A singular subject joined by “or” or “nor” does not require a verb to be repeated in a sentence. This rule is often misunderstood, leading to confusion and grammatical errors. Understanding this concept is crucial for maintaining clarity and coherence in written and spoken language.
In English grammar, a singular subject joined by “or” or “nor” is considered a compound subject. When two singular subjects are connected by “or,” they are treated as a single subject, and only one verb is needed. Similarly, when two singular subjects are connected by “nor,” they also form a single subject, and only one verb is required. This rule is essential for maintaining grammatical consistency and avoiding redundancy.
For example, consider the following sentence:
She or he is responsible for the project.
In this sentence, “she” and “he” are singular subjects joined by “or.” Since they are a compound subject, only one verb, “is,” is used. This rule applies to any two singular subjects connected by “or,” regardless of their positions in the sentence.
Similarly, if we use “nor” to join two singular subjects, only one verb is required. For instance:
Neither she nor he is responsible for the project.
Here, “she” and “he” are joined by “nor,” creating a compound subject. The sentence correctly uses only one verb, “is,” to maintain grammatical accuracy.
However, it is important to note that this rule does not apply when “or” or “nor” is used to join a singular subject with a plural subject. In such cases, the verb must agree with the plural subject. For example:
She or they are responsible for the project.
In this sentence, “they” is a plural subject, so the verb “are” is used to agree with the plural subject.
In conclusion, understanding the rule that a singular subject joined by “or” or “nor” does not require a verb to be repeated is essential for proper grammar usage. By following this rule, writers and speakers can maintain clarity and coherence in their communication. Always remember to consider the subjects and their relationship when determining the correct verb form in a sentence.
