Introduction
Do you freeze when you need to agree with a negative statement? Or when you have to choose between two options? You are not alone. Either and neither are two of the most confusing words in English, yet they are essential for sounding natural in daily conversation. This guide will give you simple rules, show you common traps, and provide 25 practice examples so you can finally use these words with confidence.
What Is ‘Either’ and ‘Neither’?
At their core, either means “one or the other of two” and is used in positive or choice contexts. Neither means “not one and not the other” and is used to negate both options. They function as determiners, pronouns, adverbs, and conjunctions. Think of it this way: either is your friend for options and agreement with positive statements, while neither is your tool for rejecting both options and agreeing with negative statements.
Rules
Follow these numbered rules to avoid confusion:
- Use ‘either’ with ‘or’ for a choice between two options. Example: You can have either tea or coffee.
- Use ‘neither’ with ‘nor’ to reject both of two options. Example: She speaks neither French nor German.
- Use ‘either’ for agreement with a positive statement. If someone says “I love pizza,” you reply “I do too” (not either in this case). However, you use “Me either” for informal positive agreement with a negative verb? No – careful: “Me either” is informal for negative agreement. The formal rule is below.
- Use ‘neither’ for agreement with a negative statement. If someone says “I don’t like spiders,” you reply “Me neither” or “I neither.” This is the most common mistake area.
- Use ‘either’ as a determiner before a singular noun. Example: Either book is fine for the class.
- Use ‘neither’ as a determiner before a singular noun. Example: Neither answer is correct.
- Use ‘either’ and ‘neither’ as pronouns when the noun is understood. Example: I asked for cake or pie, but neither was available.
- Use ‘either’ at the end of a negative sentence to mean ‘also’. Example: I don’t like that movie, and my brother doesn’t either.
- Use ‘neither’ before a singular verb in formal English. Example: Neither of the answers is correct. (Not “are” in formal writing.)
- Use ‘either’ with singular verbs too when it is the subject. Example: Either of the options is acceptable.
How to Use It
Follow this step-by-step method to decide which word to use:
Step 1: Identify the function
Ask yourself: Am I making a choice, agreeing, or adding a negative? If you are choosing between two positive options, use either/or. If you are rejecting both, use neither/nor.
Step 2: Check the verb of the original statement
If the original statement is negative (has “not”, “never”, “no”), you agree with neither or “not … either.” Example: “I can’t swim.” → “I can’t either.” OR “Me neither.”
Step 3: Decide on formality
In formal writing, use “Neither do I” or “I don’t either.” In casual speech, “Me neither” is perfectly fine. Avoid “Me either” in formal contexts, though it’s common informally.
Step 4: Match the verb number
When either or neither is the subject, use a singular verb in formal English. Example: “Neither of the boys is ready.” In informal speech, you may hear “are,” but for exams and writing, stick with singular.
Step 5: Practice with pairs
Create sentences with two clear options. Say them aloud. This builds muscle memory.
Examples in Sentences
Here are 15 sentences to show you how these words work in real contexts. Pay attention to the bolded grammar points:
- Either parent can sign the permission slip.
- We can meet on either Monday or Wednesday.
- Neither team played well yesterday.
- She doesn’t like sushi, and I don’t either.
- “I haven’t seen that film.” “Me neither.”
- You must choose either the red shirt or the blue one.
- Neither of my brothers lives in this city.
- He speaks neither Italian nor Spanish.
- I’m not hungry, and my friend isn’t either.
- Either of the trains will take you to the airport.
- Neither answer was correct on the test.
- You can have either ice cream or cake for dessert.
- “I don’t understand this question.” “I don’t either.”
- Neither the manager nor the staff knew about the change.
- Would you like either of these two books?
Common Mistakes
These errors appear constantly in ESL classrooms. Avoid them:
- ❌ “I don’t like coffee, and she doesn’t like coffee neither.”
✅ “I don’t like coffee, and she doesn’t like coffee either.” (Use “either” after a negative verb, not “neither.”) - ❌ “Me either” when agreeing with a negative statement in formal writing.
✅ “Me neither” or “I don’t either.” (In casual speech “Me either” is heard, but for exams, choose “Me neither.”) - ❌ “Neither of the options are good.”
✅ “Neither of the options is good.” (Use a singular verb with “neither of” in formal English.) - ❌ “Either you or I is going.”
✅ “Either you or I am going.” (Verb agrees with the closer subject – here “I” takes “am.”) - ❌ “Neither John or Mary came.”
✅ “Neither John nor Mary came.” (Always pair “neither” with “nor,” not “or.”)
Quick Summary
- Either = one or the other (positive choice).
- Neither = not one and not the other (negative choice).
- Use either/or and neither/nor as pairs.
- Agree with a positive statement using “too” or “so.”
- Agree with a negative statement using “neither” or “not … either.”
- Use singular verbs with “either of” and “neither of” in formal writing.
- “Me neither” is correct informal agreement; “Me either” is informal and often avoided in tests.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with either, neither, or, or nor:
- I can’t decide between the two jackets. I like _______ one, actually.
- She doesn’t eat meat, and he doesn’t _______ .
- _______ my mother _______ my father attended the school meeting.
- You can choose _______ the window seat _______ the aisle seat.
- “I’ve never been to Japan.” “Me _______ .”
Answers
- neither (She likes neither one – she dislikes both.)
- either (He doesn’t either – after a negative verb.)
- Neither, nor (Both parents did not attend.)
- either, or (Choice between two.)
- neither (Agreeing with a negative statement.)
Conclusion
Mastering either and neither will instantly make your English sound more precise and natural. Remember the golden rule: either is for choices and agreement with positive ideas, while neither is for rejecting both and agreeing with negative statements. Practice these examples daily, and soon you’ll use them without thinking.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between “me either” and “me neither”?
“Me neither” is the standard, grammatically correct way to agree with a negative statement in English. For example, if someone says “I don’t like cold weather,” you reply “Me neither.” “Me either” is used informally in American English as a casual equivalent, but many teachers and exams consider it incorrect. To be safe, always use “me neither” when agreeing with a negative statement.
2. When do I use “either or” versus “neither nor”?
Use “either/or” when you present two options and at least one is possible or acceptable. Example: “You can have either tea or coffee.” Use “neither/nor” when both options are impossible or rejected. Example: “I drink neither tea nor coffee.” The verb agrees with the subject closest to it in both cases.
3. Is “neither” singular or plural?
In formal English, “neither” is singular. So you say “Neither of the answers is correct.” In informal conversation, many native speakers use a plural verb (“Neither of the answers are correct”), but this is not recommended for academic writing or exams. The same rule applies to “either”: “Either of the routes is fine.”
4. Can I use “either” at the end of a sentence?
Yes, you can use “either” at the end of a negative sentence to mean “also” or “as well.” For example: “I don’t like horror movies, and my sister doesn’t either.” This is very common and natural. You cannot use “neither” in this position; instead, you would use “neither” at the beginning: “Neither do I.”