The English language is full of intricacies and nuances that often leave even the most skilled writers and speakers scratching their heads. One such conundrum is the correct usage of “neither has” versus “neither have.” In this article, we will delve into the world of grammar and explore the rules, exceptions, and best practices for using these phrases correctly.
Understanding the Basics: What is Neither?
Before we dive into the debate, it’s essential to understand what “neither” means. Neither is a determiner used to indicate that two or more options are not applicable or true. It is often used in conjunction with “nor” to present two or more alternatives that are not valid.
Example Sentences
I like neither coffee nor tea. (Here, “neither” indicates that the speaker does not like either coffee or tea.)
She is neither a doctor nor a lawyer. (In this sentence, “neither” suggests that the person is not a doctor and not a lawyer.)
The Great Debate: Neither Has or Neither Have
Now that we have a basic understanding of “neither,” let’s explore the controversy surrounding “neither has” and “neither have.” The main point of contention is whether “neither” should be treated as a singular or plural noun.
Neither as a Singular Noun
When “neither” is used as a singular noun, it is often followed by a singular verb, such as “has.” This is because “neither” is seen as a single entity, rather than a collection of multiple items.
Example Sentences
Neither of the two options has been chosen. (Here, “neither” is treated as a singular noun, and the verb “has” is used accordingly.)
Neither the manager nor the CEO has made a statement. (In this sentence, “neither” is used to refer to two individuals, but the verb “has” is still used in the singular form.)
Neither as a Plural Noun
On the other hand, when “neither” is used as a plural noun, it is often followed by a plural verb, such as “have.” This is because “neither” is seen as a collection of multiple items, rather than a single entity.
Example Sentences
Neither of the two teams have won a championship. (Here, “neither” is treated as a plural noun, and the verb “have” is used accordingly.)
Neither the students nor the teachers have received the news. (In this sentence, “neither” is used to refer to two groups, and the verb “have” is used in the plural form.)
So, Which is Correct?
The answer to this question is not a simple one. Both “neither has” and “neither have” can be correct, depending on the context and the intended meaning.
General Rule of Thumb
A general rule of thumb is to use “neither has” when referring to two or more singular nouns, and “neither have” when referring to two or more plural nouns.
Example Sentences
Neither the cat nor the dog has been fed. (Here, “neither” is used to refer to two singular nouns, and the verb “has” is used accordingly.)
Neither the cats nor the dogs have been fed. (In this sentence, “neither” is used to refer to two plural nouns, and the verb “have” is used accordingly.)
Exceptions to the Rule
While the general rule of thumb is helpful, there are some exceptions to consider.
When Neither is Used with a Plural Noun
When “neither” is used with a plural noun, it is often followed by a plural verb, even if the noun is singular in form.
Example Sentences
Neither of the scissors have been sharpened. (Here, “neither” is used with a plural noun, and the verb “have” is used accordingly.)
Neither of the glasses have been broken. (In this sentence, “neither” is used with a plural noun, and the verb “have” is used accordingly.)
When Neither is Used with a Collective Noun
When “neither” is used with a collective noun, it is often followed by a singular verb, even if the noun is plural in form.
Example Sentences
Neither the team nor the staff has been informed. (Here, “neither” is used with a collective noun, and the verb “has” is used accordingly.)
Neither the family nor the group has made a decision. (In this sentence, “neither” is used with a collective noun, and the verb “has” is used accordingly.)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct usage of “neither has” versus “neither have” depends on the context and the intended meaning. While there are general rules of thumb to follow, there are also exceptions to consider. By understanding the nuances of the English language and the intricacies of grammar, we can communicate more effectively and avoid common mistakes.
| Singular Noun | Plural Noun | Collective Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Neither has | Neither have | Neither has |
- Use “neither has” when referring to two or more singular nouns.
- Use “neither have” when referring to two or more plural nouns.
- Use “neither has” when referring to a collective noun.
- Use “neither have” when referring to a plural noun that is singular in form.
By following these guidelines and considering the context and intended meaning, we can ensure that our language is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
What is the difference between ‘neither has’ and ‘neither have’?
The primary difference between ‘neither has’ and ‘neither have’ lies in the subject-verb agreement. ‘Neither has’ is used when the subject is singular, whereas ‘neither have’ is used when the subject is plural. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, as the usage can vary depending on the context and the dialect being used.
