Which Is Correct: “Is Either of You” or “Are Either of You”?

Navigating the nuances of English grammar can sometimes feel like traversing a linguistic minefield. Even seasoned speakers occasionally stumble over common phrases, questioning the correct verb agreement or pronoun usage. One such area of frequent debate revolves around the use of “either,” particularly when it precedes a plural noun or pronoun. This particular grammatical puzzle often leads to uncertainty about whether to employ a singular or plural verb.

The question of whether “is either of you” or “are either of you” is the correct form is a classic example of this common grammatical quandary. It touches upon fundamental rules of subject-verb agreement, but with a twist introduced by the indefinite pronoun “either.” Understanding the underlying principles will not only clarify this specific instance but also equip you to handle similar grammatical challenges with greater confidence.

Understanding “Either” in Grammar

The word “either” typically functions as a determiner or a pronoun. When used as a determiner, it precedes a noun, often in conjunction with “or” to present alternatives, such as in “either book.” As a pronoun, it stands alone, referring to one of two possibilities.

Its role as an indefinite pronoun is where much of the confusion arises. Indefinite pronouns, like “each,” “every,” “either,” “neither,” “any,” “some,” “none,” and “all,” can sometimes be tricky to pair with verbs, especially when they appear in phrases with plural nouns or pronouns.

Grammatically, “either” when referring to one of two individuals or things, is considered singular. This is the foundational principle that dictates its verb agreement.

Subject-Verb Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns

The core rule of subject-verb agreement states that a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. The challenge with indefinite pronouns like “either” is identifying the true subject of the sentence.

When “either” is the subject of the sentence, it takes a singular verb. This principle holds true even when “either” is followed by a prepositional phrase containing a plural noun or pronoun, such as “of you,” “of them,” or “of the options.”

The phrase “of you” or “of them” acts as a modifier, providing additional information about “either” but not changing its inherent singular nature. Therefore, the verb must agree with “either,” not with the plural noun or pronoun in the prepositional phrase.

The Singular Case: “Is Either of You”

In the phrase “is either of you,” the subject is the indefinite pronoun “either.” Since “either” refers to one person out of two, it is treated as singular.

Consequently, the verb that agrees with a singular subject is “is.” The prepositional phrase “of you” modifies “either” but does not affect the subject-verb agreement.

This grammatical construction is the conventionally correct form in standard English. It adheres strictly to the rules of subject-verb agreement where the pronoun “either” dictates the verb’s number.

Consider the sentence structure: “Is either of you available?” Here, “either” is the singular subject, and “is” is the singular verb. The question is asking if one person, singular, from the group of two is available.

Another example: “Is either of the cars parked in the garage?” Again, “either” is singular, referring to one car out of two, and thus requires the singular verb “is.”

The same logic applies when “either” is the subject without the “of you” construction but still implying a choice between two: “Either is acceptable.” This sentence, though brief, clearly demonstrates that “either” takes the singular verb “is.”

The Plural Misconception: “Are Either of You”

The temptation to use “are either of you” often stems from a misunderstanding of what the subject is in the sentence. People may mistakenly believe that “you” in “of you” is the subject, or that “either” somehow implies plurality when presented with a plural noun.

However, “you” in this context is the object of the preposition “of.” Prepositional phrases do not determine the number of the verb; the subject does.

While “you” can be both singular and plural, its role in the phrase “of you” is subordinate to the pronoun “either.” Therefore, it cannot compel the verb to become plural.

Using “are” would be incorrect because it implies a plural subject, which “either” is not, in this grammatical construction. The sentence “Are either of you coming?” misapplies the rule of subject-verb agreement.

This is a common error, often heard in casual conversation. However, in formal writing and standard English, it is considered grammatically unsound.

The error arises from a cognitive bias where the proximity of the plural “you” influences the verb choice, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as proximity agreement, which is generally not accepted in formal grammar for indefinite pronouns like “either.”

The Role of “Or” and Compound Subjects

It is crucial to distinguish the construction “either of you” from compound subjects joined by “or” or “nor.” When two singular subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb remains singular. However, when a singular and a plural subject are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closer to it.

