Difference between Either, Neither and Both

either, neither, and both are used to talk about choices between two options. They help us describe situations where we choose one, both, or none of two possibilities.

1. Using “Either”

💡 Definition: Refers to one of two options, suggesting that only one will happen, be chosen, or be true.
💡 Structure: Either + singular noun/pronoun OR Either of + plural noun/pronoun
💡 Common Phrases: Either way, Either one, Either of them.

Examples of “Either”:

  • 🍕 Dialogue 1:
    Friend: Do you want pizza or pasta?
    You: I’d be happy with either option!
  • ✈️ Dialogue 2:
    Colleague: Will you travel in June or July?
    You: Either month works for me.
  • 🚗 Dialogue 3:
    Friend: Should we take your car or mine?
    You: Either car is fine with me.
  • 📞 Dialogue 4:
    Colleague: Do you want to discuss this over the phone or email?
    You: Either way works for me.
  • 🏢 Dialogue 5:
    Manager: Do you want the meeting room on the first floor or the second floor?
    You: Either room would be fine.
  • 🏖️ Dialogue 6:
    Friend: Should we go to the beach or the mountains this weekend?
    You: I’m open to either.
  • 🍰 Dialogue 7:
    Server: Would you like cake or pie?
    You: Either would be great!
  • 📚 Dialogue 8:
    Student: Should I study math or science first?
    Teacher: Either subject is a good choice.
  • 🎬 Dialogue 9:
    Friend: Shall we watch a comedy or a drama?
    You: I’d enjoy either one.
  • 🚶 Dialogue 10:
    Colleague: Shall we take the stairs or the elevator?
    You: Either option works for me.

2. Using “Neither”

💡 Definition: Means “not one and not the other” of two options.
💡 Structure: Neither + singular noun/pronoun OR Neither of + plural noun/pronoun
💡 Common Phrases: Neither nor, Neither of them.

Examples of “Neither”:

  • 🍟 Dialogue 1:
    Friend: Do you want fries or chips?
    You: Neither, thank you. I’m not hungry.
  • 🌧️ Dialogue 2:
    Colleague: Is it sunny or rainy outside?
    You: Neither. It’s cloudy.
  • 🏡 Dialogue 3:
    Friend: Are you staying at your place or mine?
    You: Neither. I’m going to a hotel.
  • 🍹 Dialogue 4:
    Server: Would you like juice or soda?
    You: Neither, I’ll just have water.
  • 📺 Dialogue 5:
    Friend: Are you watching a movie or a series?
    You: Neither. I’m reading a book.
  • ✈️ Dialogue 6:
    Colleague: Are you traveling by car or by plane?
    You: Neither. I’m taking the train.
  • 📧 Dialogue 7:
    Colleague: Did you get an email or a message?
    You: Neither. I haven’t heard back yet.
  • 📚 Dialogue 8:
    Teacher: Do you want to study art or music?
    Student: Neither. I prefer science.
  • 🍔 Dialogue 9:
    Friend: Are you having a burger or a sandwich?
    You: Neither. I already ate.
  • 🌍 Dialogue 10:
    Traveler: Are you going to Europe or Asia?
    You: Neither. I’m staying local.

3. Using “Both”

💡 Definition: Refers to two options together, meaning “each of the two.”
💡 Structure: Both + plural noun OR Both of + plural noun/pronoun
💡 Common Phrases: Both of us, Both options, Both of these.

Examples of “Both”:

  • 👟 Dialogue 1:
    Friend: Do you like running or cycling?
    You: I enjoy both.
  • 🏞️ Dialogue 2:
    Friend: Are you visiting mountains or the beach?
    You: I’m visiting both places.
  • 🎶 Dialogue 3:
    Friend: Do you like rock music or jazz?
    You: I love both genres!
  • 🍔🍟 Dialogue 4:
    Friend: Are you ordering fries or a burger?
    You: I’ll take both!
  • 📖 Dialogue 5:
    Student: Should I read the book or the article?
    Teacher: You should read both.
  • 🧩 Dialogue 6:
    Friend: Do you like puzzles or games?
    You: I like both.
  • 🛏️ Dialogue 7:
    Parent: Do you want extra blankets or pillows?
    You: Both, please!
  • 🎨 Dialogue 8:
    Friend: Do you like painting or drawing?
    You: I enjoy both.
  • 🍫 Dialogue 9:
    Friend: Chocolate or vanilla ice cream?
    You: I’ll have both.
  • 📝 Dialogue 10:
    Colleague: Are you working on this project or the other?
    You: I’m working on both.

4. Using “Either of,” “Neither of,” and “Both of”

💡 “Either of,” “Neither of,” and “Both of” are used:
💡 before plural pronouns (them, us) or determiner + plural noun (these options, the people).
💡 They indicate choice, exclusion, or inclusion between two options.

Examples of “Either of,” “Neither of,” and “Both of”:

  • 📞 Dialogue 1:
    Friend: Can you call him or me?
    You: Either of you can call me.
  • 🎟️ Dialogue 2:
    Friend: Did they get the tickets?
    You: Neither of them bought tickets.
  • 📖 Dialogue 3:
    Teacher: Should we read the articles or books?
    You: Both of them are useful.
  • 💼 Dialogue 4:
    Manager: Will John or Lisa take the project?
    You: Either of them could handle it.
  • 🍕 Dialogue 5:
    Friend: Do they want pizza or pasta?
    You: Neither of them likes Italian food.
  • 🌍 Dialogue 6:
    Traveler: Will you go to Asia or Europe?
    You: Both of these are on my list.
  • 📧 Dialogue 7:
    Colleague: Can you email us or call us?
    You: Either of you can reach out.
  • 📚 Dialogue 8:
    Student: Should I study physics or chemistry?
    Teacher: Either of those will be beneficial.
  • 🍩 Dialogue 9:
    Server: Do you want chocolate or vanilla?
    You: Both of them sound great.
  • 🏠 Dialogue 10:
    Parent: Should they stay here or at Grandma’s?
    You: Neither of those options is ideal.

    Comparison Table

    ExpressionMeaningExamples
    EitherOne of two optionsI’d like either coffee or tea.
    NeitherNot one, not the otherNeither plan suits our needs.
    BothTwo options togetherBoth students are hardworking.
    Either ofOne of two itemsEither of these books will do.
    Neither ofNone of two itemsNeither of the proposals is acceptable.
    Both ofRefers to a pairBoth of the cars are in good condition.