Lesson

Both, either, neither

Talking about two things

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Both, either, neither — What are they?

These words help us talk about two people or two things. They can be determiners (before a noun) or pronouns (replace a noun). They change the meaning of a sentence and affect verb agreement.

  • Both = the two together (positive).
  • Either = one or the other of two (choice).
  • Neither = not one and not the other (negative).

Table

Both / Either / Neither — Quick Reference

Word Meaning Structure Example
both the two together both + plural noun / both of + determiner + plural noun / both ... and ... Both candidates are qualified.
either one or the other (of two) either + singular noun / either of + plural noun / either ... or ... Either option is acceptable.
neither not one and not the other (of two) neither + singular noun / neither of + plural noun / neither ... nor ... Neither proposal was approved.

Tip

Key rule: Agreement and structure

Remember how these words affect verb agreement and sentence structure:

  • Both usually takes a plural verb: Both managers are present.
  • Either and neither as pronouns are usually followed by a singular verb: Either is acceptable. Neither was chosen.
  • Use 'both ... and ...' to emphasize two items; use 'either ... or ...' for a choice; use 'neither ... nor ...' to negate both.

When using 'either'/'neither' with 'of' + plural noun, the verb is usually singular (Neither of the options is suitable).

Example

Examples in context

Both team leaders signed the contract.

Either candidate can start next month.

Neither of the proposals was acceptable to the board.

We can accept both the budget and the timeline.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal errors:

  • Using a singular verb with 'both' (Incorrect: Both manager is here).
  • Using a plural verb with 'neither' or 'either' when used as pronouns (Incorrect: Neither of them were available).
  • Confusing 'either' (one of two) with 'any' (one of many).
  • Incorrect placement of 'both' in a sentence that changes meaning (e.g., 'Both of the reports are ready' vs 'Of both the reports, one is...').

Always check the number of items (two vs more) and match the verb accordingly.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Check subject-verb agreement with plural subjects.

Quiz

Complete: _____ candidates are certified.

Hint: The verb 'are' tells you the subject is plural. How many candidates are we talking about?

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Consider subject-verb agreement after 'neither of'.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

both

determiner / pronoun CEFR A2 //boʊθ//

Refers to two people or things together.

Both teams completed the project on time.

GrammarPoint

either

determiner / pronoun / conjunction CEFR B1 //ˈiːðər/ or /ˈaɪðər//

Refers to one or the other of two options.

Either solution will reduce costs.

GrammarPoint

neither

determiner / pronoun / conjunction CEFR B1 //ˈniːðər/ or /ˈnaɪðər//

Means not one and not the other (of two).

Neither candidate accepted the offer.

Expression

neither...nor...

conjunction CEFR B2 //ˈniːðər ... nɔːr//

Used to connect two negative alternatives: not the first and not the second.

The committee accepted neither the proposal nor the amendment.

Expression

either...or...

conjunction CEFR B2 //ˈiːðər ... ɔːr//

Used to present a choice between two alternatives.

You can either submit the report today or send it tomorrow morning.

Expression

both...and...

conjunction CEFR B2 //boʊθ ... ænd//

Emphasizes that two things are true or included.

The company values both innovation and customer service.