Both, Either, Neither

A2 Elementary

Use both, either, and neither to talk about two people or things. These words describe different combinations of a pair.

Overview

These words are used when referring to exactly two items. Both refers to the two items together. Either refers to one or the other of the two. Neither refers to not the first one and not the second one.

Form

both/either/neither + noun

These words can be used directly before a noun or with 'of' before a pronoun or a determiner. Note that neither and either usually take a singular verb when followed by a singular noun.

Comparing Meanings

Use both... and, either... or, and neither... nor to connect two specific parts of a sentence.

Word	Meaning	Example
Both	A and B (2/2)	Both hotels are expensive.
Either	A or B (1/2)	You can stay at either hotel.
Neither	Not A and not B (0/2)	Neither hotel is cheap.

Examples

Common mistakes

I don't like neither of them.
I like neither of them. / I don't like either of them.
Neither is already negative. Do not use it with another negative verb.
Both of them is here.
Both of them are here.
Both always takes a plural verb.

Practice

I have two pens, but ___ of them work. (Negative meaning)
Show answer
neither
Answer:neither
Why:Neither is used to show that 'not one and not the other' of the two pens works.
You can take ___ the bus or the train; they both cost $5.
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either
Answer:either
Why:Either is used with 'or' to show a choice between two options.
___ Sarah and Tom are coming to the party.
Show answer
Both
Answer:Both
Why:Both is used with 'and' to include two people in the action.