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 Terence and Noam wanted to help needy people.
Both Ben and Emma received training on painting.
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 ACLU or Glenn Greenwald will press for total transparency.
Either the umbrella organization or the students are going to fund the event.
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 the philosopher nor the magician could provide verification.
Neither the customer nor the clerk abided by what would be considered the norm.
Neither Daniel nor the other speakers at Burning Man reached the ultimate objective.
Neither the guru nor his acolytes could explain the vision for the future.