For example, “Either John or Mary *is* coming.” Here, both subjects are singular. If one were plural, the rule would shift: “Either John or his friends *are* coming.”

This rule applies to compound subjects, not to indefinite pronouns like “either” acting as the sole subject. The “either…or” conjunctions create a different grammatical structure than the pronoun “either” followed by a prepositional phrase.

Understanding this distinction is key to correctly applying subject-verb agreement rules. The proximity rule for compound subjects joined by “or” or “nor” does not extend to indefinite pronouns like “either” when it stands alone as the subject.

The structure “Either X or Y” functions differently than “Either of X.” In the former, X and Y are subjects connected by a conjunction. In the latter, “Either” is the subject, and “of X” is a modifying phrase.

Contextual Usage and Formal vs. Informal Speech

While formal English strictly adheres to “is either of you,” informal speech can sometimes exhibit more flexibility. In casual conversation, you might hear “are either of you” used frequently, and it might not sound jarring to native speakers accustomed to such variations.

However, this does not make it grammatically correct according to standard English conventions. For professional settings, academic writing, or any situation where precise grammar is expected, sticking to “is either of you” is essential.

The evolution of language means that informal usage can sometimes influence formal grammar over time, but for now, the singular verb remains the prescribed form for “either” as a subject.

It’s wise to be aware of these distinctions, especially when writing or speaking in contexts where grammatical accuracy is important. While communication might still be understood in informal settings using “are either of you,” it’s best to reserve that for very casual interactions if at all.

The difference highlights the importance of understanding the underlying grammatical structure rather than relying solely on what sounds familiar or common in everyday speech.

Why the Confusion Persists

The persistent confusion around “is either of you” versus “are either of you” can be attributed to several factors. One significant reason is the plural nature of the pronoun “you” when it refers to more than one person, which clashes with the singular nature of “either.”

Another factor is the proximity of the plural noun or pronoun in the prepositional phrase. As mentioned earlier, the brain can sometimes default to agreeing the verb with the nearest noun, regardless of whether it is the true subject.

Furthermore, the concept of “either” meaning “one or the other” can sometimes be mentally interpreted as encompassing both possibilities, leading to a plural verb choice. This is a semantic rather than a grammatical interpretation, but it influences usage.

The prevalence of the incorrect form in spoken language also contributes to its widespread adoption. When an error is frequently heard, it can begin to sound correct to many listeners.

Finally, many people learned grammar rules imperfectly or have forgotten them over time, leading to uncertainty when encountering these specific grammatical constructions.

Practical Application and Best Practices

When in doubt, always default to the rule: “either” as a subject takes a singular verb. This applies whether “either” is followed by “of you,” “of them,” “of the options,” or any other prepositional phrase.

The correct construction is “Is either of you going to the party?” or “Is either of the proposals acceptable?” This ensures grammatical accuracy and professionalism.

For situations where you want to be absolutely certain, rephrasing the sentence can sometimes help. For instance, instead of asking “Is either of you coming?”, you could ask, “Are you coming, or is the other person coming?” This avoids the specific construction altogether.

However, mastering the rule directly is more efficient. Remember that the subject is “either,” and “either” is singular. The phrase “of you” simply specifies which group of two we are referring to.

By consistently applying this rule, you can confidently use the correct form in all your communications.

“Neither” and Subject-Verb Agreement

The pronoun “neither” behaves identically to “either” in terms of subject-verb agreement. When “neither” is the subject of a sentence, it is singular and requires a singular verb.

Thus, the correct phrasing is “Is neither of you coming?” or “Neither of the suggestions is suitable.” The same logic applies: “neither” refers to one of two things or people, making it singular.

The prepositional phrase following “neither” does not alter its grammatical number. Just as “of you” does not make “either” plural, it does not make “neither” plural.

This consistency reinforces the grammatical principle that indefinite pronouns like “either” and “neither,” when acting as the subject, are singular.

Therefore, if you correctly apply the rule to “either,” you will also correctly apply it to “neither.” This principle extends to other similar indefinite pronouns in various contexts.

The Exception: “Either” as a Conjunction

It is important to differentiate the pronoun “either” from its use as part of the correlative conjunction “either…or.” As previously touched upon, when “either…or” connects two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it.

