Proximity Power Slides
3-Minute Grammar Masterclass
Subject-Verb Agreement
The Rule of Proximity
When subjects are connected by either...or or neither...nor, the verb always matches the closest subject.
1
Ignore the distant subject
The first noun has zero power over the verb.
2
Look at the nearest neighbor
Match the verb directly to the noun right beside it.
See Proximity in Action
Same Words • Different Verb
Plural Subject Nearest
"Neither the chef nor the bakers are ready for dinner service."
Bakers is plural and closest → use are.
Singular Subject Nearest
"Neither the bakers nor the chef is ready for dinner service."
Chef is singular and closest → use is.
Takeaway: Whichever noun sits right before the verb controls singular vs. plural!
Two Dangerous Traps to Avoid
Test Makers Love These
✕ Trap 1: The Mixed-Up Pair
Never pair neither with or, or either with nor!
✔ Either ... OR
✔ Neither ... NOR
✕ Trap 2: Ear Bias (Sounds Right)
"Neither the dog nor the cats is" sounds strange to some, but cats are is 100% grammatically correct.
Trust the proximity rule, not your casual speaking habits!
The 3-Sec Scan:
1. Spot Or / Nor ➔ 2. Circle 2nd Subject ➔ 3. Match Verb Form
60-Second Quick Check
Apply the Rule
1. Neither the pilot nor the flight attendants [ are / is ] on board.
attendants = plural → are
2. Either the musicians or the conductor [ has / have ] the score.
conductor = singular → has
3. Neither the actor nor the directors [ want / wants ] to stop.
directors = plural → want
Remember: Closest Subject = Verb Commander!
