The Grammar of ‘Neither of Them’: Understanding Singular and Plural Verbs

Language can often present grammatical challenges, one of which is choosing the correct verb form when using 'neither' with plural pronouns. The phrase “Neither of them drinks coffee” is more common and grammatically correct. However, there seems to be some flexibility depending on the context. Let's explore this in detail.

Understanding the Role of 'Neither'

The word 'neither' implies a negative statement about a pair or group. For instance, when 'neither' is used with 'both of them,' the verb should take the singular form. This is because 'neither' refers to a single entity within the pair. This rule applies similarly to 'neither of them,' which is considered singular, hence the singular verb 'drinks.'

Examples and Context

Let's start with a straightforward example from Merriam-Webster's FAQ:

Neither of them dances well.

This sentence is in the singular form because 'neither' refers to a single entity, even though 'them' is plural. The other example from the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) provides a bit more flexibility:

I suppose it's because neither of the Scottish sides have made the breakthrough yet.

Here, the plural form 'have' is used, suggesting that even with 'neither,' the choice of verb can vary depending on the sentence structure and emphasis.

General Usage Guidelines

While flexibility exists in some cases, the safest and most commonly accepted rule is to use a singular verb with 'neither,' especially when referring to 'neither of them.' For instance:

Neither of them drinks coffee.

Another example that might seem contradictory at first glance includes:

Neither of them sounds better than the other.

The key here is that while 'them' is plural, 'neither' is still considered singular, so the verb should be singular. This adds to the complexity of sentence structure in English.

Conclusion: Best Practice

For clarity and correctness, it is best to use the singular verb form with 'neither of them.' For example:

Neither of them drinks coffee. She and he do not drink coffee. Neither she nor he drinks coffee.

Even though 'them' is plural, the singular verb 'drinks' is appropriate because 'neither' is singular and indicates a single entity within the group.

Therefore, the sentence "Neither of them drinks coffee" is grammatically correct and the safest choice in general, ensuring your writing is both clear and adheres to the rules of English grammar.