Neither of them is playing vs Neither of them are playing

Both phrases are commonly used, but "neither of them is playing" is more grammatically correct. The verb "is" should agree with the singular subject "neither." However, in informal speech, it is not uncommon to hear "neither of them are playing" due to the influence of spoken language.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 819 views

This phrase is correct and more grammatically accurate as the verb "is" agrees with the singular subject "neither."

"Neither of them is playing"

Use this phrase when referring to a situation where none of the mentioned individuals are playing. The verb "is" should be used to match the singular subject "neither."

Examples:

Neither of them is playing soccer.
Neither of them is playing the piano.
Neither of them is playing video games.
Neither of them is playing outside.
Neither of them is playing any sports.

Show examples from the web [+]

You're playing chess while everybody else is playing checkers.
Whoever is playing me should be terrified.
Milosevic is playing with the West.
Return true if something is playing now.
His favourite pastime is playing computer games.
It's been said the galaxy cluster is playing an awesomely low B-flat, and scientists calculate it'll be playing constantly for 21/2 billion years.
I don't think anyone else is playing.
No one else is playing, kid.
Bayard, Pena is playing you.
Haley Reinhart is playing a showcase this afternoon at Saint Rocke.
Discussing dissidents while party music is playing in the next room.
So Preston is playing the savior.
Look, I know when a contestant is playing to the camera.
Pryce is playing liar's poker.
Bonnie is playing games with me.
I just get the feeling this guy is playing us.
I mean, every other kid is playing out there.
Perhaps that paperboy is playing a joke.
Maybe Angelina Jolie is playing a homicide cop and wants to do a ride-along.
Hm. Our thing sure is playing out just like the movie.

Alternatives:

None of them is playing
Not one of them is playing
No one is playing
Nobody is playing
Both of them are not playing

This phrase is commonly used in informal speech, but it is less grammatically accurate as the verb "are" does not agree with the singular subject "neither."

"Neither of them are playing"

This phrase is often used in informal contexts or in spoken language where strict grammar rules are not followed. It may be more common in casual conversations.

Examples:

Neither of them are playing together.
Neither of them are playing with us.
Neither of them are playing in the park.
Neither of them are playing any instruments.
Neither of them are playing on the team.

Show examples from the web [+]

For the first time a father and son are playing each other in the World Table Tennis Final and neither of them are Chinese.
I mean, the chiefs are playing today.
The radio stations are playing the songs.
The guys are playing emotional chicken.
The Americans are playing a bigger game.
Tom and his friends are playing poker.
We are playing uphill on a very sloping playing field against the United States.
It appears they are playing hearts. I repeat, they are playing hearts.
Moses and Jesus are playing golf.
A lot of people are playing for 15-20 mins.
You are playing right into his hand.
The Raveonettes are playing the Lorimer Lounge.
Clark and Owen are playing games.
You are playing dice with food?
Winston and me are playing bells Every day
We are playing right into their hands.
You are playing the 3 most dangerous men in this city.
Two equally inept, obscenely well armed foes are playing with lightning.
And all the major networks are playing it, including Al Jazeera.
Connie, they are playing us.

Alternatives:

Neither of them is playing
None of them are playing
Not one of them is playing
No one is playing
Nobody is playing

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Neither of them is playing vs Neither of them are playing