How to Use Either and Neither: The Complete Guide with 100 Examples

Confused by “either” and “neither”? You’re not alone. These common words can significantly enhance or hinder your communication. This guide demystifies exactly how to use either and neither correctly, providing rules, tips, and extensive examples to ensure you never mix them up again, whether in writing, speaking, or competitive exams.

Introduction: How to Use Either and Neither

Understanding how to use either and neither is a cornerstone of proficient English. These two words are indispensable for expressing choices, agreements, and negations with precision. However, their subtle rules regarding structure, verb agreement, and pronunciation often create confusion. This comprehensive article will break down all the rules, provide essential tips for test-takers, and illustrate how to use either and neither with 100 clear examples to solidify your understanding.

How to Use Either and Neither: Rules and Structures

1. Either…or: Used to present a choice between two possibilities. It connects two elements (nouns, verbs, adjectives, phrases).
   • Example: You can have either tea or coffee.
2. Neither…nor: Used to indicate that both of the two possibilities are not true or are not chosen. It is negative.
   • Example: I like neither tea nor coffee.
3. Either (alone): Can mean “one or the other” or “whichever of the two.”
   • Example: There are two books. Either will be useful.
4. Neither (alone): Can mean “not one and not the other.” It is already negative, so do not use another “not.”
   • Example: I asked both, but neither was available.
5. Agreement: With “either/or” and “neither/nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
   • Example: Neither the manager nor the employees are here. / Neither the employees nor the manager is here.
6. “Me either” vs. “Me neither”: In informal speech, “Me neither” is standard to agree with a negative statement. “Me either” is common in American English but “Me neither” is grammatically preferred.
   • Example: “I don’t like sushi.” — “Me neither.”

Important Tips for Students and Competitive Exams

• Singular/Verb Agreement: Remember the proximity rule for “neither/nor” and “either/or.” The second subject dictates the verb.
• Double Negative: “Neither” already carries a negative meaning. Never use it with “not,” “never,” or “no.” Incorrect: “I don’t like neither.” Correct: “I like neither.” or “I don’t like either.”
• Pronunciation: “Either” can be pronounced as “EE-ther” or “EYE-ther.” “Neither” can be “NEE-ther” or “NYE-ther.” Both are acceptable, but be consistent.
• Formal Writing: In formal contexts, “not…either” can often be elegantly replaced with “neither.”
  • Example: He did not call. She did not call either. -> Neither he nor she called.
• “Either” at the End: “Either” can be used at the end of a negative sentence to mean “also” or “as well.”
  • Example: I haven’t seen that movie, and my brother hasn’t either.

