The correct sentence is "Neither of the boys is guilty." This correction addresses a common grammatical error related to subject-verb agreement. When "neither of" is used, the verb should always be singular, regardless of whether the noun following "of" is plural. The word "neither" itself acts as a singular pronoun, meaning "not one of two." Therefore, it requires a singular verb. In the original sentence, "are" is a plural verb, which incorrectly agrees with "boys" rather than with the singular "neither." Understanding this rule is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy in English.
- Neither: Functions as a singular pronoun.
- Of the boys: A prepositional phrase that does not change the singular nature of "neither."
- Is: The correct singular verb form.
This principle applies to similar constructions like "each of," "every one of," and "either of," all of which also take singular verbs. Mastering this aspect of subject-verb agreement enhances clarity and correctness in writing and speaking.