Neither is or are

Question

Should this be neither is or neither are?

Neither of these two books is suitable.

Neither of these two books are suitable.

Which one is correct?

Which one do you think is correct? – David M Mar 15 '14 at 15:07 — David M, Mar 15 '14 at 15:07

score -6 · Answer 1 · answered Mar 15 '14 at 15:10

-6

Because BOTH are unsuitable, THEY ARE unsuitable. Thus, "are" must be used.

answered Mar 15 '14 at 15:10

user68911

1

The question is with respect to using the word "suitable". – Canis Lupus Mar 15 '14 at 15:12
Then shall you refute my answer? – user68911 Mar 15 '14 at 15:15
5

I did. Your premise is wrong. I'm guessing you were down voted for the reason I gave. – Canis Lupus Mar 15 '14 at 15:16
3

My downvote is because a far more acceptable (and conflicting) answer was given the last time round, as flagged by tchrist, and this seems not to have been even considered. At languagetips is the marvellous 'Neither of the boys was eligible for the prize. TRADITIONALLY CORRECT //
Neither of the boys were eligible for the prize. NON-TRADITIONALLY CORRECT'
– Edwin Ashworth Mar 15 '14 at 16:18

1 Answers1