In general, when ‘neither’ is used with two singular nouns, the verb that follows is usually singular. For example, ‘Neither John nor Sarah has eaten breakfast.’ However, when ‘neither’ is used with two plural nouns, the verb that follows is usually plural. For example, ‘Neither the students nor the teachers have finished their assignments.’
How do I determine whether to use ‘neither has’ or ‘neither have’ in a sentence?
To determine whether to use ‘neither has’ or ‘neither have’ in a sentence, you need to look at the subject of the sentence. If the subject is singular, use ‘neither has.’ If the subject is plural, use ‘neither have.’ Additionally, consider the nouns that ‘neither’ is referring to. If both nouns are singular, use ‘neither has.’ If both nouns are plural, use ‘neither have.’
It’s also important to consider the dialect and regional variations in usage. In some regions, ‘neither have’ may be used with singular subjects, while in others, ‘neither has’ may be used with plural subjects. Ultimately, the key is to be consistent in your usage and to consider the context in which the sentence is being used.
Can ‘neither have’ be used with singular subjects?
While the general rule is to use ‘neither has’ with singular subjects, there are some cases where ‘neither have’ can be used with singular subjects. This is particularly true in informal writing and spoken language, where the usage is often more relaxed. For example, ‘Neither John nor Sarah have eaten breakfast’ is a common usage in informal contexts.
However, in formal writing and in more traditional grammar, it’s generally recommended to use ‘neither has’ with singular subjects. This is because the subject-verb agreement is more strictly observed in formal writing, and using ‘neither have’ with singular subjects can be seen as incorrect. Ultimately, the choice between ‘neither has’ and ‘neither have’ depends on the context and the level of formality desired.
Is ‘neither has’ or ‘neither have’ more commonly used?
Both ‘neither has’ and ‘neither have’ are commonly used in English, but the usage can vary depending on the context and the dialect. In general, ‘neither has’ is more commonly used in formal writing and in traditional grammar, while ‘neither have’ is more commonly used in informal writing and spoken language.
In modern English, ‘neither have’ is often used with singular subjects, especially in informal contexts. This is because the usage is often more relaxed, and the distinction between singular and plural subjects is not always observed. However, in formal writing and in more traditional grammar, ‘neither has’ is still the preferred usage with singular subjects.
Can I use ‘neither has’ and ‘neither have’ interchangeably?
While ‘neither has’ and ‘neither have’ are often used interchangeably in informal contexts, it’s generally not recommended to use them interchangeably in formal writing or in more traditional grammar. This is because the subject-verb agreement is more strictly observed in formal writing, and using the wrong form can be seen as incorrect.
In formal writing, it’s best to use ‘neither has’ with singular subjects and ‘neither have’ with plural subjects. This will help to maintain consistency and accuracy in your writing. In informal contexts, however, the usage is often more relaxed, and ‘neither have’ may be used with singular subjects. Ultimately, the key is to be consistent in your usage and to consider the context in which the sentence is being used.
How do I use ‘neither has’ and ‘neither have’ with multiple subjects?
When using ‘neither has’ and ‘neither have’ with multiple subjects, the key is to consider the nouns that ‘neither’ is referring to. If both nouns are singular, use ‘neither has.’ If both nouns are plural, use ‘neither have.’ For example, ‘Neither John nor Sarah has eaten breakfast’ (both nouns are singular), and ‘Neither the students nor the teachers have finished their assignments’ (both nouns are plural).
If the nouns are a mix of singular and plural, the usage can be more complex. In general, it’s best to use the form that agrees with the nearest noun. For example, ‘Neither John nor the students have finished their assignments’ (the nearest noun is plural, so ‘have’ is used). However, this can vary depending on the context and the dialect being used.
Are there any exceptions to the rules for using ‘neither has’ and ‘neither have’?
Yes, there are several exceptions to the rules for using ‘neither has’ and ‘neither have.’ One of the main exceptions is when ‘neither’ is used with a compound subject that is considered a single unit. In this case, the verb that follows is usually singular. For example, ‘Neither John and Sarah has eaten breakfast’ (John and Sarah are considered a single unit).
Another exception is when ‘neither’ is used with a subject that is a collective noun. In this case, the verb that follows can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. For example, ‘Neither the team has nor the teams have won the championship’ (the team is a collective noun, and the verb can be either singular or plural). Ultimately, the key is to consider the context and the dialect being used, and to be consistent in your usage.