RULE 2: Two or more SINGULAR subjects joined by or (or nor) act as a singular

compound subject and, therefore, take a singular verb to agree.

Examples:

- Sugar and flour are needed for the recipe.

- Neither my dad nor my brothers know how to ski.

- Either Kiana or Karylle is helping today with stage decorations.

Rule 3: If plural subjects are joined by “or,” “nor,” or “but,” the verb must only
agree with the subject that is closest to it.

Examples:

- Either Bob or his brother walks to the store.

- Neither the plates nor the serving bowl goes on that shelf.

- Neither the serving bowl nor the plates go on that shelf.

Rule 4: A singular verb must be used with the singular indefinite pronouns each,
neither, either, anyone, everyone, no one, someone, anybody, everybody, nobody,
somebody, anything, everything, nothing, and something.

Examples:

- Everything comes back eventually.

- The president waved to everybody in the crowd.

- We need somebody who can work nights and weekends.

RULE 5: When the subjects joined by 'either or' or 'neither nor' are of different
persons, the verb will agree in person and number with the noun nearest to it.

Examples:

- Neither of you is responsible enough to handle it.

- Neither you nor your dogs know how to behave.

- Either of the books is fine for MAT preparation.