Both, either, and neither are common words in English grammar used to talk about two people, things, choices, or situations. However, each word has a different meaning and follows specific grammar rules.
We use both when referring to two people or things together, either when talking about one of two possibilities, and neither when referring to none of the two.
In this guide, you will learn how to use both, either, and neither in English sentences. We will explain their meanings, sentence structures, differences, common mistakes, and practical examples to help you use them correctly.
Table of Contents
What Is the Difference Between Both, Either, and Neither?
The main difference between both, either, and neither is how they refer to two people, things, or choices.
|
Word |
Meaning |
Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Both |
The two together |
Both students passed the exam. |
|
Either |
One or the other of two |
You can choose either option. |
|
Neither |
Not one and not the other |
Neither answer is correct. |
Consider these examples:
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Both of my brothers speak English. (The two brothers speak English.)
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Either of my brothers can help you. (One or the other can help.)
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Neither of my brothers speaks French. (Not one of them speaks French.)
These words can function as determiners, pronouns, or parts of conjunction structures, depending on how they are used.
How to Use Both in English
We use both to refer to two people, things, or situations together. It expresses a positive meaning and indicates that something applies to the two members of a pair.
1. Both + Plural Noun
Structure: Both + plural noun + plural verb
Examples:
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Both students are intelligent.
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Both books are interesting.
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Both teachers work at this school.
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Both cars need repairs.
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Both children enjoy reading.
2. Both of + Determiner + Plural Noun
Structure: Both of + the/my/these + plural noun + plural verb
Examples:
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Both of the students passed the exam.
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Both of my parents are teachers.
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Both of these answers are correct.
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Both of the houses have gardens.
3. Both … And
We use both … and to connect two people, things, actions, or ideas.
Structure: Both + A + and + B
Examples:
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She speaks both English and Spanish.
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Both John and Mary are coming.
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I enjoy both reading and writing.
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This course is both useful and affordable.
When both … and joins two singular subjects, the verb is normally plural.
How to Use Either in English
We use either when referring to one of two people, things, or choices. It can also indicate that either of the two possibilities is acceptable.
1. Either + Singular Noun
Structure: Either + singular noun + singular verb
Examples:
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Either answer is acceptable.
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Either student can participate.
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Either road leads to the city.
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Either option works for me.
2. Either of + Plural Noun Phrase
Structure: Either of + the/my/these + plural noun
Examples:
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Either of the books is suitable.
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Either of my friends can help.
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Either of these options is fine.
A singular verb is standard in formal English, although plural verbs sometimes occur in informal usage.
3. Either … Or
We use either … or to present two alternatives.
Examples:
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You can either call or email me.
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Either Sarah or James will lead the meeting.
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We can either stay home or go outside.
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You must choose either tea or coffee.
4. Either in Negative Sentences
Either can also mean also not at the end of a negative sentence.
Examples:
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I don’t like coffee either.
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She isn’t ready either.
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He can’t swim, and I can’t either.
How to Use Neither in English
We use neither when referring to two people or things and saying that something is not true of either one.
1. Neither + Singular Noun
Structure: Neither + singular noun + singular verb
Examples:
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Neither student was absent.
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Neither answer is correct.
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Neither option seems practical.
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Neither candidate has experience.
2. Neither of + Plural Noun Phrase
Examples:
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Neither of the students is ready.
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Neither of my brothers speaks German.
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Neither of these books belongs to me.
Singular verbs are generally preferred in formal writing, while plural verbs are also common in everyday English.
3. Neither … Nor
We use neither … nor to connect two negative alternatives.
Examples:
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Neither John nor Sarah attended the meeting.
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She likes neither tea nor coffee.
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Neither the teacher nor the students were ready.
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He is neither tired nor hungry.
4. Neither in Short Responses
We can use neither to agree with a negative statement.
Examples:
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A: I don’t like cold weather.
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B: Neither do I.
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A: I haven’t finished my homework.
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B: Neither have I.