Page 634 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing
P. 634
Keisha’s parents or her brother (is, are) scheduled to arrive
today.
How many will arrive? There is no way to tell. Simply follow the rule
and make the verb agree with the part of the subject closer to it.
Keisha or her parents are scheduled to arrive today.
Keisha’s parents or her brother is scheduled to arrive today.
Examples of Subject-Verb Agreement with
or, either/or, and neither/nor
A term paper or an oral report is required in Mr. Hanson’s class.
A term paper or two oral reports are required in Mr. Hanson’s
class.
Either two oral reports or a term paper is required in Mr.
Hanson’s class.
Neither the cats nor the dog shows any interest in the parakeet.
Among the requirements was listed an associate’s degree or five
years of experience.
Practice 13-8 Making Verbs Agree with
