Both, Either and Neither helps you communicate about inclusion, choice and exclusion involving two. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can refer accurately to two people, things or alternatives.
- Recognise and build the form: both ... and; either ... or; neither ... nor.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Both, Either and Neither for inclusion, choice and exclusion involving two. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
Both answers are correct.
Use 'both + plural noun' when the two answers are included.
You can choose either option.
Use 'either + singular noun' when one of two alternatives is acceptable.
Neither candidate met the minimum requirement.
Use 'neither + singular noun' when not one of the two qualifies.
both ... and; either ... or; neither ... norKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use 'both + plural noun' when the two answers are included.
- Use 'either + singular noun' when one of two alternatives is acceptable.
- Use 'neither + singular noun' when not one of the two qualifies.
- The correlative pair is 'both ... and'.
- The correlative pair is 'either ... or'.
Common mistakes
Not:Either answers are correct.
Use:Both answers are correct.
Use 'both + plural noun' when the two answers are included.
Not:You can choose both option.
Use:You can choose either option.
Use 'either + singular noun' when one of two alternatives is acceptable.
Not:Both candidate met the minimum requirement.
Use:Neither candidate met the minimum requirement.
Use 'neither + singular noun' when not one of the two qualifies.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
Both Mia ____ Ben attended the meeting.
and
The correlative pair is 'both ... and'.
We can meet either Monday ____ Tuesday.
or
The correlative pair is 'either ... or'.
Neither the manager ____ her assistant was available.
nor
The correlative pair is 'neither ... nor'.