What is the meaning and use of both, neither, either?
We use both (of), neither (of) and either (of) to talk about two people or things:
- Both means this one AND the other.
- Neither means NOT this one AND NOT the other.
- Either means this one OR the other. Either is used mainly in questions and negative sentences.
Here are some examples of how to use them with nouns:
• I like both pictures. / I like both of the pictures.
• Neither picture is right for the room. / Neither of the pictures is right for the room.
• She didn’t buy either picture in the end. / She didn’t buy either of the pictures in the end.
Often use both… and, neither… nor, and either… or.
• She plays both the violin and the guitar.
• Neither me nor my brother are married.
• Should I wear either this shirt or that one?
Common Mistakes
After neither (of) the verb is always positive. It can be singular or plural after neither of.
• Neither of those cities are very clean. NOT
Neither of those cities are not clean.
But after neither + noun the verb is always singular.
• Neither answer is correct. NOT
Neither answers are correct.
After both (of) the verb is always positive and plural. We don’t use both in negative structures.
• Both of these answers are wrong. NOT
Both of these answers are not correct.
• I don’t like either painting. NOTI don’t like both paintings.
Activity
• Each student writes three sentences in a comment at the end of this article using Both, Neither, Either.
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