Why “None of the Documents Is Missing” Sounds Wrong — But Isn’t
Either, neither, and none can create hesitation because the correct verb depends on how the word is functioning and what it refers to.
The useful habit is not to guess what “sounds right.” Identify the structure, check the meaning, and then apply standard English agreement.
“None” does not have one universal verb rule
None can mean not one or not any. When it is the subject, standard English can use a singular or plural verb depending on what none refers to and how the writer frames the meaning.
Correct: None of the equipment is missing.
Equipment is an uncountable noun, so the singular verb is the clear choice.
Singular is possible
None of the reports is missing.
This can emphasise “not one report.”
Plural is also possible
None of the reports are missing.
This can treat none as “not any reports.”
MTC accuracy check: Do not memorise “none = singular” as an absolute rule. With a plural count noun, both singular and plural agreement can be standard. A good multiple-choice item therefore needs enough structure to leave only one defensible answer.
Either and neither before a noun
When either or neither comes directly before a countable noun, the noun is normally singular.
Either
Either time slot is fine.
Either option works.
Neither
Neither answer is correct.
Neither proposal has been approved.
The important point is structural: either option and neither answer are singular noun phrases.
Either...or and neither...nor: check the nearer subject
When either...or or neither...nor connects subjects with different numbers, a standard agreement convention is to match the verb with the subject closest to it.
Neither the VP nor the managers ___ available.
(A) is (B) are (C) was (D) weren’t
Answer: (B) are — managers is the nearer subject and it is plural.
Writing tip: If mixed singular/plural subjects make a sentence sound awkward, rewrite it or place the plural subject nearer the verb.
TOEIC-style self-check
Choose the option that leaves one clear standard-English answer.
Q1. None of the equipment ___ missing.
Q2. Either option ___ fine for the meeting schedule.
Q3. Neither the manager nor the assistants ___ in the office today.
Q4. Neither proposal ___ approved so far.
Why Q4 changed: The old version asked None of the proposals has/have been approved. With a plural count noun after none of, both singular and plural agreement can be standard, so that was not suitable as a one-answer self-check.
The MTC agreement check
1. Find the real structure
Is it none of, either + singular noun, neither + singular noun, or an either...or / neither...nor pair?
2. Check what the word refers to
With none, singular vs plural can depend on whether the reference is singular/uncountable or plural.
3. Check the nearer subject
With mixed-number either...or and neither...nor subjects, check the subject closest to the verb.
4. Reject fake certainty
If two answer choices are both standard English, the item needs more context. Do not invent a rule just to force one answer.
Final word: use the structure, not a slogan
Either and neither are often straightforward when they directly modify a singular noun. Either...or and neither...nor require you to check the connected subjects. None is more flexible and should not be reduced to “always singular.”
The better habit is to identify the structure first, then make the agreement decision from the actual sentence.
If agreement mistakes keep repeating
A single mistake does not prove a wider learning problem. But if the same type of hesitation appears across several questions, timed sets, or study sessions, it is worth reviewing the decision pattern as well as the grammar rule.
Continue reading
Use these pages to strengthen the same agreement and Part 5 decision skills from different angles.
One explanation is not enough practice
This page gives you one focused agreement lesson. The MTC TOEIC Grammar Drills give you more chances to apply grammar rules across different Part 5-style sentences instead of stopping after one explanation.