Neither nor and Either or When we use either…or and neither…nor, we present a choice between two different options. The suggestion is that one of these options will complete the action, so when we have a choice between two singular objects, the verb can only be done by one of them. Hence, though we have two nouns, the verb should then be singular: Either my mum or my dad is cooking dinner. (not are cooking) Neither the dog nor the cat eats cheese. (not eat cheese) The choice between two plural nouns is simpler, as the verb should always be in the plural. Either the chairs or the boxes have to be moved. (not has to be) Neither lions nor tigers make good pets. (not makes) Either/Neither with Mixed Singulars and Plurals A complication to these rules comes when one choice is singular and the other is plural. In this case, the general rule is that the verb should agree with the closest noun. In other words, when the either/neither phrase comes before the verb, the verb should agree with the second option. Either Rachel or her sisters were telling a lie. Either the bikes or the car is getting sold. Neither Rachel nor her sisters were telling the truth. Neither the musicians nor the conductor is ready for the performance. In the above question, the second option is singular (child) hence the verb must be singular (was and not were).