Either, neither; singular, plural

[retro]

Hi!

I was wondering whether a singular or a plural verb is more common in the following sentences? Is either option formal or informal?

1.
a. Neither of the players has/have recovered.
b. Either of them is/are gonna be sidelined.

2.
a. Neither Jim nor Susie are/is going to the party tonight.
b. Either Owen or Shearer are/is gonna take the penalty.

3. Neither my wife nor my friends" agree(s) with this decision of the government.

I've heard that in #3 an agreement of proximity is required. What do you think?


I would appreciate AmE speakers' help but the rules of BrE are very welcome too.

Thanky you!

[Tdol]

The singular is preferred in formal language. In everyday use, the plural is very common.

[retro]

Thanky you, Tdol!

Do you think the same rule applies to American usage, or should we wait what AmE speakers will say?

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by retro

Thanky you, Tdol!

Do you think the same rule applies to American usage, or should we wait what AmE speakers will say?

AmE: I agree with Tdol. Singular is prferred, but the plural is common in informal use and in speech.

[retro]

Originally Posted by MikeNewYork

AmE: I agree with Tdol. Singular is prferred, but the plural is common in informal use and in speech.

Thanks, Mike!

I've got another question though:
Does the same principle apply to "each of", "each one of" and "every one of"?

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by retro

Thanks, Mike!

I've got another question though:
Does the same principle apply to "each of", "each one of" and "every one of"?

Yes, but I think the preference for a singular "each" is even stronger than with the others.