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verb agreement: compound subjects with or

When two or more subjects are joined by the conjunctions or, either…or, or neither…nor, the verb agrees with the subject nearest the verb:

  • Atsuko or Sam is bringing sushi. [The verb is is singular to agree with Sam.]
  • Either Atsuko or her parents have made rice. [The verb have is plural to agree with parents.]
  • Has either Atsuko or her parents made rice? [The verb has is singular to agree with Atsuko.]
  • Neither Sam’s parents nor his sister has brought noodles. [The verb has is singular to agree with sister.]
  • Neither Sam’s sister nor his parents have brought noodles. [The verb have is plural to agree with parents.]

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Date Modified: 2015-10-15

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