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Is 'Either' Singular or Plural?
"Either" and "neither" are singular.
Treat "either" and "neither" as singular. For example:- Either is acceptable.
- Neither of the boys is trying.
"Either/or" and "neither/nor" can be singular or plural.
When "or" or "nor" joins two elements, use a singular verb if both elements are singular. However, if one of the elements is plural, use a plural verb. In these examples, the elements are shaded.- Shortbread or cake is on offer.
- Chocolates or cake are on offer.
- Chocolates or cake is on offer.
More about Either and Neither
"Either" and "neither" are singular concepts. (They contrast with the word "both.")The word "either" can be a pronoun or a determiner. "Either" means "one or the other of two things." It attracts a singular verb.
The word "neither" can also be a pronoun or a determiner. It means "not one nor the other of two things, i.e., not either." It also attracts a singular verb.
Examples Showing "Either" and "Neither" As Singular
Here are some examples showing "either" and "neither" as singular concepts:- Either car is available.
- Either is available.
- Neither man is suitable.
- Neither of the men is suitable.
Singular Verb with Singular Elements
If the pairings "either/or" (often the "either" is omitted) or "neither/nor" form part of the subject of a verb and both elements are singular, then the verb is singular too. For example:- Neither Mark nor Dawn is at the function.
- Neither Dickens nor Thackeray was a panderer to the public taste.
- Either the clerk or the secretary has the keys to the Land Rover.
- Either a mouse or a rat eats the cable at night.
- Neither Simon nor Gary do as they are told.
Plural Verb with a Plural Element
If the pairings "either/or" or "neither/nor" form part of the subject and at least one of the elements is plural, then the verb must be plural too. For example:- Neither the lawyer nor the detectives are able to follow the sequence of events.
- There were neither cakes nor ice-cream at the party.
- Neither the firemen nor the policemen know him.
- Either the budgies or the cat has to go.
Infographic Explaining Verb Agreement with "Either/Or" and "Neither/Nor"

Proximity Rule
Not all grammar conventions follow the ruling above. Under a ruling known as the "Proximity Rule," the verb is governed by the element nearest to it. For example:- Either crumpets or cake is sufficient. (Under standard convention, this should read "are sufficient" because "crumpets" is plural. However, under the Proximity Rule, "cake" governs "is" because it is the nearest element.)
- There was neither ice-cream nor chocolates at the party. (Under standard convention, this should read "were" because "chocolates" is plural. However, under the Proximity Rule, "ice-cream" governs "was" because it is the nearest element.)
Satisfy Both Conventions!
If one of your elements is plural, put it nearest the verb. This will satisfy both conventions. For example:- Either cake or crumpets are sufficient.
- There were neither chocolates nor ice-cream at the party.
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