Exploring The Grammar Debate: Neither Is Vs. Neither Are

The debate over whether to use neither is or neither are is a perennial one in the world of English grammar. It often arises when discussing subjects that seem to stand at the crossroads of singularity and plurality. This article will delve deep into this intriguing linguistic conundrum, exploring historical context, grammatical rules, and modern usage to help you understand when to use each variant.

Historical Context of "Neither"

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The word neither traces back to Old English, where its usage was largely focused on negation, often implying a choice between two options where both are negated. Originally, neither was paired with singular verbs, as the subject was conceptualized as a singular entity, despite potentially referring to two individuals or items.

• Old English: "Nāðer," from which neither derives, was strictly paired with singular verbs.

<p class="pro-note">🏺 Note: Early English had less flexibility in verb agreement than contemporary usage allows.</p>

Grammatical Rules and Agreement

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The choice between neither is and neither are largely depends on the subject's agreement with the verb:

• Subject-Verb Agreement:

  • Neither is used when the subject, despite being two in number, is treated as a singular concept.
  • Neither are can be employed when the focus is on two separate entities, thus requiring a plural verb.

• Collective Nouns and Inclusive Subject:

  • When neither refers to a group acting as a whole, neither is is typically used.
  • If neither is highlighting individual actions or properties, neither are might be more fitting.

Here are examples to illustrate:

• Neither of the boys is tall enough to reach the shelf.
• Neither of the proposals are attractive to the investors.

When to Use Neither Is

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• Single Concept: When neither treats the two options as one unit or concept.
• Formal or Traditional: Often in formal writing or older literary works, neither is is more common.
• Sentence Structure: With "neither...nor..." where the subject closest to the verb is singular:
  • Neither the student nor the teacher is present.

When to Use Neither Are

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• Separate Entities: When focusing on the duality of the subjects rather than their unity.
• Modern Usage: In contemporary English, especially in spoken language, neither are is increasingly accepted.
• Proximity Agreement: When "neither...nor..." involves two plural subjects:
  • Neither of the dogs nor the cats are allowed inside.

<p class="pro-note">📝 Note: The choice often reflects stylistic preferences or the emphasis placed on the subjects.</p>

Common Usage and Examples

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Let's look at some real-world examples to see how neither is and neither are are used:

• Grammar Guides: Many prescriptive grammar guides advocate for neither is in formal contexts.

  • "Neither of the options is ideal for the project." (Formal)

• Spoken Language: In contrast, spoken English often reflects a more relaxed attitude towards strict grammar rules.

  • "Neither of the films are worth watching." (Informal)

Does Context Matter?

Yes, the context in which neither is used can significantly influence the choice:

• Emphasis: What are we emphasizing with neither? A unified choice or the duality of options?
• Subject Number: If neither pertains to two subjects with differing quantities (e.g., neither one man nor both children), grammar can dictate usage.
• Verb Agreement: How far does the proximity rule of verb agreement extend in this context?

FAQ Section

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is "neither is" grammatically correct?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, "neither is" is grammatically correct when referring to a singular concept or when adhering to traditional or formal grammatical rules.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can "neither" ever take a plural verb?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Indeed, when "neither" emphasizes two separate entities or when speaking informally, "neither are" can be used.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How has the usage of "neither" changed over time?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Historically, "neither" was strictly paired with singular verbs. Modern usage, particularly in spoken English, reflects a growing acceptance of "neither are" for plural agreement, especially for emphasis or in informal contexts.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>When should I stick with "neither is"?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Use "neither is" in formal writing, when referring to a unified concept, or when the context demands adherence to traditional grammatical structure.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

In conclusion, the debate surrounding neither is vs. neither are is not merely about grammatical correctness but also reflects changes in language usage over time. As language evolves, so do the rules, allowing for more flexibility and context-driven choices. Whether you choose neither is or neither are, the key is to understand the underlying intent of the sentence, the emphasis desired, and the context in which the words are used. Remember, both variants can be correct, depending on these factors, making the choice not just a matter of grammar but also one of nuanced communication.