Quantifiers Followed by Singular Countable Nouns
Quantifiers that are used with singular countable nouns include
"every", "each", "another", "either", "neither", and "the other". With
the exception of "the other", these quantifiers must always be used
with singular countable nouns. Further, according to the rules of
subject-verb agreement, if these quantifiers along with a singular
countable noun form the subject of a sentence, they must be followed
by a verb in the singular form.
▶️ each, every + singular countable noun + singular verb
Every fan in the stadium
is cheering loudly.
I want to eat every piece of
this delicious pie.
The show will be broadcast
every weekday morning.
Each student
needs to give an oral
presentation in turn.
They audit our company's accounts
each year.
Another usage of Every: every three months (every three months), every
two hours (every two hours)
For many ex-employees who are used to having a paycheque arrive
regularly every two weeks, the
uncertainty of being self-employed is very difficult to deal with.
▶️ another + singular countable noun + singular verb
Can you pick another movie to
watch? This one is pretty bad.
I don't like this restaurant. Let's go to
another one around the corner.
Another table is needed.
We can fit another person in my
car.
I'm going to have another piece
of cake.
▶️ the other + singular countable noun + singular verb
▶️ the other + plural countable noun + plural verb
The term 'the other' is used to refer to 'the rest' when dividing two
or more entities into two groups. When coupled with a singular
countable noun, 'the other' signifies one remaining entity. When used
with a plural countable noun, 'the other' refers to the remaining
entities, indicating there is more than one."
I can't find the other sock.
Let's meet at the other side of
the building.
His resume stands out from
the other job candidates'
resumes.
I have handed in one assignment, but I haven't finished
the other assignments.
When you want to express "someone's other", "other” can be preceded by
his/her/my/your/their... etc.
His other son goes to high
school.
This is my other car.
What is in your other hand?
The phrase "the other half" is used to refer to the remaining 50% of
something.
Do you want the other half of my
bagel?
He kept the other half of the
cake for himself.
▶️ either, neither + singular countable noun + singular verb
“Either” and “neither” are also common determiners. Either and neither
can only be followed by singular countable nouns.
Either candidate
is ideal for the job.
Neither candidate
is qualified for this job.
Here are two dresses. I think you'll look great in
either dress.
▶️ Pronouns: either/neither/both
“Either”, ”neither”, and “both” can be used as pronouns. The pronouns
"either", "neither", and "both" can be used when making a choice
between two options. Use "either" when either of the two options is
acceptable. Use "neither" when none of the options are acceptable. Use
"both" when both options are acceptable, if possible. Here's an
example to illustrate:
Q: Would you like potatoes or salad with your steak?
A:
Either
works for
me
B:
Neither
work for me
C: Both
work for me
The pronouns 'either', 'neither', and 'both' are also often followed
by the word 'of'. It's important to remember that when used this way,
'either of', 'neither of', and 'both of' must be followed by plural
countable nouns.
▶️ either of + plural countable noun + singular verb
▶️ neither of + plural countable noun + plural verb
▶️ both of + plural countable noun + plural verb
Either of us
needs to do the laundry.
I don't mind dating
either of the two girls.
Neither of the candidates
have job experience.
We won neither of the races
because neither of us trained
hard enough.
▶️ none of + noun + plural verb or singular verb
The verb following "none of something" can be either singular or
plural, depending on the context. If you're referring to an
uncountable noun or a group as a single entity, a singular verb is
used. However, if you're emphasizing the individual elements of a
group, you could use a plural verb. It's important to note that
American English usually uses a singular verb, while British English
might use either.
None of
the money
was/were
stolen.
None of
the people attending the conference
was/were
familiar with the topic.
None of
the workers
has/have
signed the contract yet.
Example: Did you remember John
mentioned that we could take ________ public transport vehicle? He
said that both vehicles will lead us to his house.
(A) neither
(B) either
(C) neither of
(D) either of
The correct answer is
(B) either.
(A) 'Neither' is incorrect because this word is used when you are
referring to two things or people, to mean 'not the one and not the
other'. In this context, it would suggest that neither of the
vehicles can be taken to John's house, which contradicts the
information given.
(C) 'Neither of' is incorrect as it also suggests that none of the
two vehicles can lead to John's house. The use of 'of' following
'neither' is typically used when directly followed by a noun or a
pronoun, but it would still provide the wrong meaning in this
context.
(D) 'Either of' is incorrect because 'of' is typically used when
'either' is directly followed by a noun or a pronoun. In this
statement, a noun does not follow 'either', making the use of 'of'
unnecessary.
The word 'either' is used when you are talking about a choice
between two possibilities. In this context, John has mentioned two
public transport vehicles that can be taken to his house, hence
'either' is the appropriate choice.