For example, “Either the manager or the employees *are* responsible.” Here, “employees” is plural and closer to the verb, so “are” is used.

This rule applies only when “either” introduces a pair of alternatives that are themselves subjects. It does not apply when “either” stands alone as a pronoun followed by “of you.”

The distinction is critical: “Either of you” makes “either” the singular subject. “Either John or Mary” makes “John” and “Mary” the subjects joined by a conjunction.

Understanding this difference is crucial for accurate grammar. The context in which “either” appears dictates its grammatical function and, consequently, the verb agreement.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

One common pitfall is overthinking the phrase “of you” and assuming it dictates the verb’s number. Remember that “of you” is a prepositional phrase and does not function as the subject.

Another pitfall is being swayed by informal usage. While common, incorrect usage does not transform into grammatical correctness. Stick to the established rules for formal contexts.

To avoid errors, consciously identify the subject of the sentence. Ask yourself: “What is performing the action or being described?” In “Is either of you coming?”, the answer is “either.”

Practicing with various examples can also help solidify your understanding. Write sentences using “either” and “neither” in different structures and then check them against the grammatical rules.

When proofreading, pay special attention to subject-verb agreement, particularly with indefinite pronouns and prepositional phrases. This focused attention can catch common mistakes.

The “Any” and “None” Comparison

The pronouns “any” and “none” can also present challenges with subject-verb agreement, though their rules differ slightly from “either” and “neither.” When “any” refers to people or things in a plural sense, it can take a plural verb.

For example, “Are any of you ready?” is perfectly acceptable, as “any” can imply multiple individuals. Similarly, “Are any of the cars working?” uses a plural verb.

However, “any” can also be singular if it refers to a single, unspecified item or person: “Is any of the cake left?” takes a singular verb.

The pronoun “none” is more complex. Traditionally, “none” was always treated as singular, requiring a singular verb. However, modern usage often accepts “none” as plural when it refers to multiple items or people, especially when followed by “of” and a plural noun.

Thus, both “None of the students *is* here” and “None of the students *are* here” can be considered correct, with the latter being more common in contemporary usage.

These variations highlight that while “either” and “neither” consistently demand a singular verb when they are the subject, other indefinite pronouns can exhibit more flexibility depending on context and modern usage trends.

Rephrasing for Clarity

If you find yourself consistently struggling with the “is either of you” construction, rephrasing can be a helpful strategy. Instead of asking “Is either of you going?”, you could ask, “Are you going, or is the other person going?”

Another way to rephrase is to use singular pronouns directly if you are addressing one person at a time. For example, if you are speaking to two people sequentially, you could ask each individually, “Are you going?”

However, if the intent is to address both simultaneously and inquire about their individual participation, the original construction is necessary. In such cases, mastering the correct verb agreement is the most direct solution.

Rephrasing is a temporary workaround; understanding the underlying grammar provides a more permanent solution for confident communication.

The Importance of Grammatical Precision

While language is dynamic and evolves, grammatical precision remains important, especially in written communication and formal settings. Using “is either of you” demonstrates a command of English grammar and attention to detail.

Incorrect subject-verb agreement can sometimes distract the reader or listener, detracting from the message itself. It can also, in some cases, lead to misinterpretation, although this is less likely with “either of you.”

Mastering these grammatical subtleties contributes to clear, effective, and professional communication. It shows respect for the language and for your audience.

Therefore, investing the time to understand and apply rules like the one governing “either” is a valuable exercise for anyone seeking to communicate effectively.

Final Summary of the Rule

The rule is straightforward: when “either” functions as the subject of a sentence, it is singular and requires a singular verb. This holds true even when “either” is followed by a prepositional phrase such as “of you,” “of them,” or “of the options.”

The correct and grammatically sound construction is “Is either of you…?” The alternative, “Are either of you…?”, is incorrect in standard English because it incorrectly assumes a plural subject.

Always identify “either” as the subject and pair it with the singular verb “is.” This principle ensures grammatical accuracy in all formal contexts.

By internalizing this rule and practicing its application, you can confidently navigate this common grammatical point of confusion.