3.就近原则

就近原则即谓语动词的单、复数形式取决于最靠近它的词语。

(1)并列主语用连词or，either．．or，neither．．nor，not only．．but also等连接，谓语应同相邻的主语保持人称和数的一致。如:

Not only the students but also the teacher enjoys listening to the music．

不仅学生而且这位老师也喜欢听这种音乐。

Either you or he is wrong．

要么是你错，要么是他错。

(2)在there be表存在的句式中，主语是两个或多个名词(短语)的并列时，be的形式与最前面的一个名词(短语)一致。(详细说明请参阅there be句型)如:

There is a pen，two knives and several books on the table．

=There are two knives，a pen and several books on the table．

桌子上有一支钢笔、两把小刀和几本书。

(3)here等和介词短语引起的倒装句中，be的形式和最前面的一个名词(短语)一致。

Here is a dictionary and a few books.=Here are a few books and a dictionary．

In the drawer is a pen and some pictures of pop stars．