Grammar PowerPoint Project

EITHER OR VERSUS NEITHER

NOR
• Either / or: is used in a sentence when referring to a choice
between two possibilities.

• Neither / nor: is used in a sentence in a negative context when

you want to say that two or more things are untrue.
Clarify
• Both ''neither'' and ''either'' must be followed by a preposition that is
consistent with the meaning and intent of these words.
• Since ''neither'' conveys a negative, it must be matched with the
negative preposition ''nor'' whenever it is used a sentence.
-Neither is never paired with “or.”
•Since ''either'' denotes a positive and conditional meaning, it must be
followed by the positive conditional preposition ''or'' in a sentence.
- Either is never paired with “nor.”
Singular or plural
When using either/or and neither/nor, note the following rules:
1. If both elements are singular, then the verb is singular too.
• Either the father or the mother has to attend the meeting. (Father
and mother are singular; so the verb has is singular too)
• Neither Leila nor Nancy is going to write the report. (Leila
and Nancy are singular; so the verb is is singular too)

2. However, if one of the elements is plural, then use a plural verb.

• Either Sue or the girls are going to prepare dinner tonight. (The girls
are plural; so the verb is plural too)
• Neither the teacher nor the students were in the classroom this
morning. (The students are plural; so the verb is plural too)
 Not only/but also
• When “not only” is followed by “but also” (or simply “but”), make sure the
parts that follow each set of words are formatted the same way.
• “not only” is followed by “but also” (or “but”)

Example: He is not only a great swimmer, but also a great musician. (Good
because the sentence uses two noun clauses, which are underlined.)
 Test Your Knowledge
1. You can use ___ this computer ___ the other one. Someone
must fix them first
a. Neither/nor
b. Neither/or
c. Either/or
d. Either/nor A is the correct answer

2. My mother can ___ read ___ write. She is illiterate.

a. Either/or
b. Neither/or
c. Either/nor
d. Neither/nor

D is the correct answer

 Test Your Knowledge
3. The girl was neither happy nor sad about her grade. She was
content.
a. Either/nor
b. Neither/or
c. Either/or
d. Neither/nor D is the correct answer
4. She had to choose to eat _____ the pizza __ pasta.
a. Neither/or
b. Either/nor
c. Neither/nor
d. Either /or
D is the correct answer