Both, Either, Neither: Rules and Examples for B1–B2 Learners

Introduction

Do you ever get stuck choosing between both, either, and neither? You are not alone. These three little words confuse even advanced learners because they look similar but have very different meanings. In this post, you will learn the simple rules, see real examples, and avoid the most common mistakes. By the end, you will use both, either, and neither with confidence.

What Is Both, Either, Neither?

Both, either, and neither are determiners, pronouns, and conjunctions that refer to two people, things, or options. They tell us about pairs.

• Both means “the two together” (positive).
• Either means “one or the other” (choice between two).
• Neither means “not one and not the other” (negative of both).

Think of them as a team: both = yes for two, either = one of two, neither = none of two.

Rules

Follow these numbered rules to use both, either, and neither correctly.

1. Use “both” with plural nouns and verbs. Example: Both students are ready. (Not “is ready”.)
2. Use “either” with singular nouns and verbs. Example: Either option works. (Not “work”.)
3. Use “neither” with singular nouns and verbs. Example: Neither answer is correct. (Not “are correct”.)
4. When “either” or “neither” is followed by “of,” use a plural noun but a singular verb. Example: Neither of the answers is correct. (Plural noun “answers”, singular verb “is”.)
5. “Both” can be used with “and” (both X and Y). Example: She likes both coffee and tea.
6. “Either” is used with “or” (either X or Y). Example: You can have either cake or ice cream.
7. “Neither” is used with “nor” (neither X nor Y). Example: He wants neither fame nor money.
8. Use “neither” as a negative word; do not add another negative (like “not”). Incorrect: I don’t like neither. Correct: I like neither.

How to Use It

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to choosing the right word.

1. Step 1: Decide if you are talking about two things. If not, use other words (all, any, none). Only use these three for pairs.
2. Step 2: Ask yourself: positive or negative?
   • Positive about both? Use both.
   • Positive about one, but not sure which? Use either.
   • Negative about both? Use neither.
3. Step 3: Check the verb. Remember: both + plural verb; either/neither + singular verb.
4. Step 4: For paired structures:
   • both … and (positive pair)
   • either … or (choice)
   • neither … nor (negative pair)
5. Step 5: When using “of,” always use a plural noun after “of” but a singular verb. Example: Either of the movies is fine.

Example flow: Imagine two books. You want to say you read both. You say: I read both books. You want to say you can read one of them: I can read either book. You want to say you read none: I read neither book.

Examples in Sentences

Here are 10+ sentences with the grammar point in bold.

• Both of my parents are teachers.
• You can take either the red pen or the blue pen.
• Neither option is expensive.
• She speaks both French and Spanish fluently.
• I don’t like either of those colors.
• Neither of the restaurants was open.
• Both answers are wrong.
• He will choose either the train or the bus.
• We have neither time nor money for a vacation.
• Both cats are sleeping on the sofa.
• You can sit on either chair.
• Neither of the twins is tall.

Common Mistakes

Watch out for these frequent errors.

• Mistake 1: Using “neither” with a plural verb.
  ❌ Neither of the answers are correct.
  ✅ Neither of the answers is correct.
• Mistake 2: Adding “not” with “neither.”
  ❌ I don’t like neither of them.
  ✅ I like neither of them. (Or: I don’t like either of them.)
• Mistake 3: Using “both” with a singular verb.
  ❌ Both of the book is interesting.
  ✅ Both of the books are interesting.
• Mistake 4: Confusing “either” and “neither” in negative sentences.
  ❌ I don’t want neither cake.
  ✅ I don’t want either cake. (Or: I want neither cake.)
• Mistake 5: Using “either” or “neither” for more than two items.
  ❌ Either of the three colors work.
  ✅ Any of the three colors work. (Use “any” for three or more.)

Quick Summary

• Both = positive, two together → plural verb. Use with “and.”
• Either = one of two, choice → singular verb. Use with “or.”
• Neither = none of two, negative → singular verb. Use with “nor.”
• After “of,” use a plural noun but a singular verb (e.g., Neither of the cars is fast).
• Never use “not” with “neither” — it is already negative.
• These words only work for two items. For three or more, use “all,” “any,” or “none.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with both, either, or neither. Answers are below.

1. ________ of the two movies was boring. I fell asleep during both.
2. You can choose ________ the chocolate cake or the fruit salad.
3. ________ my sisters are doctors. They work at the same hospital.
4. I don’t like ________ of those jackets. They are both too small.
5. ________ answer is correct. You must try again.

Answers:

1. Neither (negative about both)
2. either (choice between two)
3. Both (positive about two)
4. either (after “don’t like,” use “either” — not “neither”)
5. Neither (negative about both answers)

Conclusion

Now you know the simple rules for both, either, and neither. Remember: both = yes to two, either = one of two, neither = no to two. Practice with the exercises above, and soon these words will feel natural. Keep learning, and you will master English grammar one step at a time!

FAQ

1. Can I use “both” with “of”?

Yes. You can say both of the books or simply both books. Both are correct. “Both of” is more common before pronouns: both of us, both of them.

2. Is it “neither is” or “neither are”?

In formal English, use neither is (singular). Example: Neither of the options is good. In very informal speech, some people say “neither are,” but it is not standard. Stick with “neither is.”

3. What is the difference between “either” and “neither” in a negative sentence?

“Either” is used in negative sentences to mean “one or the other.” Example: I don’t like either color. (I like neither.) “Neither” is already negative, so you cannot use it with “not.” Compare: I like neither color. (Same meaning as above.)

4. Can I use “both,” “either,” or “neither” for three things?

No. These words are only for two items. For three or more, use all (positive), any (choice), or none (negative). Example: All three answers are wrong. / Any of the three colors works. / None of the students passed.