Either vs. Neither: Understanding the Difference

The Difference Between Either and Neither

Quick Tips

• Use “either” when talking about one or the other of two options, usually in positive or neutral contexts.
• Use “neither” when talking about not one and not the other of two options, always in negative contexts.

Either vs. Neither: The Definition

Either and neither are words that are often used to discuss choices or alternatives, but they have opposite meanings and uses. Here’s how to use them correctly:

What Does Either Mean?

Meaning: Refers to one or the other of two choices or possibilities. It is often used in affirmative or positive contexts.

Use:

• Conjunction: Used with “or” to present a choice between two options.
  • Example: “You can have either coffee or tea.”
• Adjective: Describes one of two options.
  • Example: “Come on either Monday or Tuesday.”
• Pronoun: Refers to one of the two choices.
  • Example: “I don’t mind; either will do.”

What Does Neither Mean?

Meaning: Refers to not one or the other of two choices or possibilities. It is used in negative contexts.

Use:

• Conjunction: Used with “nor” to deny both options.
  • Example: “She likes neither coffee nor tea.”
• Adjective: Describes a situation where none of the two options is chosen.
  • Example: “Neither statement is true.”
• Pronoun: Refers to not one and not the other of two things.
  • Example: “Neither of them knew the answer.”

Tips to Remember the Differences

• Use “either” for affirming a choice among two.
• Use “neither” for negating both choices.
• Remember this structure: either A or B and neither A nor B.

Common Mistakes with “Either” and “Neither”

Using “either” in a negative context instead of “neither”:

• Incorrect: “I like either of those options.”
• Correct: “I like neither of those options.”
• Explanation: “Neither” is used to indicate that you do not like both options, while “either” suggests you would be okay with one or the other.

Using “neither” with a positive verb form:

• Incorrect: “Neither John or Mary is coming.”
• Correct: “Neither John nor Mary is coming.”
• Explanation: When using “neither,” it should be paired with “nor” to correctly deny both options.

Using “either” without specifying a choice:

• Incorrect: “I don’t want either.”
• Correct: “I don’t want either of them.”
• Explanation: “Either” needs a reference to two specific choices; otherwise, it can be unclear.

Misplacing “neither” or “either” in sentences:

• Incorrect: “Neither he or she can attend.”
• Correct: “Neither he nor she can attend.”
• Explanation: “Neither” should always be paired with “nor” to maintain proper structure.

Using “either” when you mean “both”:

• Incorrect: “Either of them are correct.”
• Correct: “Both of them are correct.”
• Explanation: “Either” refers to one of the two choices, not both simultaneously. If you mean both, use “both.”

Either vs. Neither: Examples

Understanding the use of “either” and “neither” is crucial for clear communication in English. These words help you express options and choices but are used differently.

Example Sentences Using Either

• You can choose either the chocolate cake or the vanilla ice cream.
• I don’t like spinach, and you don’t either.
• I can’t decide between either the chocolate cake or the cheesecake for dessert.
• You can choose to go to either the beach or the mountains for our vacation.
• She can speak either French or Spanish fluently.
• You can either join us for dinner tonight or meet us for lunch tomorrow.

Example Sentences Using Neither

• I want neither the apple nor the orange.
• She doesn’t speak French, and neither does he.
• Neither of the options appealed to me.
• I am neither happy nor sad about the outcome.
• Neither you nor I have seen the movie yet.
• Neither the coffee shop nor the bookstore was open at that late hour.

Either vs. Too

“Either” and “too” serve different purposes in a sentence.

“Either” is used to present a choice between two options or to indicate that something is true of one thing as well as the other. For example:

• “You can either have tea or coffee.”
• “Either the blue shirt or the red one will work for the party.”

“On the other hand, “too” is used to express agreement or addition, often in response to a statement. For example:

• Person A: “I enjoy reading mystery novels.”
• Person B: “Me too.”

In this example, “me too” expresses agreement with the statement made by Person A.