or thou art," &c.

2. When a disjunctive occurs between a singular noun or pronoun and
a plural one, the verb must agree with the plural noun or pronoun,
which should generally be placed next to the verb; as, "Neither
poverty _nor riches_ were injurious to him;" "I _or_ they were
offended by it."

Constructions like these ought generally to be avoided.

FALSE SYNTAX.

Ignorance or negligence have caused this mistake.

The verb, _have_ caused, in this sentence, is improperly used in the
plural, because it expresses the action, not of _both_, but of either
the one or the other of its nominatives; therefore it should be in the
singular, _has_ caused; and then it would agree with "ignorance _or_
negligence," agreeably to Rule 9 (Repeat the Rule.)

A circle or a square are the same in idea.

Neither whiteness nor redness are in the porphyry.

Neither of them are remarkable for precision.

Man is not such a machine as a clock or a watch, which move merely
as they are moved.

When sickness, infirmity, or reverse of fortune, affect us, the
sincerity of friendship is proved.

Man's happiness or misery are, in a great measure, put into his own
hands.

Despise no infirmity of mind or body, nor any condition of life, for
they may be thy own lot.

The prince, as well as the people, were blameworthy.

RULE X.

A collective noun or noun of multitude, conveying _unity_ of idea,
generally has a verb or pronoun agreeing with it in the _singular_; as,
"The _meeting was_ large, and _it_ held three hours."

NOTE. Rules 10, and 11, are limited in their application. See page.

FALSE SYNTAX.

The nation are powerful.

The fleet were seen sailing up the channel.

The church have no power to inflict corporal punishment. The
flock, and not the fleece, are, or ought to be, the objects of the
shepherd's care.

That nation was once powerful; but now they are feeble.

RULE XI.

A noun of multitude, conveying _plurality_ of idea, must have a verb or
pronoun agreeing with it in the _plural_; as, "The _council were_
divided in _their_ sentiments."

FALSE SYNTAX.

My people doth not consider.

The multitude eagerly pursues pleasure as its chief good.

The committee was divided in its sentiments, and it has referred the
business to the general meeting.

The people rejoices in that which should give i