singular or plural

[hela]

Dear teachers,

If we look at the following sentences:

1) Neither my brotheR nor my sisteR WANTS to go to the festival.

Would you say that we should use a singular verb because:

a) the construction "neither/either... nor/or" commands it;
OR because
b) it's the form of the closest subject to the verb that commands it ?

2) Neither my brotheR nor my sisterS WANT to go to the festival.

3) Neither my brotherS nor my sisteR WANTS to go to the festival.

All the best,
Hela

[Casiopea]

If there is a singular and a plural subject, it is most acceptable to put the plural subject second and have the verb agree with the nearest (plural) subject. Even if the plural subject is placed first, before the singular subject, it is common to use a plural verb.

Read more here.

[hela]

Thank you Cas :)