The verb should be singular after 'Neither John nor Lisa'.

Ever trip over a sentence like this: “Neither John nor Lisa is coming to the party”? If you have, you’re not alone. It’s one of those grammar spots that feels small but matters a lot for clear writing. In the world of the PACT writing test, catching little agreement quirks can save you marks and save your reader from a moment of confusion. Let’s unpack what’s going on and how to spot it in your own writing.

Here’s the quick takeaway up front

• With neither...nor, the verb normally matches the closest subject. If Lisa is the one closest to the verb, you use a singular verb: is, not are.

• That means the sentence should read “Neither John nor Lisa is…” rather than “Neither John nor Lisa are…”

• The rule helps keep the sentence clear and grammatically tidy, which is exactly what good writing does.

Let’s break it down a little more, because rules like this are easier to follow when they feel practical, not abstract.

The core rule in plain language

Think of neither...nor as a tag team that doesn’t quite share the same strength. Each noun has its own number (singular or plural), but the verb doesn’t have to match both at once. When you connect two subjects with nor, the verb usually follows the closest subject.

• If the closest subject is singular (like Lisa), you use a singular verb (is, has, was).

• If the closest subject is plural (like the team, the players, the candidates), you use a plural verb (are, have, were).

Why this matters beyond grammar nerd talk

When you’re writing for a test like the PACT exam, or for any formal or semi-formal context, rhythm and clarity matter. A reader should not have to pause to figure out who or what the verb agrees with. If your sentence feels “off” at a glance, the reader has to work harder. That’s a small friction that can tilt a reader away from your point. The rules about subject-verb harmony are less about pedantry and more about keeping your message crisp and accessible.

A simple, concrete example you can tuck away

• Correct: Neither John nor Lisa is joining us tonight.

• Common pitfall: Neither John nor Lisa are joining us tonight.

If you test the sentence by taking away the other name, the phrase should still sound right with a singular verb:

• Lisa is joining us tonight = good

• John is joining us tonight = good

The closest subject in the original two-part setup is Lisa, so the singular form fits.

A few more bells and whistles you’ll see in real writing

• When the nearest subject is plural, the verb becomes plural too:

• Neither the players nor the coach are ready to begin.

• If the sentence tilts the other way, you’ll want to rewrite for clarity:

• Neither the team nor its captain is ready to begin. (closest subject is “captain,” singular)

Common missteps worth watching

• The two-subject trap: People slide into are when two nouns appear with neither...nor. The quick fix is to check which noun sits closest to the verb and align with that one.

• Mixed number with tricky subjects: If the closest noun is collective or appears singular in form but represents a group, the singular verb is often the safer choice—unless you’re deliberately emphasizing the group as separate parts.

• Overcorrecting to plural: It’s tempting to go “are” because there are two names in the subject. Resist that impulse unless the closest noun clearly demands it.

• Rearranged order throws people off: Sometimes writers rewrite for style and flip the order (Lisa and John). In that case, you need to re-check the agreement rule from the new closest subject.

Practice in small, bite-sized steps

Here are tiny exercises you can try without needing a full test booklet.

• Identify the two subjects around neither...nor.

• Decide which subject is closest to the verb.

• Choose the verb form that matches that closest subject.

• Re-read aloud and listen for smooth rhythm. If it trips you up, tweak the sentence.

A few real-life practice vibes (without turning this into a test guide)

• Neither the coffee nor the pastry was appealing to me this morning. The closest subject is pastry (singular), so “was” fits.

• Neither my sister nor my cousins are here yet. Here, cousins is closer and plural, so “are” would be correct.

• Neither the report nor the data point seems reliable. Data can be tricky in real life because people sometimes treat it as plural; but with “neither...nor,” the closest singular subject (the data point) pulls the verb toward singular as written.

Why it’s easy to slip up

We’re all used to two names, two ideas, two possibilities. When a sentence starts with neither and ends with nor, the temptation is to treat it like a simple plural subject: “are.” Language loves symmetry, and two items feel like a match for a plural verb. But English grammar has a few stubborn tailors who sew the verb to the closest subject, not to the whole pair. It’s a modest rule, but it keeps sentences tidy and easier to parse.

A quick, practical checklist you can keep handy

• Step 1: Find the two subjects around the neither...nor.

• Step 2: Look at the subject closest to the verb.

• Step 3: Make the verb agree with that closest subject.

• Step 4: Read the sentence aloud to feel the rhythm. If it sounds off, try a rewrite.

• Step 5: If needed, rewrite the sentence to place a singular or plural element closer to the verb, or rephrase with a single subject.

Why this is worth remembering for readers and writers

Clear writing rests on predictable patterns that readers can trust. The neither...nor rule isn’t about fancy grammar; it’s about avoiding confusion. When your verb clearly matches the closest subject, your sentence flows, your point lands, and your prose feels confident rather than uncertain.

A few more tips to smooth the ride

• Don’t force two ideas into a single, awkward clause just to keep the symmetry. If it reads jumbled, split the sentence into two.

• If you’re ever in doubt, a quick version is to switch to either one of the subjects and see if the sentence can carry the verb smoothly. If it does, you’re on the right track.

• Remember, you don’t have to memorize every exception. The best writers know when to rewrite for clarity rather than stubbornly adhere to a rule.

A tiny thought about how this shows up in longer writing

In longer passages—essays, reports, articles—your clunky sentences stand out more. The referee in your head, the style guide you carry in your back pocket, will thank you for keeping subject-verb harmony steady. It makes your entire piece feel more coherent, which matters when you’re communicating ideas, arguments, or discoveries.

Final reflections: the elegance of a simple agreement

Sometimes the most important skill in writing isn’t a fancy trick but a quiet commitment to precision. With a sentence like neither...nor, the job is to honor the closest subject and let the verb follow suit. It sounds almost banal, but it’s a reliable way to keep readers aligned with your meaning. And that’s the core goal of good writing—clarity that invites, not confuses.

If you’re building your own notes for the PACT writing task, carry this rule with you as a quick check. It’s the kind of insight that pays off not just on a single item, but across paragraphs, sections, and yes, the whole piece. After all, great writing isn’t about showcasing clever tricks; it’s about letting ideas shine through clean, effortless language. And sometimes, the simplest rule—like matching the closest subject—is all you need to keep that light, easy flow.