Read the sentences. What follows each structure, a plural or singular verb?

Here's the breakdown of verb agreement for each sentence: * Both John and Peter are in the basketball team. (John is and Peter is too.) * *Analysis:* "Both...and" always takes a plural verb. Here, "are" is the plural form of the verb "to be." * *Answer:* Plural verb. * Neither Sue nor Ann like(s) sport. (Sue doesn't and Ann doesn't either.) * *Analysis:* "Neither...nor" takes a singular verb if the nouns are singular. The verb 'like' agrees with the noun closest to it. The (s) indicates a singular form. In this context, the singular form is preferred. Because it is the correct usage of either "like" or "likes" depending on whether one is using British or American English. * *Answer:* Singular verb. * Either John or Mary is going to pick up the children. (John is going to, or Mary is, but not both.) * *Analysis:* "Either...or" takes a singular verb if the nouns are singular. Here, the verb agrees with the noun closest to it, which is "Mary." Therefore, "is going" is used. * *Answer:* Singular verb.