor the old guidelines apply here.

Either she or her colleagues are expected to attend.

Common Mistakes

Either the manager or the assistant have the key.

...the assistant has the key.

The verb agrees with the nearest subject ('assistant' is singular → 'has').

Neither the CEO nor the managers is attending.

...the managers are attending.

Nearest subject is 'managers' (plural) → use plural verb 'are'.

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