Singular and Plural Verbs with “Either…or” and “Neither…nor”
Subject/verb agreement can be confusing when we use either…oror neither…nor couplets. As we’re presenting a noun phrase withmultiple objects, it seems natural to use a plural verb, but the verb may often be used in the singular. This depends on the nouns included; the...“There is a lot of” vs “There are a lot of”
Do we say “There is a lot…” or “There are a lot of…”? This question was put to me recently by a student who noted that “lot” is the first noun after a verb. In theory, the verb should be singular with “a lot of”, because it is a singular “lot”. Comparing “There are a...
How to start a sentence with “only after / when / if”
Sentences that start with an “only” adverbial, usually referring a particular time or condition, have a curious structure as they typically require an auxiliary verb and an inversion. These sentences can come in many tenses, and are usually emphatic. Here’s few...Recognising verb constructions following “to be”
The verb “to be” can be used in descriptive clauses or as an auxiliary verb to create certain grammatical structures, such as the continuous tenses and the passive voice. This can lead to confusion when a verb or verb form follows the verb “to be” – how do you...
When can we use “not so” instead of “not as” for comparatives
I was recently asked which comparative form is more correct, using so or as: “England is not as hot as France” or “England is not so hot as France”. It’s an interesting point as they are both possible, so neither is really more correct – and one of my reference...Want to Master English?
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