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 Ben and Emma received training on painting.
Both Gene and his partner David filled out the needs assessments questionnaire.
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 Douglas or Adam will oversee the negotiation.
Either Greenpeace or one of the various public interest research groups are going to start a new nonprofit organization for this campaign.
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 the nonprofit nor the not just for profit organizations succeeded in this arena.
Neither Daniel nor the other speakers at Burning Man reached the ultimate objective.