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Subjects in the form of A or B; A nor B; either A or B; & neither A nor B are called compound-alternative subjects. When using these types of subjects, you need to keep in mind that the letters A and B could be nouns or pronouns and that a singular or a plural form could be used.
Surprisingly, two high-executives in the company have been plundering funds from the organization, but neither the president nor the vice-president claim responsibility for the $2.5 million swindle. (error)
Surprisingly, two high-executives in the company have been plundering funds from the organization, but neither the president nor the vice-president claims responsibility for the $2.5 million swindle. (correct)
First, she wants to negotiate with the city officials. Then she or her lawyer decide to sue them. (error)
First, she wants to negotiate with the city officials. Then she or her lawyer decides to sue them. (correct)
Next to him was either his son or his dog.
On the contrary, neither the patients nor their doctors were aware of the situation
Generally, there are two important rules when you are working with compound-alternative subjects
Rule # 1: When a singular noun and a plural noun are used as a compound-alternative subject, it is preferable for you to place the plural noun close to the verb.
At the time of her mother's death, her children or she was vacationing in Florida. (correct)
At the time of her mother's death, she or her children were vacationing in Florida. (better)
Rule #2: When you use a pronoun as the second element in the compound-alternative subject, you should choose a verb that is appropriate to that pronoun.
Arguably, they or she are thinking up new ways to promote the culture of the Arab world. (error)
Arguably, they or she is thinking up new ways to promote the culture of the Arab world. (correct)
Surprisingly, two high-executives in the company have been plundering funds from the organization, but neither the president nor the vice-president claim responsibility for the $2.5 million swindle. (error)
Surprisingly, two high-executives in the company have been plundering funds from the organization, but neither the president nor the vice-president claims responsibility for the $2.5 million swindle. (correct)
First, she wants to negotiate with the city officials. Then she or her lawyer decide to sue them. (error)
First, she wants to negotiate with the city officials. Then she or her lawyer decides to sue them. (correct)
Next to him was either his son or his dog.
On the contrary, neither the patients nor their doctors were aware of the situation
Generally, there are two important rules when you are working with compound-alternative subjects
Rule # 1: When a singular noun and a plural noun are used as a compound-alternative subject, it is preferable for you to place the plural noun close to the verb.
At the time of her mother's death, her children or she was vacationing in Florida. (correct)
At the time of her mother's death, she or her children were vacationing in Florida. (better)
Rule #2: When you use a pronoun as the second element in the compound-alternative subject, you should choose a verb that is appropriate to that pronoun.
Arguably, they or she are thinking up new ways to promote the culture of the Arab world. (error)
Arguably, they or she is thinking up new ways to promote the culture of the Arab world. (correct)
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