Both / Either / Neither Parties
Paired Conjunctions
Both ... and
The paired conjunction 'both ... and' is used to introduce dual subjects which take plural verb conjugations.
Example:
Both banks and investors are paying attention to the stock share issue.
Both management and the board support using the capital obtained from the share issue to expand into new commercial ventures.
Either ... or
The paired conjunction 'either ... or' is used in sentences to show that one or the other is performing an action. Conjugate verbs based on the subject (singular or plural) closer to the conjugated verb.
Example:
Either the husband or wife must call to confirm bank clearance in this situation.
Either payment by check or credit card is acceptable.
Neither ... nor
The paired conjunction 'neither ... nor' is used in sentences giving a negative sense. Neither one nor the other subject does an action. The negative is conveyed by the 'n' in 'neither' and 'nor'. 'Not' is not placed before the verb. Conjugate verbs based on the subject (singular or plural) closer to the conjugated verb.
Example:
Neither branch manager nor teller was able to answer why the report was not filed under separate cover.
The budget neither agreed with your estimate nor mine.
Neither Tom nor the other officers are able to account for the deferred expense that showed up in the books.
Neither Marina nor the other potential investors are taking responsibility for the cancelled check.