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 Peter or the students are going to attend the outstanding credits meeting.
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 conservative spending nor budget reforms will save this company.
Neither branch manager nor teller was able to answer why the report was not filed under separate cover.
Neither the client nor the company were able to reach an agreement.
Neither management nor labor is willing to reach an agreement.