Either, Neither, Both
Either, neither, and both are used when talking about two people or things. Each expresses a different relationship — one or the other, none, or all two.
Overview: the three words at a glance
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| both | The two (together) — all of two | Both students passed the exam. |
| either | One or the other of two (positive choice) | You can have either tea or coffee. |
| neither | Not one and not the other — negative of both | Neither answer is correct. |
Both
Both refers to two things or people together. It is always positive and refers to all two members of a pair.
- Both + plural noun: Both students arrived late.
- Both + of + the/pronoun + plural noun: Both of the answers were correct. Both of them came.
- Both … and (correlative): She speaks both French and Spanish.
Both roads lead to the city centre.
I liked both films — I can't choose a favourite.
Both my parents are teachers.
Both of them agreed with the decision.
Either
Either refers to one of two options — it presents a choice. In positive sentences, it means "one or the other." In negative sentences, either is used at the end for agreement.
- Either + singular noun: Either answer is acceptable.
- Either + of + the/pronoun + plural noun: Either of the two routes will work.
- Either … or (correlative): You can pay either by card or in cash.
- Not … either (negative addition): A: I don't like spicy food. B: I don't either.
Neither
Neither is the negative form — it refers to not one and not the other. Use neither with a singular verb (it counts as one negative thing).
- Neither + singular noun: Neither student passed.
- Neither + of + the/pronoun + plural noun: Neither of the answers was correct.
- Neither … nor (correlative): He is neither rich nor poor.
- Neither (agreement in negatives): A: I can't swim. B: Neither can I.
Agreement — "So do I" vs. "Neither do I"
| Positive statement | Positive agreement |
|---|---|
| I like jazz. | So do I. / Me too. |
| She has been to Rome. | So have I. |
| Negative statement | Negative agreement |
|---|---|
| I don't like jazz. | Neither do I. / Me neither. / Nor do I. |
| She hasn't been to Rome. | Neither have I. |
Neither takes a singular verb: Neither of the answers are correct. ✗ → Neither of the answers is correct. ✓ In informal speech, a plural verb is sometimes heard, but in formal and written English, neither takes a singular verb.
Memory aid: Both = 2 + 2 (all together). Either = 1 from 2 (a choice). Neither = 0 from 2 (none). These three words always deal with exactly two things or people, never more.