Either or vs. Neither nor: How to Use Them Correctly?

Last updated on September 13, 2024 by Grammargeek

When to use “either or” and “neither nor”. The words either, neither, either or, and neither nor are used frequently but sometimes incorrectly. You might find it baffling to decide when to use either and when to use neither when writing a thought. Basically, either has a positive connotation, while neither implies a negative statement. Both are used to present choices or alternatives. They may function as adverbs, determiners, pronouns, or conjunctions in a sentence. Typically, either and neither don’t get paired with or/nor, except when they are used as conjunctions.

This reference shall help you distinguish and use the words appropriately by tackling some rules and providing examples according to how they are used in a sentence.

Either or vs. Neither nor: Learn the Difference!

Quick Tips:

  • Use “either…or” to present two positive or possible options.
  • Use “neither…nor” to negate two options or choices, indicating that neither is true or applicable.
  • Pair “either” with “or” and “neither” with “nor.”
Either or vs. Neither nor
Either or vs. Neither nor – Created by 7ESL

Either or vs. Neither nor: How to Use?

Either…or:

  • Meaning: Used to present two alternatives or choices. It implies that at least one of the options is true or possible, and sometimes it can mean both are possible.
  • Use: Commonly used in affirmative sentences when offering a choice between two options.
  • Example: “You can either come with us or stay here.”
  • Explanation: “Either…or” presents two choices — you have the option to come or to stay.

Neither…nor:

  • Meaning: Used to negate two alternatives, indicating that not one and not the other is true or possible. It excludes both options.
  • Use: Used in negative sentences to show that none of the choices apply.
  • Example: “She likes neither coffee nor tea.”
  • Explanation: “Neither…nor” is used to indicate that she doesn’t like either option — both are excluded.

Either or vs. Neither nor: Common Mistakes

Using “either…or” in a negative context:

  • Incorrect: “I don’t want either coffee or tea.”
  • Correct: “I want neither coffee nor tea.”
  • Explanation: Use “neither…nor” to correctly negate both choices. “Either…or” implies a choice between two possibilities and is not suitable for negative contexts.

Using “neither…nor” when one option is possible:

  • Incorrect: “I will go neither to the beach nor to the park if it rains.”
  • Correct: “I will go either to the beach or to the park if it doesn’t rain.”
  • Explanation: Use “either…or” when presenting two possible options that could occur.

Pairing “neither” with “or” or “either” with “nor”:

  • Incorrect: “You can either stay nor leave.”
  • Correct: “You can either stay or leave.”
  • Incorrect: “She likes neither pizza or pasta.”
  • Correct: “She likes neither pizza nor pasta.”
  • Explanation: Always pair “either” with “or” and “neither” with “nor” to maintain grammatical consistency.

Using “neither…nor” for more than two choices:

  • Incorrect: “I like neither apples, bananas, nor oranges.”
  • Correct: “I like neither apples nor bananas nor oranges.”
  • Explanation: “Neither…nor” is typically used for two choices, but if more are listed, “nor” should be repeated with each additional option to show that none are applicable.

Either or vs. Neither nor: Examples

As Adverbs

  • Jasmine doesn’t like her, and I don’t like her either.
  • Jasmine doesn’t like her, and neither do I.
  • I’m not a liar, and you’re not either.
  • I should not lie, and neither should you.

As Determiners/Pronouns

  • I’m okay with either piece.
  • The test is held in either room.
  • Neither of the students is listening.
  • Either one of your siblings is behind this prank.

As Conjunctions

  • Either the man or his son is present at the hearing.
  • Either Joanne or her siblings have prepared the surprise for their mother.
  • Neither Bubbles nor Buttercup is willing to fight against their friend, Blossom.
  • Neither the students nor the teacher is happy with the presentation.
  • It’s either you talk to him or I will.
  • His pet is neither a dog nor a cat.

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