If you’ve ever struggled with the correct usage of “neither nor”, you’re not alone. This simple yet powerful conjunction is often misunderstood, but once you master it, it can enhance your writing and speaking skills. “Neither nor” is used to express negative alternatives in sentences, and it plays a crucial role in subject-verb agreement.

By understanding how neither nor connects singular and plural subjects, you can avoid common mistakes. In this article, we’ll break down the meaning of neither nor, explain its correct usage, and provide plenty of examples to help you get it right. Let’s dive into the rules of neither nor and improve your grammar.

Quick Summary

To keep it simple, “neither nor” is a conjunction used to combine two negative alternatives in a sentence. When you use this pair, you’re saying that neither of the options you’re talking about is true or possible. By mastering the use of “neither nor”, you can express negation more smoothly and avoid sounding awkward or repetitive.

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Meaning with Examples for Neither Nor

Let’s first understand what “neither nor” means. It is used to connect two negative alternatives in a sentence, and it helps to say that neither of the two options is valid, true, or chosen. The key idea is that you are rejecting both options at once.

For Example

“She neither likes coffee nor tea.” This clearly means that she doesn’t prefer either one of these drinks. The use of “neither nor” makes the sentence short and clear while showing that neither choice is a possibility.

“Neither the cat nor the dog is allowed on the furniture.” This sentence makes it clear that neither the cat nor the dog has permission to be on the furniture.

By using “neither nor”, the speaker is rejecting both possibilities in a single statement.

Usage of Neither Nor with Examples

Knowing when to use “neither nor” is essential. It’s perfect for expressing a negative choice between two alternatives. Whenever you want to negate two things or choices, you can use this conjunction. It is typically used in more formal contexts but can be easily incorporated into everyday speech as well.

For Example

“I neither want pizza nor burgers for dinner.” This makes it clear that both options are off the table.

“Neither the project nor the task is ready to be presented.” This sentence rejects both the project and the task as being ready, effectively using “neither nor” to express negative alternatives in a sentence.

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Neither Nor Example Sentences

Let’s take a look at some more “neither nor” examples to help clarify its usage:

• “Neither the movie nor the play was entertaining.”
• “Neither you nor I am attending the event.”
• “Neither the parents nor the teachers were informed about the event.”
• “Neither the storm nor the rain affected the event

As you can see from these examples, “neither nor” helps simplify the expression of negation when referring to two items, making your sentences more concise and clear.

Plural or Singular form of “Is Neither You Nor I”

A common question that comes up with “neither nor” is whether to treat the subject as singular or plural when it connects “you” and “I.” The short answer is that “neither you nor I” is treated as singular, even though it involves two people. This may seem counterintuitive, but it follows the grammar rules of subject-verb agreement.

For Example

If you want to say that neither you nor I will be going to the party, the correct form is “Neither you nor I am going.” Here, the verb “am” is singular, even though it appears to refer to two people.

Remember, when “neither nor” connects two singular subjects, the verb will also be singular. Similarly, when “neither nor” connects two plural subjects, the verb will be plural.

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What is the Rule of Neither Nor with Examples

The main rule to keep in mind when using “neither nor” is that it must follow subject-verb agreement. This means the verb must agree with the subject, whether singular or plural, based on what “neither nor” connects.

If both parts of the conjunction are singular, the verb should be singular.

For Example

 “Neither the car nor the bike is available for the trip.” Here, both the car and the bike are singular, so the verb “is” is used.

If one part is plural, the verb should be plural.

For Example

“Neither the books nor the magazine are interesting to me.” Since “books” is plural, the verb “are” is used.

Let’s look at some more examples to reinforce this:

• “Neither the manager nor the employees were happy with the decision
• “Neither the dress nor the shoes are comfortable

Synonyms

Here are some synonyms for “neither nor”:

Negative conjunction
Dual negation
Both not
Neither one nor the other
Not either
Neither…nor construction
Dual rejection
Neither alternative
Both rejected
Negative pair

Grammar Rule and Examples

The grammar rule with “neither nor” can be tricky, but it’s simple once you break it down. When you use “neither nor” to join two subjects, pay attention to whether those subjects are singular or plural. This will determine whether the verb needs to be singular or plural.

For Example

• “Neither the laptop nor the desktop is working.” Since both are singular, the verb is also singular: “is.”
• “Neither the books nor the magazine are on the table.” Here, the “books” are plural, so the verb “are” is used.

The same rule applies when the subjects are more complex:

• “Neither the project nor the task was completed on time.” Since both “project” and “task” are singular, we use “was.”

FAQ’s: Neither Nor

What does “neither nor” mean?
It is a conjunction used to express a negative choice between two alternatives.

How do you use “neither nor” in a sentence?
You use it to negate both options in a sentence, e.g., “Neither the cat nor the dog is allowed.”

Is “neither nor” singular or plural?
It depends on the subjects; if both are singular, the verb is singular, and if one is plural, the verb is plural.

Can “neither nor” be used with more than two items?
Yes, it can be used to negate more than two alternatives, e.g., “Neither the pizza, nor the pasta, nor the salad was left.”

Is “neither nor” used in questions?
Though less common, it can appear in question

Conclusion

Knowing “neither nor” is essential for expressing  negative  alternatives in English. By understanding its role in subject-verb agreement and applying it correctly, you can improve both your writing and speaking. Remember, neither nor helps you reject two choices at once, making your sentences clearer and more concise. With the examples and rules provided, you now have the tools to confidently use “neither nor” in your everyday language. Keep practicing, and soon, this grammar rule will feel second nature.

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