Convention 1 The Proximity Rule. Under this convention, the element nearest the verb determines whether it is singular or plural. For example:
- Neither the lorry nor the vans are available.
(The element nearest the verb is plural, so the verb is plural.)
Convention 2 The Logic Rule. Under this convention, if any of the elements are plural, the verb is plural. For example:
- Neither the lorries nor the van are available.
(The first element is plural, so the verb is plural. This would be wrong using The Proximity Rule.)
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