Correct Usage of Subject-Verb Agreement with 'Either of Us'

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, ensuring that the subject and the verb agree in number. A common mistake in this context occurs when dealing with the phrase 'either of us.' This article aims to clarify the correct usage of subject-verb agreement in sentences involving 'either of us'.

Identifying the Subject

In English, the subject and the verb must agree in number. This means that if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

Consider the following context:

In this context, the correct sentence is:

In this sentence, using

Understanding the Given Example

The correct phrase is:

Either of us is capable of doing this

The reason for using the singular verb 'is' instead of the plural 'are' lies in the meaning of 'either of us.' Although 'us' is plural, the subject 'either of us' is singular in nature.

Explanation of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-Verb Conjugation, as an integral part of English grammar, is crucial to avoid common mistakes. Here’s how it works:

If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. There is one exception to this rule for the pronouns 'I' and 'you,' which always take a plural verb form regardless of their number.

In the given example, 'either of us' is singular as it refers to any one of us, not both together. Therefore, the correct verb form is 'is' rather than 'are.'

Common Misconception

A common pitfall is to focus on the word 'us' and incorrectly use the plural verb 'are.' Here’s a breakdown of the reasoning:

“Either of us is capable of doing this job” means any one of us. Hence, 'is' is used.

This sentence emphasizes that 'either of us' means each one individually. Since it is referring to a single person, the singular verb 'is' is correct.

Conclusion

In summary, when dealing with the phrase 'either of us,' the correct verb form is singular. Therefore, the answer to the given example is:

Either of us is capable of doing this job

This usage is correct because the subject 'either of us' is singular, and singular subjects require singular verbs.

Understanding and applying subject-verb agreement correctly is key to clear and precise communication in the English language. By mastering this rule, you can avoid common grammatical errors and improve your overall writing and speaking skills.

Thank you for reading, and I hope this explanation helps you further your understanding. Please keep upvoting for more valuable content.

Note: The example provided is simply for demonstration purposes and may vary in complexity depending on the actual context in which it is used.

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