Subject-verb agreement can be a tricky concept to master in the English language, particularly when we encounter tricky phrases like “neither of us.” This phrase presents a challenge for many writers and speakers, as it involves two subjects and can be a bit confusing to determine which verb form to use. In this article, we will explore how to correctly use subject-verb agreement with “neither of us.”

Firstly, we need to understand what “neither of us” means. This phrase is used when referring to two people or subjects, and it means that neither of the two people or subjects are involved in the action being described. For example, “neither of us wants to go to the party” means that both people are not interested in attending the event. This phrase is often used in negative constructions, and it is important to use the correct verb form to ensure clear and effective communication.

When using “neither of us,” we need to pay attention to the subject-verb agreement. This means that the verb form we use should agree in number with the subject. In this case, we have two subjects, “neither” and “us.” When “neither” is used, we need to use a singular verb form, as it is a singular pronoun. For example, “neither of us is interested in the project” is the correct form, as “is” is a singular verb form that agrees with the singular pronoun “neither.”

On the other hand, when “us” is used, we need to use a plural verb form, as it is a plural pronoun. For example, “neither of us are interested in the project” is the correct form, as “are” is a plural verb form that agrees with the plural pronoun “us.”

It is important to note that some writers and speakers may use the incorrect verb form when using “neither of us,” leading to confusion and miscommunication. For example, using “neither of us are” instead of “neither of us is” can make the sentence sound awkward and unclear.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement with “neither of us” requires careful attention to ensure clear and effective communication. Remember to use a singular verb form when “neither” is used and a plural verb form when “us” is used. By following these guidelines, you can improve your writing and speaking skills, and avoid common mistakes in subject-verb agreement.