compound subjects part two

compound subjects part two

➲ Rule #3: When singular subjects are joined by or or nor, use a
singular verb.

Neither the kangaroo nor the ostrich was awake.
Either the monkey or the giraffe is here.
➲ Rule #4: Plural subjects joined by or or nor agree in number with a
plural verb.

The girls or the boys are going to the playground.
Neither the girls nor the boys are at the playground.

➲ Rule #5: When a singular subject and a plural subject are joined by or or
nor, the verb agrees in number with the subject closer to it.
Neither the assistants nor the police captain has called you.
Either the police captain or her assistants have called you.
Either he or his three friends are going to the library this evening.
Neither they nor she is here.

➲ Rule #6: If the compound subjects are in an interrogative sentence,
answer the question to see which subject is closer to the verb.
(Has, Have) either the boy or the girls reached the location?
Answer the question: No, neither the boy nor the girls have reached
the location.

(Was, Were) either the girls or the boy with you at the dance?
Answer the question: No, neither the girls nor the boy was with me
at the dance.