Both, Either and Neither: Rules, Uses and Examples in English

Overview

Both, either, and neither are quantifiers that always refer to exactly two people, things, or options. They are not used with groups of three or more.

Both refers to two items considered together, affirming that a statement applies to each of them. Either refers to one of two items, leaving the choice open, or covers both items in a negative context. Neither applies a negative to both items simultaneously, meaning not one and not the other.

Each word can function as a determiner before a noun, as a pronoun standing alone, and as part of a correlative conjunction pair (both...and, either...or, neither...nor).

Both

Both as a Determiner

As a determiner, both precedes a plural noun. No article is used when the noun is general, but both the is used before a specific, identified pair.

Both with Of

Both of is used before a determiner plus plural noun, or before a plural pronoun.

Both in Mid Position

Both can appear in the mid position after a subject pronoun, after be, or after the first auxiliary verb.

Both...and as a Correlative Conjunction

Both...and joins two parallel grammatical units: two nouns, two adjectives, two verbs, two clauses, or two adverbials. The two elements joined must be grammatically parallel.

Either

Either as a Determiner

As a determiner, either precedes a singular countable noun and a singular verb. It refers to one of two items, leaving the choice open, or covers both items in a negative or conditional context.

Either of

Either of is followed by a determiner plus plural noun, or a plural pronoun. The verb after either of is singular in formal English, though plural agreement is common in informal usage.

Either as a Pronoun

Standing alone as a pronoun, either refers to one of two already-mentioned items.

Either in Negative Sentences: Not...Either

In negative sentences, either is used at the end of the clause to add the same negative to a second item already negated.

Either...or as a Correlative Conjunction

Either...or presents two alternatives. When it joins two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Neither

Neither as a Determiner

As a determiner, neither precedes a singular countable noun and requires a singular verb. It signals that the negative applies to both of two items.

Neither of

Neither of is followed by a determiner plus plural noun, or a plural pronoun. As with either of, the verb is singular in formal English, though plural agreement is common in informal usage.

Neither as a Pronoun

Standing alone as a pronoun, neither signals that neither of two already-mentioned items applies.

Neither...nor as a Correlative Conjunction

Neither...nor applies a negative statement to both items simultaneously. When it joins two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Comparing Both, Either, and Neither

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using Both With a Singular Noun

Both always requires a plural noun. Using it with a singular noun produces a number mismatch.

Mistake 2: Using Either or Neither With a Plural Noun in the Determiner Position

As determiners, either and neither are followed by singular nouns. Using a plural noun after them is a number agreement error.

Mistake 3: Using Neither With a Negative Verb

Neither already carries a negative meaning. Combining it with a negative verb creates a double negative that is non-standard in formal English.

Mistake 4: Using Both...and, Either...or, or Neither...nor With Non-Parallel Elements

Correlative conjunction pairs require the two elements they join to be grammatically parallel. Joining a noun to a clause or a verb to a noun phrase produces a structurally unbalanced sentence.

Mistake 5: Making the Verb Agree With the Nearest Noun in Both...and Sentences

When both...and joins two subjects, the verb is always plural, because the conjunction treats the two subjects as a combined unit. This differs from either...or and neither...nor, where the verb agrees with the nearest subject.

Mistake 6: Confusing Not...Either With Neither

Neither stands alone or begins a clause. Not...either appears at the end of a clause after a negated verb. Mixing the two structures produces a redundant or incorrect sentence.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Word

Choose the correct word from the options in brackets.

1. (Both / Either) candidates were invited to a second interview after the initial assessment.
2. (Either / Neither) of the proposals was accepted; both will need to be substantially revised.
3. She could submit (both / either) version of the report, as the format was not specified.
4. (Neither / Both) the director and the manager signed the final version of the agreement.
5. (Either / Neither) the first nor the second option satisfied all of the stated requirements.
6. He did not attend the morning session, and he did not attend the afternoon session (either / neither).

Exercise 2: Correct the Error

Each sentence contains one error with both, either, or neither. Rewrite it correctly.

1. Both candidate received a written summary of the panel's feedback after the assessment.
2. Neither of the proposals didn't include a clear budget breakdown for the committee.
3. Either candidates would bring different strengths to the role based on their backgrounds.
4. The review was both thorough and it identified several important gaps in the original data.
5. Neither of the director nor the manager was informed before the statement was published.
6. She didn't receive the confirmation email, and neither the follow-up message arrived.

Exercise 3: Complete With Both...and, Either...or, or Neither...nor

Choose the correct correlative conjunction pair and rewrite each sentence.

1. She is a skilled presenter. She is also an excellent writer. (use both...and)
2. He can attend the morning session. He can attend the afternoon session. Only one. (use either...or)
3. The first proposal was not approved. The second proposal was not approved. (use neither...nor)
4. The report lacked supporting evidence. The report lacked clear recommendations. (use neither...nor)

Exercise 4: Formal or Informal Agreement

Each sentence uses either of or neither of. Write F if the verb agreement is formal or I if it is informal.

1. Neither of the candidates were considered suitable for the role at this stage.
2. Either of the two options is acceptable to the procurement team and the director.
3. Neither of the documents was available at the time the audit team arrived on site.
4. Either of the proposed dates are workable for the majority of the committee members.

Summary

Both takes a plural noun and plural verb. Either and neither take a singular noun and singular verb. When used as correlative conjunctions, both...and always takes a plural verb, while either...or and neither...nor agree with the nearest subject.