In this article, we will discuss the usage of the word ‘either’ in the sentence ‘On either side of the gate stand warriors, Buddhist guardian deities.’ We’ll also look at why ‘stand’ is used in this sentence and whether it represents inversion or not.
Does ‘Either’ Take a Singular or Plural Noun?
The word ‘either’ can be confusing, especially when it is followed by a noun. In English, ‘either’ can be used with both singular and plural nouns, depending on the context. In the sentence ‘On either side of the gate stand warriors, Buddhist guardian deities,’ ‘either’ refers to the two sides of the gate, which are treated as separate entities. Since ‘warriors’ is plural, ‘either’ is followed by a plural noun. In this case, ‘either’ does not limit the noun to a singular form.
Why is ‘Stand’ Used in This Sentence?
‘Stand’ in this sentence is part of a construction known as subject-verb inversion. In standard English, we would expect the sentence to read ‘On either side of the gate, there are warriors, Buddhist guardian deities.’ However, by using ‘stand’ instead of ‘are,’ the sentence places emphasis on the subject (‘warriors’ and ‘deities’) and creates a more dramatic, poetic effect. This is a stylistic choice rather than a grammatical necessity, and it is often used in literature and formal writing.
What is Subject-Verb Inversion?
Subject-verb inversion occurs when the subject and verb switch places, often for emphasis, formality, or style. It is commonly used in questions (e.g., ‘Are you coming?’), but can also be found in statements for dramatic or stylistic purposes. In this case, ‘stand’ replaces the standard ‘are’ to emphasize the position of the guardians on either side of the gate.
Conclusion
The use of ‘either’ with a plural noun and the inversion of the subject and verb in this sentence are both common in English. Understanding these concepts will help you read and interpret similar constructions in other texts. Remember, ‘either’ can be used with singular or plural nouns depending on context, and inversion is a stylistic tool to add emphasis or drama to the sentence.
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