Are Either Of You Or Is Either Of You

"Are Either of You" vs. "Is Either of You": Choosing the Right Verb

Choosing between "are either of you" and "is either of you" often trips up even native English speakers. The correct choice hinges on understanding subject-verb agreement – the grammatical rule that dictates verbs must agree in number with their subjects. This article will clarify the correct usage and provide examples to help you master this grammar point.

Meta Description: Learn the correct usage of "are either of you" vs. "is either of you." This guide explains subject-verb agreement and provides clear examples to help you choose the right verb form.

The confusion arises because "either" implies a choice between two (or more) individuals, yet the verb needs to reflect whether the subject is singular or plural. The key lies in recognizing that "either of you" functions as a plural subject. Therefore, the correct verb form is "are".

Why "Are Either of You" is Correct

The phrase "either of you" refers to two or more people. While "either" itself can seem singular, it's functioning as a distributive pronoun, indicating a choice between two or more options within a plural group. Think of it this way: you're addressing multiple people, and posing a question to each individually, even though the question is phrased as a single sentence.

Consider these examples:

• Correct: "Are either of you going to the party?" This is grammatically correct because it acknowledges that the subject "either of you" refers to a plural group (two or more people).

• Incorrect: "Is either of you going to the party?" This is grammatically incorrect because it uses a singular verb ("is") with a plural subject ("either of you").

When to Use "Is" with "Either"

While "are either of you" is the typical correct usage, there are rare instances where "is" might be used, though it’s grammatically less common and often feels unnatural:

This would be used when referring to the singular possibility from a group of two or more: "There are three candidates, but only one of them is suitable; Is either of them qualified for the position?" In this situation you're focusing on a singular choice, not a choice between multiple individuals.

This subtle difference is important to note. The primary focus in the majority of cases will be on addressing the individuals you're speaking to directly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A common mistake is treating "either" as a singular pronoun, leading to the incorrect use of "is." Always remember that "either of you" refers to two or more people, making the plural verb "are" the grammatically correct option.

To avoid this error, try rephrasing the sentence in your mind. Instead of "Is either of you…?", consider saying "Are you both…?" or "Are you… or are you…?" This will help you confirm whether a plural or singular verb is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mastering the difference between "are either of you" and "is either of you" enhances your grammatical precision. By understanding subject-verb agreement and the function of "either" as a distributive pronoun in this context, you can confidently choose the correct verb form – "are either of you" – and communicate clearly and effectively. Remember to consider the context and the intended meaning to avoid any grammatical inconsistencies.