Page 163 - Basic English Usage

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2 We use neither of before another determiner (for example the, my,
these), and before a pronoun. The noun or pronoun is plural.

neither of + determiner + plural noun
neither of + pronoun

Neither of my brothers can sing.
Neither of us saw it happen.
After neither of + noun/pronoun, we use a singular verb in a formal style.
Neither of my sisters is married.
In an informal style, a plural verb is possible.
Neither of my sisters are married.

We can use neither alone, without a noun or pronoun.
‘Which one do you want?’ ‘Neither.’

217 neither, nor and not ... either

We use neither and nor to mean ‘also not’. They mean the same.
Neither and nor come at the beginning of a clause, and are followed by
auxiliary verb + subject.

neither/nor + auxiliary verb + subject |

‘can't swim.’ ‘Neither can |.'(NOT +aise-eant)
‘! don't like opera.’ ‘Nor do |.'(NOT +derHoe-)

We can use not ... either with the same meaning.
‘T can't swim.’ ‘| can’t either.’
‘1 don't like opera.’ ‘| don’t either.’
For other uses of ether, see 106; 107.
For so am /, so do/etc, see 312.

218 neither ... nor...

We use this structure to join two negative ideas. (It is the opposite of
both... and... )
Neither James nor Virginia was at home.
i neither smoke nor drink.
The film was neither wel! made nor well acted.
In an informal style, we can use a plural verb after two subjects joined
by neither... nor...
Neither James nor Virginia were at home.