Grammar Power Point Project EITHER OR VERSUS NEITHER

Grammar Power. Point 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. a. b. c. d. 2. a. b. c. d. You can use ___ this computer ___ the other one. Someone must fix them first Neither/nor Neither/or Either/or A is the correct answer Either/nor My mother can ___ read ___ write. She is illiterate. Either/or Neither/or Either/nor Neither/nor D is the correct answer

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