Does 'either of' take a singular or plural verb?

In formal English, 'either of' takes a singular verb: 'Either of the candidates is suitable.' In informal spoken English, a plural verb is sometimes accepted: 'Either of them are fine.' For IELTS and formal writing, use singular.

Does 'neither of' take a singular or plural verb?

'Neither of' takes a singular verb in formal English: 'Neither of the answers is correct.' Informal English sometimes accepts plural: 'Neither of them are coming.' For exams and academic writing, use singular.

What is the difference between 'either' and 'neither'?

'Either' is used in positive or choice contexts meaning 'one or the other.' 'Neither' is used in negative contexts meaning 'not one and not the other.' Example: 'Either option works for me.' vs 'Neither option is acceptable.'

Either of / Neither of: Singular or Plural Verb?

Quick Answer

"Either of" + plural noun + singular verb (formal English)

"Neither of" + plural noun + singular verb (formal English)

Informal English sometimes uses plural verbs, but use singular in exams and formal writing.

Explanation

EITHER OF

Meaning: one or the other (of two)

→ Used in choice/alternative contexts

→ Positive sentences

Structure: either of + the/my/these + plural noun

NEITHER OF

Meaning: not one and not the other (of two)

→ Used in negative/rejection contexts

→ Itself is negative (no double negative)

Structure: neither of + the/my/these + plural noun

Key rule: Although "either of" and "neither of" are followed by a plural noun, the verb that follows must agree with "either/neither," which are grammatically singular.

Examples

"Either of" (one or the other)

✔Either of the routes is acceptable. (formal)

✔Either of my parents is available to help.

✔Can either of you speak Spanish?

✘Either of the routes are acceptable. (informal only)

"Neither of" (not one, not the other)

✔Neither of the answers is correct. (formal)

✔Neither of his parents speaks English.

✔Neither of us was invited to the meeting.

✘Neither of the answers are not correct. (double negative, wrong)

Formal vs Informal English

Register	Rule	Example
Formal (exams, writing)	Singular verb	"Neither of them is ready."
Informal (spoken)	Plural verb (accepted)	"Neither of them are ready."

For IELTS, TOEFL, and academic writing: Always use the singular verb after "either of" and "neither of."

Either / Neither Without "of"

When "either" and "neither" are used without "of," they are placed directly before a singular noun:

✔Either answer is correct.

✔Neither candidate was selected.

✔You can take either road.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect (double negative): Neither of the students didn't pass the test.

Correct: Neither of the students passed the test. ("Neither" already makes it negative.)

Incorrect (plural verb in formal context): Either of the managers are available.

Correct (formal): Either of the managers is available.

Practice

Choose the correct verb (formal English):

"Neither of the two proposals _____ (is/are) acceptable to the board."

TypoGrammar