“Neither” and “either” are words that are often used to convey choices, possibilities, and negations. They have different usages and can be a source of confusion.
Definitions and Usage
Neither
Definition: “Neither” is used to negate two or more items. It means “not one nor the other” or “not any”.
Usage:
As a conjunction: It pairs with “nor” to connect two or more negative options.
Example: “Neither the blue shirt nor the red shirt fits me.”
As a pronoun: It refers to not one and not the other of two people or things.
Example: “Neither of the answers is correct.”
As an adverb: It can be used to add emphasis to a negative statement.
Example: “I don’t like pizza. Neither does she.”
Either
Definition: “Either” is used to indicate a choice between two or more options. It can mean “one or the other” or “any one”.
Usage:
As a conjunction: It pairs with “or” to present choices or alternatives.
Example: “You can either call me or send an email.”
As a pronoun: It refers to one or the other of two people or things.
Example: “Either of the books is available for checkout.”
As an adverb: It is used in negative sentences to mean “also” or “too.”
Example: “I don’t like coffee. I don’t like tea either.”
Neither Vs Either
Neither
Either
Function
Negation of both items
Choice between items
Conjunction
Pairs with “nor” (neither…nor)
Pairs with “or” (either…or)
Pronoun
Refers to not one and not the other
Refers to one or the other
Adverb
Adds emphasis to negative statements
Used in negative sentences to mean “also”
Example Sentence (Conjunction)
“Neither Tom nor Jerry went to the party.”
“You can either stay or leave.”
Example Sentence (Pronoun)
“Neither of the students was late.”
“Either of the solutions will work.”
Example Sentence (Adverb)
“She didn’t come, and neither did he.”
“He didn’t like the movie, and I didn’t either.”
Neither Vs Either Example
Using “Neither”
“Neither Tom nor Jerry showed up at the party.”
“She likes neither apples nor oranges.”
“Neither of the proposals was accepted.”
“Neither of the two plans worked out.”
“I don’t like coffee. Neither does he.”
“She didn’t attend the meeting, and neither did I.”
“Neither the manager nor the employees knew about the changes.”
“Neither of the solutions solved the problem.”
“Neither the red dress nor the blue dress fits me.”
“Neither of us could answer the question.”
“Neither rain nor snow will stop the event.”
“He wasn’t interested in the offer, and neither was his partner.”
“Neither of the restaurants has vegetarian options.”
“Neither the dog nor the cat was in the house.”
“Neither of them knew the answer.”
“I didn’t see the movie, and neither did my friends.”
“Neither the food nor the service was good.”
“Neither of the teams won the match.”
“Neither Sarah nor Jane wanted to go to the concert.”
“Neither of the books was available.”
Using “Either”
“You can either stay here or come with us.”
“We can either eat out or cook at home.”
“Either of the solutions will work.”
“You can choose either of the two paths.”
“I don’t like tea either.”
“She didn’t call, and he didn’t either.”
“You can either read the book or watch the movie.”
“Either of the dresses looks good on you.”
“We can either take a bus or walk.”
“Either of the options is fine with me.”
“I didn’t finish the project, and she didn’t either.”
“He can either go to college or start working.”
“Either of them could win the game.”
“They don’t have the time, and we don’t either.”
“You can either accept the offer or decline it.”
“Either of the candidates would be suitable for the job.”
“She hasn’t responded, and he hasn’t either.”
“We can either travel by train or by car.”
“Either of the roads will lead you to the city.”
“He isn’t interested in the proposal, and she isn’t either.”
“neither” and “either” are both used to discuss choices and possibilities but in different ways. “Neither” is used for negation, indicating that none of the options are valid or chosen. It pairs with “nor” and is used as a conjunction, pronoun, or adverb to reject both items in a set. Examples include “Neither the movie nor the book was interesting” and “Neither of the options works for me.”
On the other hand, “either” indicates a choice between two possibilities, meaning one or the other. It pairs with “or” and can function as a conjunction, pronoun, or adverb. Examples include “You can either walk or drive” and “Either of the roads will get you there.”
