The English language is full of fun little rules that can make learning the language a bit complicated. This article will help you to understand the difference between neither and either. Two words that sound similar but have different meanings.
If you need to remember which way around these two words belong, there is a simple trick to help you. Neither, is negative. You can remember this because neither and negative both start with an ‘n’.
Let us first have a look at the definitions of the words. That should help to clear things up a bit. Firstly, neither has negative connotations. It means not either. This might sound a touch complicated, but just remember that neither is often defined as none of. The dictionary definition is not one and not the other of two things. For example, “Neither one of the children were well behaved.” Meaning none of the two children were well behaved. And, “Which one you would like to do? Neither, both are terrible.” Meaning, I do not want to do either option.
Some other examples of neither being used correctly are:
Moving on, now looking at the word either. Either is used when referring to a choice between two options. For example, “Either one deserves to win.” Or, “Either you leave, or I will phone the police.” It can also be used in a negative way, instead of the words also or too. So, if you’re familiar with these words, you can mostly use either instead and the meaning will remain the same. Examples of this could be, “I haven’t visited there either”. Or, “This dress doesn’t fit me either.”
Some other examples of using either correctly are:
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Learn MoreIt is often hard to test yourself on this rule, as the missing word sentences you will usually be given to practise, can be right with either option. However, this will change the meaning. For example:
And
In this example, it is easy to see the difference between the words. The top tip below will help further!
Remember, neither is often used when both options are not acceptable. Either tends to be used in a positive way, when one option will be chosen. If you get confused with these two words, do not worry! People that have been brought up speaking English still get these wrong. Practise makes perfect, so look at the examples given and remember the top tip!
Discover the difference between “neither” and “either” with practical examples. Improve your English skills and speak more fluently with our comprehensive English courses at Oxford International English Schools.
Published on – 27th August 2019
The Oxford International English Schools Team
The OI English Schools Team brings together experienced educators, academic leaders, global learning specialists, and marketing team specialists dedicated to helping students achieve language excellence across our 9 global English Schools in the UK, Canada, the USA, and Australia. With over 34 years of English language education expertise, supporting 317,000+ students worldwide, our mission is to help students learn English with confidence through innovative, real-world learning experiences and cultural immersion that empower our learners to achieve their dreams.
