Writing Rule from Barron's

<p>I was using the Writing Workbook from Barron's when I came across this rule:</p>

<p>"When a subject contains a pronoun that differs in person from a noun or another pronoun, the verb must agree with the closer subject word."</p>

<p>This was the example that was given:
"Neither Meredith nor you are expected to finish the work today."</p>

<p>When I was doing a practice problem, this came up:
"Either Don or you is going to lead the class discussion on Tuesday."
(This is correct as written according to Barron's)</p>

<p>Which one is right because I thought "you" was singular but they used "are", but then they used "is" for the second example. Is this their mistake or another rule? I thought there was no difference between either and neither.</p>

<p>I think this is an example of really stickler rules, and also some logic.</p>

<p>For example, for the neither sentence, since you are not expected to finish, AND Meredith is not expected to finish, then you should treat the subjects as plural and, thus, the verb as plural.</p>

<p>However, for the either sentence, the situation is different. We can infer from what the speaker says that only 1 student can lead class discussion on Tuesday, not both. So if Don leads the class, you don’t, and if you lead the class, then Don doesn’t. That’s why the verb is singular.</p>

<p>(Not a grammar expert though, so anyone more experienced, feel free to correct me…)</p>

<p>Thats what I was thinking until it hit me that you is always followed by “are.”</p>

<p>You don’t see “you is” and according to the rule it should follow the pronoun or noun closest to the verb.</p>

<p>Any other opinions?</p>

<p>I believe it is a rule that whatever comes after the nor/or is the subject.</p>

<p>Ex) Neither you nor I am going to enjoy this presentation.</p>

<p>^See that’s the problem we’re having. In your sentence, even though it’s neither, is talking about both people. It says how “neither you nor I” (which means both) are/am going to enjoy the presentation.</p>

<p>Someone help!</p>