What is the correct sentence?
Neither Michael nor Albert is correct.
Neither Michael nor Albert are correct.
Answer
Neither Michael nor Albert is correct — this is the correct version per prescriptive rules.
Based on my understanding of grammar lessons,
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When connecting singular nouns, use a singular verb:
Neither Jacob nor Jane is coming to the party.
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When connecting plural nouns, use a plural verb:
Neither the Jones nor the Smiths are coming to the party.
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When combining singular and plural nouns, the agreement is decided by the noun that is closer to the verb:
- Neither the boys nor Susan is coming to the party.
⇑ Verb determined by Susan. - Neither Susan nor the boys are coming.
⇑ Verb determined by the boys.
(Some books say it’s better to put the plural noun closer to the verb and use the plural form of the verb.)
- Neither the boys nor Susan is coming to the party.
References:
- Capital Community College Guide to Grammar & Writing: Subject-Verb Agreement
- esl.about.com English Tip of the Day: 170 Neither … nor
Attribution
Source : Link , Question Author : apaderno , Answer Author : Manjima