Friday, November 7, 2014

Usage of Either / Or and Neither / Nor

Today we shall discuss about the Usage of Either / Or and Neither / Nor. 

Usage of Either / or : 

       We can use either / or in a sentence in the affirmative sense when referring to a choice between two possibilities

      Ex : We can either study now or after the dinner - it's up to you.


Usage of Neither / Nor : 

        We can use Neither / Nor  in a sentence in the negative sense when you want to say that two or more things are not true.

        Ex : Neither my mother nor my father went to university.

Rules you should keep in mind while using Either / Or (or) Neither / Nor : 


  • If both elements are singular, then the verb should also be  singular. Have a look at an example,
    • Either the father or the mother has to attend the meeting. 
      • ( Here father and mother are singular; so the verb has is also singular)
    • Neither Kareena nor Saif is going to the function. (Kareena and Saif are singular; so the verb is is also singular)
  • However, if one of the elements is plural, then use a plural verb.
    • Either Jasmine or the girls are going to prepare dinner tonight. 
      • (the girls is plural; so the verb are is plural too)
    • Neither the lecturer nor the students were in the classroom this morning. 
      • (the students is plural; so the verb were is plural too)
Source: http://www.gr8ambitionz.com/

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