Both Either Neither: Rules and Examples for B1-B2 Learners

Introduction

Do you ever get confused when choosing between both, either, and neither? You are not alone. These three small words are essential for talking about two people, things, or options, and they often appear in exams, conversations, and writing. In this post, you will learn the simple rules, see plenty of examples, and avoid the most common mistakes.

What Is Both, Either, Neither?

Both, either, and neither are determiners or pronouns that refer to two items or people. They help you express positive, negative, and choice meanings clearly.

• Both means “the two together” (positive).
• Either means “one or the other” (choice, usually positive or neutral).
• Neither means “not one and not the other” (negative).

Remember: these words are only used when talking about two things. For three or more, use all, any, or none.

Rules

1. Both + plural noun/verb. Example: Both students are here.
2. Either + singular noun/verb. Example: Either answer is correct.
3. Neither + singular noun/verb. Example: Neither option works.
4. Both of / either of / neither of + pronoun (us, you, them) or determiner (the, my, these). Example: Neither of them is ready.
5. Neither … nor / either … or / both … and are paired conjunctions. Example: She can either sing or dance.
6. Verb agreement: With either and neither (as subjects), use a singular verb. With both, use a plural verb.
7. Negative clauses: Do NOT use not with neither. Instead, use either in negative sentences. Example: ❌ I don’t like neither. ✅ I don’t like either.

How to Use It

Follow these steps to use both, either, and neither correctly in your sentences.

1. Decide if you mean positive (both), choice (either), or negative (neither).
   – Positive: Both books are interesting.
   – Choice: You can take either book.
   – Negative: Neither book is interesting.
2. Check if you are using the word as a determiner (before a noun) or a pronoun (alone).
   – Determiner: Both cars are red.
   – Pronoun: Both are red.
3. Use “of” before pronouns (us, you, them) or words like “the,” “my,” “these.”
   – ✅ Both of us are ready.
   – ✅ Neither of the answers is correct.
   – ❌ Both us are ready.
4. For paired structures, keep the same grammatical form after both parts.
   – Either you come with me or you stay home. (both parts are full clauses)
   – She is both intelligent and hardworking. (both are adjectives)
5. In short answers, use “both,” “either,” or “neither” alone.
   – Which one do you want? Either.
   – Do you like coffee or tea? Neither.

Examples in Sentences

• Both of my parents are teachers.
• You can choose either the red dress or the blue one.
• Neither answer was correct on the test.
• We have both finished our homework.
• I don’t like either of those movies.
• Neither of them knows the truth.
• She can either call me or send an email.
• Both the cat and the dog are sleeping.
• He is neither rich nor famous.
• Would you like coffee or tea? Either is fine with me.
• I have two brothers, and both live in London.
• We tried both routes, but neither was faster.

Common Mistakes

1. Using “neither” with “not” in the same sentence.
   ❌ I don’t want neither of them.
   ✅ I don’t want either of them.
   ✅ I want neither of them.
2. Using a plural verb with “neither” or “either” as a subject.
   ❌ Neither of the options are good.
   ✅ Neither of the options is good.
3. Forgetting “of” before pronouns.
   ❌ Both them are coming.
   ✅ Both of them are coming.
4. Using “both” with “and” incorrectly.
   ❌ She both is smart and funny.
   ✅ She is both smart and funny.
5. Confusing “either … or” with “neither … nor.”
   ❌ I like neither coffee or tea.
   ✅ I like neither coffee nor tea.

Quick Summary

• Both = positive, two together. Use with plural verbs.
• Either = one of two options. Use with singular verbs.
• Neither = not one and not the other. Use with singular verbs.
• Use of before pronouns (us, you, them) and determiners (the, my).
• Paired conjunctions: both … and, either … or, neither … nor.
• Never use not with neither in the same clause.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with both, either, or neither.

1. _____ of the two cars is expensive. (negative meaning)
2. You can take _____ the train or the bus to get there.
3. _____ my sister and my brother are doctors.
4. I don’t like _____ of those songs.
5. _____ of the answers was correct, so I got full marks.

Answers:

1. Neither
2. either
3. Both
4. either
5. Both

Conclusion

Now you know the key rules for using both, either, and neither like a pro. Remember: both is positive, either is a choice, and neither is negative. Practice with the exercises above, and soon you will use these words naturally in your speaking and writing.

FAQ

1. Can I use “both” with “and” for more than two items?

No. Both … and is only used for two items. For three or more, use all … and or simply list them with commas. Example: She bought both apples and oranges. (two items) vs. She bought apples, oranges, and bananas. (three items).

2. Is “neither of” followed by a singular or plural verb?

In formal English, neither of is followed by a singular verb. Example: Neither of the students is late. In informal spoken English, some people use a plural verb (Neither of the students are late), but for exams and writing, stick to the singular.

3. What is the difference between “either” and “any”?

Either is used for two options. Any is used for three or more options. Example: You can choose either of the two colors. vs. You can choose any of the five colors.

4. Can I start a sentence with “Neither” or “Either”?

Yes, absolutely. Starting a sentence with Neither or Either is common and grammatically correct. Example: Neither of the candidates impressed me. Either option works for the project. Just remember to use a singular verb when they are the subject.