Either/or constructions

Definition

Either/or constructions are phrases that present two alternatives, often used to indicate a choice between two options. This grammatical structure can affect subject-verb agreement depending on how the options are interpreted, particularly in cases where the elements involved are singular or plural. Understanding how to use either/or correctly is essential for maintaining proper agreement in writing and speech.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In either/or constructions, when both subjects are singular, the verb should be singular (e.g., 'Either the dog or the cat is missing').
2. If one of the subjects is plural, the verb agrees with the nearer subject (e.g., 'Either the dogs or the cat is missing' or 'Either the cat or the dogs are missing').
3. When neither/nor is used instead of either/or, similar rules of agreement apply.
4. Using either/or can lead to ambiguity if not structured correctly, particularly in complex sentences with multiple clauses.
5. It is common to see either/or constructions in both formal and informal writing, but clarity should always be prioritized.

Review Questions

• How does the presence of either/or constructions affect subject-verb agreement in sentences?
  • Either/or constructions influence subject-verb agreement by dictating that the verb must agree with the nearest subject when presented with two options. If both subjects are singular, a singular verb is required. However, if one subject is plural, the verb must align with the closest noun. This rule is essential for ensuring clarity and grammatical accuracy in sentences that involve choices.
• What challenges might arise from using either/or constructions incorrectly, especially in complex sentences?
  • Incorrect usage of either/or constructions can lead to confusion and ambiguity in meaning. For example, if a writer fails to ensure that the verb agrees with the correct subject, it may result in a sentence that is grammatically incorrect or unclear. In complex sentences where multiple clauses are present, this could mislead readers about what choice is being highlighted. Ensuring proper structure and agreement helps maintain clarity and understanding.
• Evaluate how understanding either/or constructions can improve one's writing style and clarity.
  • Understanding either/or constructions significantly enhances writing style and clarity by enabling writers to construct sentences that accurately convey choices without causing confusion. Mastery of these structures allows for more sophisticated expression of alternatives while ensuring correct subject-verb agreement. This skill not only reflects strong grammatical knowledge but also contributes to clearer communication, making writing more engaging and easier for readers to follow.

Related terms

subject-verb agreement:

The grammatical rule that the verb must agree in number with its subject, meaning singular subjects take singular verbs and plural subjects take plural verbs.

conjunction: A word that connects clauses or sentences, or coordinates words in the same clause, such as 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

distributive pronouns: Pronouns like 'either', 'neither', and 'each' that refer to individual elements of a group, often used to emphasize choices or separation.