LECCIÓN 113: EITHER & NEITHER

Either and neither are used to refer to two different things or choices.

Either is used before the first of two or more options or to indicate a link with another
statement. Either can also indicate one or the other of two people or things.

Neither is used before the first of two options to signal that they are untrue or won’t
occur. It can also be used to emphasize a negative statement. Additionally, neither means
“not one or the other of two people or things.”

EITHER

As a conjunction:

When used as a conjunction, either is used with or to indicate choices or possibilities. It

can also be used to suggest that there is more than one possibility or comparison.

You can either stay at home or come with me.

His suit was either grey or black, I can’t remember.
I would love to go to either the concert or the party tomorrow night.

As a determiner:

Either is used as a determiner to mean “one or the other of two people or things”; it also
can mean “each of two.”

There were sequins on either end of the mural.

There is a door at either end of the corridor.
Applications from either group will be welcome.

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As a pronoun:

Either as a pronoun means “one or the other.” It is common for the pronoun either to be
used when referring to one of two options or when talking about a positive outcome or
choice.

You can take either route to get to the park.

We just need a small bottle, so either of these will do.
We have butter and olive oil, you can use either.

As an adverb:

Either as an adverb is used to show a similarity or link.

I don’t like chocolate ice cream either.

I didn’t bring the books, but he didn’t either.
We didn’t know the answer either.

NEITHER

As a conjunction:

Neither as a conjunction is used with nor to mean that something is not true about two or
more things, actions, or people. Another way of saying this is that it is used
conjunctionally to negate another statement.

Neither the concert nor the party interests me.

He was neither smart nor pleasant.
Neither his mother nor his father came.

As a determiner:

Neither is used as a determiner to mean “not one or the other.”

Neither argument is convincing.

Neither shirt fitted him.
Applications from neither group will be accepted.

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As a pronoun:

When used as a pronoun, neither means “not one or the other” or “not either.”

He couldn’t choose between the routes, so he took neither.

We need something blue, so neither of these will do.
They aren’t mine, so you can use neither of them.

As an adverb:

Neither as an adverb is used before the first of two choices to indicate that they are
untrue or didn’t happen.

We can neither confirm nor deny the allegations.

She can’t play the guitar, and neither can I.
All right, I’m not very good at this, but neither are you.

Tip for remembering when to use either vs. neither

If you’re still struggling to choose between either versus neither, there’s one simple tip
that will resolve any confusion.

N = negative

Neither always denotes an exclusively negative usage or tone—which is easy to remember

since it starts with the letter n, just like the word negative.

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 Uses Examples of either Examples of neither

Conjunction The tiles come in either green Neither the cat nor the dog
or blue. noticed the mouse.

Determiner There are wildflowers on Neither team won; it was a

either side of the stream. tie.

Pronoun We have to get the cotton Zack picked two bunches of

candy if either of us goes to flowers, neither of which
the fair. lived past Sunday.

Adverb I can’t go. I’m grounded, and I I will eat neither green eggs
don’t like dances either. nor ham.

EXERCISE:

Choose the correct option.

1. She didn't like _____ of them.

either
neither

2. Doesn't she like _____ of them?

either
neither

3. I'm sorry, but I couldn't get through to ______ of them.

either
neither

4. _____ of them told me about it so I didn't go.

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 Either
Neither

5. Did you manage to speak to _____ of them by any chance?

either
neither

6. If _____ of them can come, I'll be upset- I hope at least one turns up.

either
neither

7. We use a negative verb with...

either
neither

8. Neither...

...or
...nor

9. Either...

...or
...nor

10. We ____ a negative verb with 'neither'.

use
don't use

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