When it comes to subject-verb agreement, many writers and speakers struggle to ensure that their sentences are grammatically correct. One area that often poses a challenge is the use of either/or and neither/nor constructions. In this article, we will focus specifically on the correct use of “neither clowning.”
First, let`s define what we mean by “neither clowning.” This phrase is typically used to indicate that someone is not joking or playing around. For example, you might say, “I`m serious, I`m neither clowning nor kidding around.” In this case, “neither clowning” is used to convey a sense of sincerity.
Now, let`s look at an example sentence that uses “neither clowning” and examine whether it shows correct subject-verb agreement:
– Neither the clowns nor the acrobats (was/were) interested in clowning around during rehearsals.
In this sentence, we have a compound subject: “the clowns” and “the acrobats.” When we use either/or or neither/nor constructions, we must ensure that the verb agrees in number with the closest subject. In this case, “nor” indicates a negative sense, so we need to use a singular verb form.
Therefore, the correct sentence would be:
– Neither the clowns nor the acrobats was interested in clowning around during rehearsals.
It`s important to remember that subject-verb agreement can be tricky, especially when dealing with compound subjects and negative constructions. However, by following some basic rules, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct. When using “neither clowning,” remember to use a singular verb form to match the negative sense conveyed by “nor.” With practice, you`ll soon become an expert at subject-verb agreement and other grammatical rules that can boost your writing and communication skills.