When Do We Use Both, Either and Neither?
These three words are only for two people or things.
BOTHThe two
Both rooms have a balcony.
EITHEROne of the two, it doesn't matter which
Saturday or Sunday? Either day is fine.
NEITHERNot one of the two
Neither answer is correct.
Both takes a plural noun. Either and neither take a singular noun.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"There are two buses to the airport. blank bus is fine."
- Question 2
"blank my parents are teachers."
The forms
BOTH
bothplural nounplural verb
Both my sisters live in Ho Chi Minh City.
EITHER / NEITHER
either / neithersingular nounsingular verb
Neither restaurant was open on Monday.
WITH OF
both / either / neitherofthe / my / these + plural noun · us / you / them
Neither of my cousins came to the party.
Either and neither need of before the, my, these. Both can drop it: both (of) my sisters.
PAIRS
both… and …·either… or …·neither… nor …
Hoa speaks both English and Korean.
WHERE BOTH GOES
Sbeboth·Sbothmain verb
They are both nurses. · We both work at night.
After be, but before a main verb.
Neither of us knew the way, not Neither of us didn't know the way.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"blank my brothers can swim, so they're having lessons this summer."
- Question 2
"Minh and I blank spicy food."
When to use them
Choosing a day
Monday or Tuesday? Either day works for me.
A colleague asks when to meet. You are free on both.
Common phrases: works for me · is fine · is OK
Saying no to both
Tea or coffee? Neither, thanks. Just water.
A short answer on its own.
Shopping
I can't decide. I'll take both.
You tried on two shirts and like them the same.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:Both of them don't eat meat.
Correct:Neither of them eats meat.
For not this one and not that one, use neither.
Incorrect:Neither of them didn't come.
Correct:Neither of them came.
Neither is the negative. Keep the verb positive.
Incorrect:The both rooms are big.
Correct:Both rooms are big.
No the before both. Say both the rooms or both rooms.
Incorrect:Neither my parents speak English.
Correct:Neither of my parents speaks English.
Before my, neither needs of.
Incorrect:We like both durian.
Correct:We both like durian.
Both is about we, so it goes before the verb.
Quick check · 5 questions
Choose the correct word:
Lan and Hoa are still single. Neither of them is married.
- A. Neither — Correct
- B. Both
- C. Either
Answer: A. Neither
Neither means not this one and not that one.
Choose the correct word:
You can sit on either side of the table.
- A. either — Correct
- B. both
- C. neither
Answer: A. either
Side is singular. Both would need a plural: both sides.
Choose the correct word:
Both Huy and his wife work at the bank.
- A. Both — Correct
- B. Either
- C. Neither
Answer: A. Both
Either goes with or. Neither goes with nor.
Choose the correct words:
Neither of my phones works. I need a new one.
- A. works — Correct
- B. doesn't work
Answer: A. works
One "no" word is enough. Doesn't would make it negative twice.
Choose the correct words:
My husband and I both grew up in Đà Nẵng.
- A. both grew up — Correct
- B. grew up both
Answer: A. both grew up
After be it is different: We are both from Đà Nẵng.
See whether it really stuck.
Start the quiz · 14 questions