“Either you or he ____ at fault.”
- Are
- Have
- Is
- Will
Introduction
The English language follows specific rules of subject-verb agreement to ensure that the subject and verb in a sentence are properly matched. Understanding these rules is essential for constructing grammatically correct and coherent sentences.
Subject-Verb Agreement
In the sentence “Either you or he is at fault,” the correct verb to use is “is.” This is because the subject “either you or he” is singular. The subject consists of two options (“you” and “he”), but only one of them can be applicable at a time. As a result, the verb must agree with the singular subject.
Understanding the Rule
The rule for subject-verb agreement in sentences with compound subjects connected by “or” or “nor” is as follows: When two singular subjects are connected by “or” or “nor,” the verb should agree with the subject that is closer to the verb.
Applying the Rule
In the given sentence, “Either you or he is at fault,” the subject closest to the verb is “he,” which is singular. Therefore, the correct verb form to use is “is.”
Correcting Common Errors
Mistakes in subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion in sentences. It is common to see sentences with compound subjects where the verb does not agree with the appropriate subject. For instance, saying “Either you or he are at fault” would be incorrect, as the plural verb “are” does not match the singular subject.
Conclusion
Mastering subject-verb agreement is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy in writing. In sentences like “Either you or he is at fault,” adhering to the rule of agreement ensures clear and effective communication, ultimately enhancing the quality of written expression.
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