Both, either, neither: Quantifiers
Learn how to compare two things using both...and, either...or, and neither...nor.
- check_circleI can use both, either, and neither to talk about two things or people.
- check_circleI can form sentences with both...and, either...or, and neither...nor.
- check_circleI can use singular and plural verbs correctly with these quantifiers.
Discover
Meet today's English in a real situation — no rules yet. Read it once and try to guess the pattern in the words in bold. Underlined words open a short definition.
Sam: Hey, are you free this weekend? We could go to the beach or visit the museum. Leo: I’m free! Both sound great, but the weather forecast isn’t very good. Sam: Oh, you’re right. Well, we could either go to the museum or stay at my place and watch a movie. Leo: Let’s watch a movie. I went to the museum last week. What do you want to watch? Sam: I have a comedy and a thriller. Leo: I’m sorry, but I like neither comedies nor thrillers. I prefer science fiction. Sam: No problem. I think I have a sci-fi movie around here somewhere. Leo: Do you have any snacks? Sam: We have chips and popcorn. We can have both! Leo: Perfect. Are your roommates joining us? Sam: No, neither of them is going to be home. They are both travelling this weekend to attend a wedding. Leo: I see. Did you buy a present for them? Sam: Not yet, but I’ll think of something later!
Learn
Now the rules behind what you just saw — explained simply, with examples. Underlined words open a short definition — hover on desktop, tap on a phone.
When we want to talk about two things, people, or places, we use the quantifiers both, either, and neither. They help us compare or give options.
Both (The two of them)
We use both when we are talking about two things together. The verb is always plural.
- Both restaurants are great. (Not: Both restaurant is great.)
- I like both of them.
You can also use the structure both … and … to connect two nouns or adjectives.
- She is both smart and funny.
- Both my brother and my sister live in London.
Either (One or the other)
We use either when there is a choice between two things, but only one is possible. The verb is usually singular when it comes right after “either”.
- We can go to the cinema or the park. Either is fine with me.
You can use the structure either … or … to present two alternatives. When using this structure, the verb agrees with the noun that is closest to it.
- Either you or he has to do the dishes. (The verb “has” agrees with “he”.)
- Either John or his friends are coming. (The verb “are” agrees with “friends”.)
Neither (Not one and not the other)
We use neither for negative statements about two things. It means “not this one and not that one”. Since neither is already negative, we use a positive verb. The verb is usually singular.
- I tried two jackets, but neither was the right size.
Do not use a negative verb with “neither”.
- Correct: Neither of my parents speaks French.
- Incorrect: Neither of my parents
doesn’t speakFrench.
You can use the structure neither … nor … to connect two negative ideas. The verb agrees with the noun that is closest to it.
- Neither my mom nor my dad likes sushi.
- Neither the teacher nor the students were happy with the test.
In informal spoken English, people sometimes use plural verbs with “neither” (e.g., “Neither of them are here”). However, in formal writing or exams, it is safer to use a singular verb.
- Both = two things (positive). Always takes a plural verb. Use both… and…
- Either = one of two choices. Use either… or…
- Neither = zero out of two things (negative meaning). Use neither… nor…
- Verb agreement with “or / nor”: The verb agrees with the closest noun.
Practice
Try it yourself. You'll see right away whether you got it right, plus a short explanation of why.
Use It
Now make the language yours in a real task. Use the prompt below — the editor keeps a simple word count, and nothing is saved or graded.
Before you finish — be honest. Can you do these now?