A Catechism of English Grammar (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1876 Excerpt: ... watch, which wealth, are dispositions move merely as they are highly culpable, moved. When singular nominatives of different persons are separated by or, or nor, the verb agrees with the person next it; as, Either thou or I am in fault; I, or thou, or he, is the author of it. Either I or thou am deceived. Neither I nor she have deHe or I is sure of this week's served this treatment. prize. I or my brother am likely to Thou or he art greatly in error. be suspected. A singular and a plural nominative, separated by or or nor, require a verb in the plural; as, Neither the captain nor the sailors were saved. The plural nominative is generally placed next the verb. Neither poverty nor misfor-He or they was offended at tunes has improved him. it. Neither the king nor his mi-There is one or two persons nisters deserves to be praised. at the door. When nouns are preceded by each, every, either, or neither, the verb and pronoun must be singular: as, Each boy and girl has received instruction. Every man is accountable for himself. Either of them is good enough. Let each esteem others better their station, are bound by than themselves. the duties of morality and Every one of the letters bear religion. date after his banishment. Neither of these men suspect Each of them in their turn re-that their opinions may be ceive the benefits to which ill-founded. they are entitled. Are either of your friends Every person, whatever be arrived? EULE V. Collective Nouns. Q. Of what number is the verb to a collective noun? A. When a collective noun, or noun of multitude, conveys unity of idea, the verb and pronoun should be singular; as, The meeting was large. When what is told of a collective noun conveys plurality of idea, the verb and pronoun should be plural; as, The people diff...