Subject Verb Agreement or and Nor

Subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of proper grammar. It refers to the grammatical rule that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. Likewise, if the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. This basic rule applies to most sentences, but there are a few variations when it comes to using the conjunctions `or` and `nor`.

When a sentence contains `or` or `nor`, the subject and verb agreement is a bit more complicated. Here are a few important rules to remember when using these conjunctions:

1. When `or` is used as a conjunction, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Example: Neither the cat nor the dogs are happy. (Incorrect)

Neither the dogs nor the cat is happy. (Correct)

2. When `nor` is used as a conjunction, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it, which is often negative.

Example: Neither the dog nor the cat were sleeping. (Incorrect)

Neither the cat nor the dog was sleeping. (Correct)

3. When `either/or` and `neither/nor` are used as conjunctions, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Example: Either the boys or the girl is lying. (Correct)

Either the girl or the boys are lying. (Incorrect)

4. When the subjects are both singular and separated by `or` or `nor`, the verb should be singular.

Example: Either the sun or the moon is shining. (Correct)

In general, it is essential to remember that the subject-verb agreement needs to be accurate, no matter which conjunction you use. This is important for clarity, readability, and comprehension. Incorrect subject-verb agreement can confuse the reader and may lead to a misunderstanding.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement can be tricky, especially when using conjunctions such as `or` and `nor`. However, by following these basic rules, we can ensure that our writing is clear and easily understood. As a copy editor, it is essential to remember that good grammar and proper subject-verb agreement are crucial for effective communication and successful SEO.