When two singular subjects are linked together by neither ... nor/either ... or, a singular verb must be used.
Neither the boy nor the girl is my friend.
Neither John nor James likes pasta.
Either beans or rice is okay.
However, when a singular subject and plural subject are linked together by neither ... nor/either ... or, the verb will agree with the subject nearest to it.
Neither the boy nor the girls are my friends.
The choice of the verb are is because the subject nearest to the verb is the girls, a plural subject.
On the other hand, consider the following example.
Neither the boys nor the girl is my friend.
The choice of the verb is is because the subject nearest to the verb is the girl, a singular subject.
You can now attempt the practice exercise below.
To be continued.
Practice Exercise
1. In my own opinion, neither the players nor the coach ...... praise for the result of the match.
A. deserves
B. deserve
C. are deserving
D. is deserving
2. Neither Audu nor John ...... mathematics.
A. like
B. have likes
C. don't like
D. likes
3. Either the chief of the village or the leader of the farmers ...... to be blamed.
A. were
B. are
C. is
D. have
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