Neither or Either?

"Either" and "neither" are both singular adjectives meaning "one or the other of two." "Neither" of course means "not the first one and not the second one."

In formal writing, we usually use a singular verb because "either" and "neither" signal that one of the following nouns is the subject, but not both:

Either Bill or Bob is going to the conference. (One or the other is going, but not both.)
Neither Joan nor Jane likes sushi. (= Joan doesn't like sushi. Jane doesn't like sushi either!)

Notice that we say "either...or" and "neither...nor." In informal English, most people would say "Neither Joan OR Jane LIKE sushi." That's all right in conversation, but in formal documents you should prefer the formal usage.

Of course we have a confusing exception to this rule. You can use a plural verb if you have a plural noun next to the verb:
Either Joan or the Kennedys are going to the conference.

But put the singular noun closer to the verb, and it goes back to singular!
Either the Kennedys or Joan is going to the conference.

And it's the same with "neither":
Neither Jane nor her brothers like sushi.
Neither her brothers nor Jane likes sushi.

Of course the verb will be plural if both nouns are plural:
Either the Smiths or the Robinsons are meeting us at the station.
Neither the Canadians nor the Americans are interested in this problem.

Match the sentence halves to make a complete sentence.

Both Peter Not only do we want to go Either Jack will have to work more hours That story was Students who do well not only study hard In the end he had to choose Sometimes it is I would love to take

but we have enough money. neither true nor realistic. not only wise to listen to your parents but also interesting. and I are coming next week. either his career or his hobby. both my laptop and my cell phone on holiday. but also use their instincts if they do not know the answer. or we will have to hire somebody new.

Combine the following sentences into one sentence using paired conjunctions: both ... and; not only ... but also; either ... or; neither ... nor

We could fly. We could go by train.
She will have to study hard. She will have to concentrate to do well on the exam.
Jack is not here. Tom is in another city.
The speaker will not confirm the story. The speaker will not deny the story.
Pneumonia is a dangerous disease. Small pox is a dangerous illness.
Fred loves traveling. Jane wants to go around the world.
It might rain tomorrow. It might snow tomorrow.
Playing tennis is good for your heart. Jogging is good for your health.

To the teacher: Read the following aloud and have students use paired conjunctions to respond. Example: You know Peter. Do you know Bill? Student: I know both Peter and Jack.
You like tennis. Do you like golf?
You don't know Jane. Do you know Jack?
You are studying Math. Are you studying English?
You need to work on the weekend. Do you need to work in the evening?
You don't eat fish. Do you eat beef?
I know your country has good universities. Does England have good universities?
He collects money. Does he collect stamps?
They haven't visited Rome. Have they visited Paris?