Writing Advice: Which Sentence is Correct? ‘Neither of the Boys Lost Their Lunch’ or ‘Neither of the Boys Lost His Lunch’?

When it comes to writing, one of the most common areas of confusion is the use of pronouns. This is especially true when dealing with singular and plural subjects. A common example of this is the question: “Which sentence is correct: ‘Neither of the boys lost his lunch’ or ‘Neither of the boys lost their lunch’?” The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may seem, as it depends on the context and the specific rules of grammar. In this article, we will delve into this topic and provide a clear explanation to help you understand which sentence is correct.

Understanding the Basics of Pronouns

Pronouns are words that take the place of nouns in a sentence. They can refer to people, places, things, or ideas. The pronouns ‘his’ and ‘their’ are possessive pronouns, which show ownership or possession. ‘His’ is used for a singular noun, while ‘their’ is used for a plural noun. However, when it comes to sentences with ‘neither’, things can get a bit tricky.

The Rule of ‘Neither’

The word ‘neither’ is an indefinite pronoun that is singular in nature. It refers to not one or the other of two people or things. Therefore, when ‘neither’ is used in a sentence, it should be followed by a singular verb and a singular possessive pronoun. So, according to traditional grammar rules, the correct sentence would be “Neither of the boys lost his lunch”.

Modern Usage and Exceptions

While the rule above is technically correct, language is constantly evolving and changing. In modern English, especially in informal speech and writing, it is common to use ‘their’ instead of ‘his’ or ‘her’ after ‘neither’, especially when the gender of the subjects is not specified or when you want to avoid specifying a gender. So, in everyday conversation, you might hear someone say “Neither of the boys lost their lunch”.

Conclusion: Which Sentence is Correct?

So, which sentence is correct: “Neither of the boys lost his lunch” or “Neither of the boys lost their lunch”? The answer is that both can be correct, depending on the context. If you are writing a formal paper or document, it would be best to stick to the traditional grammar rules and use ‘his’. However, in informal speech or writing, or when you want to avoid specifying a gender, ‘their’ is acceptable. The most important thing is to be consistent in your usage throughout your writing.

Remember, language is a tool for communication, and the ultimate goal is to convey your message clearly and effectively. Don’t get too hung up on the rules if they hinder your ability to do that.