The grammar of “either” can be tricky. While some guides suggest that “either” always takes singular verb agreement, the reality is more complex. “Either” sometimes takes singular agreement and sometimes plural agreement depending on the context.
Singular agreement is common when “either” stands alone or within a clearly singular phrase. For example: “Either is acceptable” or “Is either option suitable?” In these cases, “either” refers to a single choice.
However, plural agreement often occurs when “either” appears in a phrase with a plural component. Consider the sentences: “Either of them are qualified” or “Are either of your friends available?” Here, “either” refers to one of multiple options.
Even with these general tendencies, exceptions and gray areas exist, highlighting the flexible nature of language. The choice between singular and plural agreement with “either” often depends on the speaker and the specific context.
The pronoun “you” adds another layer of complexity. “You” can be both singular and plural. When preceded by “either of,” as in “Either of you,” it necessarily becomes plural. This further demonstrates how meaning influences grammatical choices. Similar to the debate around band names like “The Chili Peppers” taking singular or plural verbs, the agreement with “either” often reflects a semantic influence rather than a purely syntactical rule. The meaning of the sentence guides the verb agreement, demonstrating the interplay between syntax and semantics in English.
