Rule

With either ... or and neither ... nor, the verb agrees with the subject that is nearer to it.

Question

Choose the grammatically correct sentence.

Options

• (A) Either the manager or the clerks is responsible for the error.
• (B) Either the clerks or the manager are responsible for the error.
• (C) Either the manager or the clerks are responsible for the error.
• (D) Either the manager or the clerks was responsible for the error.

Answer

(C) Either the manager or the clerks are responsible for the error.

Solution

1. Check the subject nearest to the verb in each sentence.
2. In option C it is clerks, which is plural, so the plural verb are is correct.
3. In options A and D the nearest subject is also clerks, but the verbs is and was are singular.
4. In option B the nearest subject is manager, which is singular, so are is wrong.