How to Use Either and Neither

"Neither" and "either" are words used to indicate a choice between two options or to say "also/as well". The difference between them lies in their use and meaning within a sentence.

The Key Differences

Either

"Either" is used when presenting two options or possibilities, and is often followed by "or" to indicate a choice between the two. It can also mean "also/as well".

"You can either come with us or stay at home."
"Would you like tea or coffee? You can have either."
"Either he's lying or I'm mistaken."
"I can't decide which one to choose, they're both so pretty. I'll take either."
I don't like the heat either (also).

Neither

On the other hand, "neither" is used to indicate that none of the two options presented is correct or applicable. It is often followed by "nor" to indicate that both options are not acceptable. It can also mean "also/as well".

"I don't like either of those options. Neither of them is suitable for me."
"Neither John nor Jane was able to attend the meeting."
"Neither of us knew the answer to the question."
"He doesn't eat meat and neither do I." (as well)

In summary, "either" presents two options and indicates a choice between them, while "neither" indicates that neither of the two options is applicable or correct. Both can also mean "also/as well".

Their Grammatical Forms

"Either" and "Neither" can be used as adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, or conjunctions.

Either & Neither as Adjectives

When used as adjectives, "either" and "neither" are used to describe two objects or people. In both cases, "either" and "neither" can be followed by a singular noun or pronoun.

"Either" is used to indicate one of two objects or people.

"Either book is fine for the assignment." (either is describing both books)
"You can have either dress." (either is describing both dresses)
"You can choose an entree from either menu." (either is describing both menus)

"Neither" is used to indicate that none of the two objects or people is true or applicable. It can also be used to indicate none of several options.

"Neither book is suitable for the assignment." (describing the two unsuitable books)
"Neither dress fits me." (describing the two dresses that don't fit)
"Neither menu has any vegetarian options." (describing the two menus without vegetarian options)

They can also be followed by a plural noun or pronoun, with the verb in the plural form, often followed by "of" to introduce the two options.

"Either of the books are fine for the assignment."
"Neither of the dresses fit me."
"Either of the menus have vegetarian options."

Either & Neither as Adverbs

When used as adverbs, "either" and "neither" are used to modify or qualify a verb or adjective.

"I can either stay here or go with you." (modifying the verb "stay")
Q: Do you want to walk there or cycle? A: "Either way, I'll be happy." (qualifying the adjective "happy")

Likewise, "Neither" modifies or qualifies a verb or adjective, but to indicate that something is not true or applicable.

"Neither of the options is acceptable." (qualifying the adjective "acceptable")
"Neither of us knows the answer." (modifying the verb "knows")

In both cases, "either" and "neither" come before the verb, adjective, or adverb they modify.

They can also be used with "or" and "nor" to indicate a choice between two or more options or the absence of both options (this also makes them conjunctions - see below).

"Either you're joking, or you're crazy."
"She's either a genius or she's been studying hard."
"I can either study for the exam or take a break."
"Neither the teacher nor the students understood the question." (indicating the absence of both options)
"I neither love nor hate broccoli." (modifying the verbs "love" and "hate")

"Neither/Nor/Either for "also/as well"

It is also as an adverb when we use "Neither" to mean "also/as well" with this structure:

neither / nor + auxiliary/modal verb + subject

A: I don't like spicy food. B: Neither do I.
A: John can't play piano well. B: Neither can you.
A: I'm not going to work today. B: Nor am I.
She hasn't see the film yet and Nor have I.

We can also use "not … either" to mean "also/as well", but the word order of the auxiliary or modal verb and subject is not changed:

A: I don't like spicy food. B: I don't either.
A: John can't play piano well. B: You can't either.
A: I'm not going to work today. B: I'm not either.
She hasn't see the film yet and I haven't either.

Either & Neither as Pronouns

When used as pronouns, "either" and "neither" are used to refer to one or the other of two people, things or options.

"Either" is used as a pronoun to refer to one out of two options or alternatives.

"You can take either of the two roads to get there."
"You can have either of the two desserts."
"Either of these books would make a great gift."

"Neither" is used as a pronoun to indicate that none of the two options or alternatives is applicable.

"Neither of the two candidates impressed me."
"Neither of the two proposals met our expectations."
"Neither of us wants to go to the party."

In both cases, "either" and "neither" can be used alone as pronouns or followed by "of" and a plural noun to introduce the two options.

"Either is fine." (referring to two possible options)
"Neither is suitable." (referring to two unsuitable options)
"Either of the books will do." (referring to two possible books)
"Neither of the dresses fits." (referring to two dresses that don't fit)

Either & Neither as Conjunctions

When used as conjunctions, "either" and "neither" are used to introduce two options or alternatives. If we are using 'or' and 'nor' then they are conjunctions.

Notice how in both cases of "either" and "neither", the structures must be parallel.

"Either you come with me or I'll go alone."
"You can either stay here or come with us."
"Either you pay now or we cancel the order."
"Either you come with me, or I'll go alone, and neither of us will be happy."

"Neither" is used as a conjunction to introduce two options or alternatives, where neither of them is true or applicable.

"Neither the red dress nor the blue one looks good on you."
"Neither the restaurant nor the bar had any free tables."
"Neither of the solutions worked for the problem."
"I neither love nor hate broccoli."
"Neither the red dress nor the blue one looks good on you, nor does the green one."

Now test yourself in this Either or Neither Quiz >>

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