Both, Either and Neither (Talking About Two Options)
📌 Lesson Contents
🎯 Lesson goal
In this lesson you will learn to use both, either and neither 📖 to talk about two options: to accept both, to choose one, or to refuse both. You will see where they go in a sentence 🧠, the agreement rules and the mistakes to avoid before you practise with the test at the bottom of the page! 🚀
🌟 Basic meaning
- Both ➔ the two together ✌️
- Either ➔ one or the other (it doesn’t matter which) 🔀
- Neither ➔ not one of the two 🚫
🔍 How do we use them?
✅ Both (the two together)
We use it when we talk about two things that are true, valid or included in the action. We use it with plural nouns or with “of” + a plural pronoun or object.
- Both my parents are teachers.
- I like both restaurants.
- Both of them are ready.
✅ Either (one or the other)
We use it to say that any one of the two options is fine, or in negative sentences to refuse both.
- You can take either road.
- I don’t like either movie.
- You can choose either of them.
✅ Neither (not one of the two)
We use it to say that neither option is true, valid or possible. It is already negative in itself.
- Neither answer is correct.
- Neither of my friends came to the party.
- I neither smoke nor drink.
🧩 Summary table
| Word | Meaning | Noun type | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both | The two together | Plural | Both trains are fast. |
| Either | One or the other | Singular | Either jacket is fine. |
| Neither | Not one of the two | Singular | Neither idea works. |
❓ Frequent questions
- Can I use “either” in negative sentences?
✔️ Yes! In sentences with a negative verb: I don’t like either movie (= I like neither of them). - Does “neither” need a negative verb?
❌ No! Neither is already negative. The main verb stays in the affirmative form. (E.g. Neither of them is coming. ➔ ❌Not neither…) - What is the difference between “Both of them” and “They both”?
✔️ They mean the same. Only the position in the sentence changes: Both of them are here vs They both are here (more informal).
🚫 Common mistakes to avoid
| Mistake ❌ | Correct ✅ |
|---|---|
| I don’t like neither film. | I don’t like either film. / I like neither film. |
| You can take both of them or neither. | You can take either of them or neither. |
| Either books are fine. | Either book is fine. (Either takes the singular!) |
Gap Fill & Translation Exercises
Test yourself! In the first 15 sentences, write ‘both’, ‘either’ or ‘neither’. In the last 5, put the sentences into English.