Both, Either & Neither
We use both, either and neither to talk about two people or things. The trick is the verb: both is plural, neither is usually singular, and either is singular.
We use both, either and neither to talk about two people or things. The trick is the verb: both is plural, neither is usually singular, and either is singular.
The three words
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| both | the two together (A and B) | Both tutors are great. |
| either | one or the other (A or B) | Either day is fine. |
| neither | not one and not the other | Neither answer is correct. |
Paired connectorsThey often come in pairs: both … and (Both Aisha and Omar passed), either … or (Either Monday or Tuesday), neither … nor (Neither tea nor coffee). “neither” is already negative — don’t add another “not.”
The verb
| Subject | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| both | plural | Both are open. |
| either / neither | singular | Neither is open. |
Examples from EduCareer
- Both courses include speaking practice.
- You can pay by card or cash — either is fine.
- Neither of the two times suits me, sorry.
- Neither Aisha nor Omar was late.
Tutor tip for Arabic speakers“neither” already means “not,” so avoid a double negative: say “Neither is correct,” not “Neither is not correct.” Also remember the pairs go together: both…and, either…or, neither…nor.
Common mistakes
- Neither answers are correct. → Neither answer is correct.
- Both Monday or Tuesday. → Both Monday and Tuesday.
- Neither tea or coffee. → Neither tea nor coffee.
Practise with the 20 questions below.
Check your understanding
Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.
1."___ tutors are excellent."
the two together → both.
2."___ day is fine — you choose."
one or the other → either.
3."___ answer is correct; both are wrong."
not one and not the other → neither.
4."Both ___ and Omar passed."
both...and.
5."Either Monday ___ Tuesday works."
either...or.
6."Neither tea ___ coffee, thanks."
neither...nor.
7."Both ___ open."
both → plural verb.
8."Neither ___ open."
neither → singular verb.
9.Which is correct?
neither + singular noun + singular verb.
10.Which is correct?
both...and.
11."You can pay by card or cash — ___ is fine."
one or the other → either.
12.'neither' carries which meaning?
already negative.
13.Which avoids a double negative?
neither is already negative.
14."___ of my parents speaks English." (not one)
not one and not the other.
15."___ of the courses include speaking." (the two)
both of the two.
16."Neither Aisha ___ Omar was late."
neither...nor.
17."I like ___ of them — they're both good."
both = the two.
18."Take ___ seat; they're all free."
one or the other → either.
19."___ of us wanted to leave, so we stayed."
not one wanted to → neither.
20.Both takes a ___ verb.
both → plural.
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