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 the room assignments and the roommate assignments have been made.
Both the reservation desk and the kitchen were closed for the night.
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 employee is disgruntled or incompetent.
Either the chain operators or the customers will win out.
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 sports stadiums nor their owner made a profit.
Neither the front office procedure nor the computer system was updated.
Neither the sales manager nor the salesmen are willing to comment.
Neither proteins nor starches were missing from his diet.