100 Examples of How to Use Either and Neither

1. You can pay with either cash or a card.
2. Neither option is appealing.
3. Either answer is correct.
4. She speaks neither Spanish nor French.
5. He is neither rich nor famous.
6. You can either come in or wait outside.
7. Neither of my parents is a doctor.
8. I don’t like the blue one, and I don’t like the red one either.
9. Either the cat or the dog broke the vase.
10. Neither the teacher nor the students were prepared.
11. I haven’t been to either country.
12. She could neither read nor write.
13. He will either study law or medicine.
14. Neither candidate gave a good answer.
15. You can choose either day.
16. The food was neither hot nor tasty.
17. Either he is lying, or he is mistaken.
18. I like neither of these designs.
19. She didn’t call, and she didn’t text either.
20. Either the data is wrong, or our theory is.
21. It’s neither raining nor snowing.
22. Neither of us knows the way.
23. You must either apologize or leave.
24. The movie was neither funny nor exciting.
25. I can’t find my keys either.
26. Either team could win the championship.
27. He is neither here nor there on the issue.
28. Neither the book nor the movie was good.
29. I don’t want to go either.
30. You can have either the cake or the pastry.
31. She had neither the time nor the energy.
32. Either finish your work or start over.
33. Neither road leads to the city.
34. I don’t understand either question.
35. He neither confirmed nor denied the rumor.
36. You can stay either with me or at a hotel.
37. Neither solution is perfect.
38. I didn’t like either performance.
39. It’s either now or never.
40. She felt neither happy nor sad.
41. Neither parent attended the meeting.
42. I can’t decide either.
43. Either John or his brothers are responsible.
44. The house is neither big nor small.
45. I want neither pity nor help.
46. You can contact either department.
47. Neither of the computers is working.
48. He didn’t eat, and he didn’t sleep either.
49. Either you trust me or you don’t.
50. The contract is neither valid nor enforceable.
51. I have neither seen nor heard anything.
52. Choose either path.
53. Neither the blue shirt nor the green one fits.
54. I don’t believe him either.
55. It was either a dog or a fox.
56. She showed neither fear nor surprise.
57. Neither of them is telling the truth.
58. You can either accept it or refuse it.
59. The plan is neither feasible nor affordable.
60. I don’t have either book.
61. He will neither come nor call.
62. Either she forgot, or she changed her mind.
63. Neither answer was complete.
64. I didn’t get an invitation either.
65. You can park on either side of the street.
66. The report was neither accurate nor timely.
67. Neither my sister nor I am interested.
68. I don’t know either of those authors.
69. It’s either too hot or too cold.
70. He gave neither a reason nor an excuse.
71. You can take either bus.
72. Neither the beginning nor the end was clear.
73. I can’t hear you either.
74. Either help me or get out of the way.
75. The color is neither blue nor green.
76. Neither of the explanations makes sense.
77. I didn’t enjoy either film.
78. You are either with us or against us.
79. He felt neither pain nor remorse.
80. I don’t need either one.
81. Either the battery is dead, or the charger is.
82. She ate neither the fruit nor the bread.
83. Neither of us has any money.
84. I won’t tell anyone either.
85. You can meet either today or tomorrow.
86. The decision is neither final nor fair.
87. He neither smiled nor spoke.
88. I don’t support either proposal.
89. Either silence or consent.
90. The story is neither true nor original.
91. Neither the manager nor the assistants are here.
92. I haven’t finished either task.
93. It’s either a masterpiece or a forgery.
94. She received neither praise nor blame.
95. You can write with either pen.
96. Neither the price nor the quality is right.
97. I can’t remember either name.
98. He will either succeed or fail spectacularly.
99. The document is neither signed nor dated.
100. I don’t mind either way.

FAQs on How to Use Either and Neither

Q1: Is it correct to say “Me either”?
A: While “Me either” is commonly used in informal American English to agree with a negative statement (“I don’t like it.” — “Me either.”), the grammatically standard form is “Me neither.” In formal writing, it’s better to say “Neither do I.”

Q2: Does ‘neither’ take a singular or plural verb?
A: When used alone (“neither of the books”), it typically takes a singular verb: “Neither is correct.” However, in the “neither…nor” construction, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it: “Neither the book nor the papers are here.” / “Neither the papers nor the book is here.”

Q3: Can we use ‘either’ for more than two items?
A: Traditionally, “either” and “neither” are used for two items only. For more than two, use “any,” “none,” “any…or,” or “not…any.”

• For two: You can choose either red, blue, or green. (Incorrect)
• For three: You can choose any of the three colors: red, blue, or green. (Correct)

Conclusion on How to Use Either and Neither
Mastering how to use either and neither effectively will refine your grammar, enhance the clarity of your communication, and give you confidence in both written and spoken English. By understanding the key rules—particularly the structures with “or” and “nor,” avoiding double negatives, and applying correct verb agreement—you can eliminate a common source of errors. Use the 100 examples provided as a practical reference, and apply the exam-focused tips to tackle questions with precision. With this guide, you are now well-equipped to use these terms correctly in any context.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes as a guide to standard English grammar rules. Usage can vary in different dialects and informal contexts.

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