Ignorance or negligence have caused this mistake.
The verb, _have_ caused, in this sentence, is improperly used in the
plural, because it expresses the action, not of _both_, but of either
the one or the other of its nominatives; therefore it should be in the
singular, _has_ caused; and then it would agree with "ignorance _or_
negligence," agreeably to Rule 9 (Repeat the Rule.)
A circle or a square are the same in idea.
Neither whiteness nor redness are in the porphyry.
Neither of them are remarkable for precision.
Man is not such a machine as a clock or a watch, which move merely
as they are moved.
When sickness, infirmity, or reverse of fortune, affect us, the
sincerity of friendship is proved.
Man's happiness or misery are, in a great measure, put into his own
hands.
Despise no infirmity of mind or body, nor any condition of life, for
they may be thy own lot.
The prince, as well as the people, were blameworthy.